Mon séjour en Afrique du Sud (Cape Town)

Spurred by the latest political developments in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa is to throw more resources into its peace missions.

Government spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe told reporters here yesterday that South Africa was closely monitoring political developments in some politically unstable areas around Africa.

"Cabinet noted the progress that has been made in Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire, the DRC and Sudan to bring peace and democracy," he said.

He said that in order to continue supporting democratic processes in those countries, Cabinet had agreed that the deployment of 950 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as part of the UN operation in Burundi would be extended to 31 March 2007.

"Cabinet also agreed to extend until 31 March 2007, the deployment of 46 members of the SANDF in support of the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and mediation process in Cote d'Ivoire," he said.

Mr Netshitenzhe said it was also agreed that the existing deployment of 110 SANDF members in the DRC be extended, and that 14 more SANDF members be deployed there until March 31, 2007.

He said the deployment would be in support of two projects for the integration and military training of the Armed Forces of the DRC.

Cabinet also agreed to extend the deployment of 339 SANDF members as part of the African Union Mission in the Sudan until 31 March 2007.

As part of the African Union Military Force in the Comoros that will assist in ensuring a secure environment conducive to credible, free and fair presidential elections, Mr Netshitenzhe said South Africa would be deploying 371 SANDF members there.

He said cabinet also noted that 10 tons of DDT had been donated to Mozambique to assist that country in the campaign to control malaria, which would be used in line with World Health Organisation guidelines.

"South Africa will also assist with training in the safe handling, application and monitoring of the use of insecticides in keeping with guideline of the World Health Organisation," he said.