Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), spearheaded a delegation during a working visit to Maputo, Mozambique, to engage with FRELIMO, Mozambique's governing party.
The group included Provincial Secretaries and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
This working visit was designed to bolster and unify the collaborative efforts of the two liberation movements. The agenda featured a courtesy visit to the State President and FRELIMO leader, Comrade Daniel Chapo, alongside formal bilateral discussions with FRELIMO Secretary General, Comrade Chakil Aboobacar.
Speaking for the African National Congress, Mbalula emphasised that South Africa, a nation of more than 60 million people, welcomes many who arrive to enhance the country's wealth and advancement.
While numerous individuals make positive contributions, he noted that the actions of a few, which are rejected by the majority, should not lead to South Africans being characterised as xenophobic.
Mbalula acknowledged that South Africa faces significant hurdles regarding illegal immigration, noting that this is a global issue rather than one isolated to the region. As a signatory to the Geneva Convention, South Africa is committed to addressing these concerns within a legal framework, rejecting hatred as a solution.
Consequently, the government has implemented a strategic programme of action, as publicly announced by the President, to manage these challenges effectively.
Mbalula said: “We have called for law enforcement and calmness and to follow the government’s Action Plan on dealing with illegal immigration. We have made it very clear as the ANC, we cannot and should not be associated with anything that amounts to hate crimes.”
Mbalula further remarked that most South Africans embody the principles of Ubuntu and humanity. He emphasised that South Africa's own liberation was made possible through the solidarity and support of nations like Mozambique during the struggle against apartheid.
He highlighted the profound sacrifices made, specifically noting Mozambican President Samora Machel and the numerous combatants who lost their lives in the fight against the apartheid regime.
Mbalula further stated that the ANC remains committed to supporting Mozambique in its struggle against violent extremism and terrorism in Cabo Delgado. Praising the dedication and sacrifices of the Mozambican Defense Forces, he reiterated the ANC's preference for solutions that are both African-led and African-owned.
Characterising the two nations as "One People in Two Countries," he remarked that while colonial powers established formal borders, they could never sever the deep-seated kinship and fraternal bonds shared by the people. He concluded by noting that beneath their respective flags, the two nations continue to exist as a single, extended family.
Mbalula highlighted that Mozambique stands as South Africa’s primary trading partner within both SADC and the broader African continent. This significant economic relationship is evidenced by annual bilateral trade surpassing US$2 billion, with a daily flow of 1,700 to 2,000 trucks crossing their shared border.
Mbalula described the Maputo Development Corridor as the essential backbone of the region, connecting the industrial center of Gauteng directly to Maputo's port to reduce export expenses and transit times.
He argued for the active expansion of this corridor rather than simply maintaining it, noting that the two economies are already deeply integrated through sectors like tourism, agriculture, logistics, and energy, including gas and power from Cahora Bassa and the Mozal aluminium smelter .
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