‘No threat of terrorism in region’

THERE is nothing to suggest a major threat of terrorism in southern Africa at present says South African Minister of Defence, Mosiuoa Lekota.

Speaking at the opening of the fourth session of the Namibia-South Africa Joint Commission on Defence and Security at Walvis Bay on Thursday, Lekota said the Joint Commission had examined all possible threats in the region as part of its bilateral relations. “If there was a perceived threat of terrorism, the Joint Commission would actively pursue it.”He added that no stone would be left unturned to ensure no surprises lay in store.In his address, Lekota said at a time when the lives and security of people all over the world were increasingly threatened, “the profile of southern Africa as a safe destination for tourists, investors, global events and skilled immigrants is growing”.This was one of the key reasons why an ever-increasing number of international high profile events and investments were positioned in this part of the world, said Lekota.Namibia’s Minister of Defence, Erkki Nghimtina, remarked in his official opening speech that meetings such as the one at Walvis Bay should not be construed as a waste of resources.Instead, he said, they should be seen as means to guarantee peace and security, and act as a pillar of confidence building.”One should never attempt to put a price on peace and tranquillity,” Nghimtina said.Both ministers praised the continued good relations between the two countries in the maintenance of peace and stability.However, Nghimtina said the re-emergence of mercenaries in the region should prompt the Commission to redouble efforts to safeguard the country’s hard-fought Independence and to maintain democratic values in society.The three-day meeting, attended by about 90 delegates from the two countries, assessed progress made after the third session held in Pretoria last year, and focused on new avenues of co-operation.Also in attendance at Thursday’s opening were South African Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, Namibia’s Director General of National Intelligence, Peter Tsheehama, and Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism, Peter Iilonga.”If there was a perceived threat of terrorism, the Joint Commission would actively pursue it.”He added that no stone would be left unturned to ensure no surprises lay in store.In his address, Lekota said at a time when the lives and security of people all over the world were increasingly threatened, “the profile of southern Africa as a safe destination for tourists, investors, global events and skilled immigrants is growing”.This was one of the key reasons why an ever-increasing number of international high profile events and investments were positioned in this part of the world, said Lekota.Namibia’s Minister of Defence, Erkki Nghimtina, remarked in his official opening speech that meetings such as the one at Walvis Bay should not be construed as a waste of resources.Instead, he said, they should be seen as means to guarantee peace and security, and act as a pillar of confidence building.”One should never attempt to put a price on peace and tranquillity,” Nghimtina said.Both ministers praised the continued good relations between the two countries in the maintenance of peace and stability.However, Nghimtina said the re-emergence of mercenaries in the region should prompt the Commission to redouble efforts to safeguard the country’s hard-fought Independence and to maintain democratic values in society.The three-day meeting, attended by about 90 delegates from the two countries, assessed progress made after the third session held in Pretoria last year, and focused on new avenues of co-operation.Also in attendance at Thursday’s opening were South African Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, Namibia’s Director General of National Intelligence, Peter Tsheehama, and Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism, Peter Iilonga.