In July 2002, South Africa was host to the historical Summit of African Heads of State & Government, which declared the creation of the African Union (AU), replacing the OAU. South Africa also hosted the World Summit on Sustainable Development which aimed at eradicating poverty and healing the planet. The Summit focused on clean water, environment, better health, sustainable agriculture and sustaining the earth’s many species.
Still on the political scene, South Africa continued to play a leading role in the complex situation of the Great Lakes region by facilitating and organising negotiation sessions between the DRC and Rwanda as well as among the warring factions of the DRC. The South African Government is also active in the Burundi peace process.
On the home front, for a good part of the first half-year, there was strong reaction to the refusal of the government to allow hospitals to administer the Nevirapine drug. Eventually, the matter was taken to the court and now the government is implementing the administration of anti-retroviral Nevirapine (ARV) drugs to HIV/AIDS pregnant women.
In general, with most Southern African countries hard hit by drought and famine, 2002 was a difficult year. Although not directly affected by drought, the maize price in the country was at its highest. The political instability in Zimbabwe, too, has been a matter of concern to South Africa.
As the memories of the now defunct apartheid system are still fresh for many, during the year it was reported that a team of lawyers has filed a $50 billion law suit in New York against the Swiss (UBS) and US (Citigroups) banks, accusing them of supporting the former apartheid regime and making profitable business during the years of UN economic embargo.
In October and November, the heavily populated township of Soweto and a few other places experienced mine explosions. Speculation pointed to the ultra right wing white extremists whose agenda is said to include the overthrow of the government. According to various reports, the government is pursuing the matter seriously.
It is said that, during the year, the Land Rights Bill published by the government for public comment was met with some resistance, particularly from the traditional leaders who were calling for the scraping of the bill. President Mbeki, however, has rejected the threats and stated that the law will take its course.
By the end of the year, the national currency, the Rand, was quite strong when compared to the situation a year ago. However, the high level of unemployment and subsequent insecurity and rise in the level of crime, continue to worry many.
As far as the ELCSA-DS Programme was concerned, the programme activities have, by and large, continued with the same content and context as in the previous years. Accordingly, various groups were encouraged and assisted to come up with their own initiatives. ELCSA-DS assistance has been with material, technical and training inputs. The field co-ordination offices were involved in strengthening the continuing projects while at the same time initiating and implementing the new ones.
With self-help Projects, a total of 11 new projects in bakery, pottery, market gardens, nursery and sewing were implemented. The Tshandama stone-crushing project was assisted in securing an improved manual stone-crushing machine to improve its gravel production. Sewing projects in the Eastern Cape were strengthened with additional equipments.
With sanitation projects, it is estimated that the 317 VIP latrines completed in Limpopo, Eastern Cape and KZN have improved sanitation and hygiene for about 2,000 people.
During the year, the HIV & AIDS activities of ELCSA-DS increased substantially and these included a two-week study visit by the ELCSA Team to Uganda. ELCSA-DS intervention has included small-scale agricultural and environment development activities and support to a few young people who joined vocational training institutions.
Overall, 2002
was significant in that an External Evaluation of ELCSA-DS was carried out
and the preparation of the Strategic Plan or the CSO for a five-year duration
of 2003–7 took place.
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