COMMUNIQUE ON THE MEETING OF THE HEADS OF POLITICAL PARTIES OF FORMER LIBERATION MOVEMENTS
MARCH 8th 2013, TSHWANE, SOUTH AFRICA
RECALLING the resolutions of the Summit of the Heads of Political Parties of Former Liberation Movements held on August 11th 2011, Windhoek, Namibia
REITERATING the importance of identification, restoration and preservation of historical sites which are relevant to the liberation struggles' need for promoting the spirit of solidarity and cooperation amongst Africans in the context of the former liberation movements;
RECOGNISING the need for institutional framework for the implementation of Resolutions of Former Liberation Movement's meetings;
RECOGNISING further the importance of including the Wings namely Veterans, Women and Youth Leagues in the Former Liberation Movements' meetings;
THEREFORE, the Heads of Political Parties of Former Liberation Movements of Southern Africa met in Tshwane, South Africa on March 8th 2013 under the Chairmanship of Comrade President Jacob Zuma, President of the ANC of South Africa. The following Heads of Political Parties and Representatives attended:
- Comrade President Robert Mugabe, President and First Secretary of ZANU-PF
- Comrade President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)
- Comrade Prime Minister Hage Geingob, Vice President of the SWAPO Party of Namibia
- Comrade Filipe Paunde, Secretary General of FRELIMO (representing Comrade President Armando Guebuza, President of FRELIMO)
- Comrade Juliao Mateus Paulo ‘Dino Matrosse', Secretary General of MPLA (representing Comrade President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, President of MPLA).
Comrade President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, President of MPLA; Comrade President Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the SWAPO Party of Namibia; Comrade President Armando Guebuza, President of FRELIMO could not attend and their apologies were acknowledged.
The Heads of Political Parties met to strengthen and consolidate relations among sister parties and adopting further strategies towards the establishment of the historic heritage for the former liberation movements. In this regard, the Heads of Political Parties resolved:
On Zimbabwe:
We commend the ZANU-PF for their leadership and for guiding the country towards elections.
We commend the SADC for its continued support to the government and the people of Zimbabwe as they move towards the referendum on March 16th 2013 and later the elections.
We appeal to the SADC to continue walking with them as they move forward. We wish ZANU-PF and all the other parties the best in the move towards elections.
On the Political school, We agree to working together in realising the objective of building the political school in Tanzania. This is an important initiative in retaining the legacy and heritage of our liberation movements.
On the passing of Comrade President Hugo Chavez, We express our great sadness at the loss of President Chavez and extend our condolence to his family and the people of Venezuela.
Further,
The Heads of the Political Parties noting that it was international women's day, expressed support for the development of women in the continent and globally.
Issued by HEADS OF POLITICAL PARTIES OF FORMER LIBERATION MOVEMENTS, March 8 2013
Statement issued by Gwede Mantashe, ANC Secretary General. March 9 2013
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
