Tujoromajo Kasuto
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, says if the situation in South Africa (SA) continues it will have an unfavorable effect on Namibia’s economy as most of the country’s goods come from South Africa.
“The unrest in South Africa has moved to the level whereby it would be difficult for the movement of people and goods in South Africa and its neighbors. It would have a negative impact as we all know, most of our goods come from South Africa, if it goes to that extent, it is not just the businesses but the economy too,” she states. “If anything is happening to your neighbor every person has to be concerned, we are concerned.”
“We are hoping that the South African government is putting the situation under control and will normalise the situation before it gets out of hand, you heard the President of South Africa address his nation as he was telling the people to be calm and express themselves in manner that will not disrupt the economy and the whole system including transportation,” she addS.
According to South African media outlets, all operations at the Durban port were closed down for today (13 July 2021) and the Vioolsdrif, Namibia’s border with South Africa is alleged to have closed too after a reported case of Covid-19, which might lead to congestions to other entry points in the country.
When Windhoek Observer inquired if there has been any delays and congestions at borders, Nandi-Ndaitwah shares that, “it has not been brought to my attention, so I am assuming nothing of that nature happened but if the situation gets out of hand, it would not just lead to congestions but the stoppage, even so I am not expecting the situation to go to that extent, I have trust in the government of South Africa to manage the situation not go to that extent.”
Moreover, Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Charity Mwiya, says that she has not as yet had any of her clients complain about delays caused by the riots and protests in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa.
Presidential Press Secretary, Dr Alfredo Hengari, when quizzed on whether a courtesy visit by South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, to President Hage Geingob which was scheduled for today and has been postponed to Wednesday, was delayed by the riots, redirected all queries to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
“The International Relations and Cooperation Minister of the Republic of South Africa, H.E , Naledi Pandor will arrive in Namibia on Wednesday, 14 July 2021, as Namibia will host the Namibia – South Africa Political and Diplomatic Consultations,” he referenced a state by the Ministry of International Relations, Executive Director, Penda Naanda, as reading.
Pandor is scheduled to arrive at the Hosea Kutako International Airport tomorrow at 12h50. There will be a ceremony where “the two countries would use this opportunity to reaffirm fraternal and historic relationships and reflect on shared issues and Interests at the Office of the Prime Minster starting from 16h00 until 18h00,” Hengari informs.
