Deputy Speaker, the ACDP has chosen this topic for discussion because these issues have a significant impact on the people of South Africa. We believe that it is a topic they would like to apply their minds to and make an input on.
My starting point is the National Planning Commission, which has attempted to align South Africa's foreign policy with development priorities in the context of shifting global dynamics and achieving South Africa's national interests. In Chapter 7 of the National Development Plan, entitled "Positioning South Africa in the World", the National Planning Commission argues that government's global and regional policy-making stance should be South Africa-centric and improve its integration in the region, on the continent, among developing countries and in the world, with measurable outcomes.
The commission argues that policy should focus on what is achievable without overcommitting to regional and continental integration; it should be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that national interests are maximised; and that it should achieve measurable outcomes related to food, energy, education, health, transport and communication infrastructure, national defence, adjustment to climate change and economic growth to benefit all South Africans.
I suspect that this debate will reveal a degree of consensus as to what constitutes our national interest. Of course, it could do just the opposite. It has been suggested that there is a need for a careful balance between national interests and other imperatives prioritised by South Africa, which makes me think - why would we prioritise anything that is not in our national interest?
The ACDP relates wholeheartedly to a vision of a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world. However, we do expect our interaction with the international community to reflect national priorities such as human rights, job creation, poverty alleviation, etc. We also expect our foreign relations to contribute to an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth and development.
South Africa has sought to play an active role in conflict resolution across the African continent from a very early stage in our democracy. While we recognise and appreciate this role, we note with concern that South Africa does not seem to have been assertive enough in following up and establishing economic opportunities.
We hear the Deputy Minister saying that while South Africa would intervene to resolve the continent's festering disputes on moral grounds, such intervention was a strategic consideration as well. It makes sense. What doesn't make sense is the arbitrary nature of many responses, sometimes entirely based on moral grounds, the strategic, or just on past relationship.
A few years ago, when South Africa was openly supporting one Sudan, while supporting the right to self-determination of Sawhari in Morocco at present. At times, the ANC reminds me of the ACDP back in the 1990's, with our radical all-or-nothing approach in my opinion, thinking of not only South Africa's emotional and irrational handling of the Israel and Palestine issue, but also a UN motion on rape that South Africa chose not to support because it didn't go far enough.
There is no doubt in the thinking of the ACDP that peace and prosperity in Africa are intrinsically tied to our national interest. We recognise that no factor has hindered the realisation of the continent's vast potential more than the chronic outbreak of crises and conflict. We also share concerns that despite more than 70% of the Security Council deliberations being centred on conflict issues in Africa, and with 80% of UN peacekeepers deployed in Africa, not a single African country is a permanent member of the council.
We are told that South Africa's policies are guided by the philosophy of ubuntu, which reflects the belief that we affirm our humanity when we affirm the humanity of others. Putting others before ourselves in terms of ubuntu and our Christian beliefs is a concept most of us are familiar with and value.
However, it would be wise for South Africa to practice a degree of restraint in this regard and to prioritise the challenges facing our country, and then the continent, especially considering our financial constraints. When it comes down to the wire, all other countries put their own interests first. For some, of course, this means the interests of the people; and for others it is the interests of the powerful elite. Nevertheless, the principle is the same.
In the current shift in the global balance of power and the rapidly closing capability gap between the developed world and the emerging global south, an environment of opportunity has opened up for countries to expand their influence within their regions. There is no doubt that South Africa has committed to a stronger Southern African Development Community, SADC, which is clearly in our national interest.
When bordering states commit human rights abuses or fail to provide basic services and opportunities for their people to work and prosper, South Africa's limited resources, including our available land, are put under tremendous strain. It follows then, that stable government and development in the region is a plus for South Africa. I guess I should leave it there. I will get back to you with a summary once everybody has made their inputs. Thank you. [Applause.]