Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for deeper economic cooperation between Namibia and South Africa, urging greater collaboration in energy, trade and regional development, while calling for the long-standing Orange River boundary issue to be resolved.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks on Friday while officially opening the Fourth Session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) Summit in Pretoria, where she co-chaired the meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The President thanked the Government and people of South Africa for their hospitality and reaffirmed the deep historical ties between the two countries, recalling that Namibia and South Africa shared a common struggle against apartheid and colonial rule.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
She said the shared liberation history forms the foundation of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission, but stressed that both governments must now focus on translating political freedom into economic development and improved living standards.
“As neighbours, we are bound by geography and history to cooperate in good faith for the benefit of our peoples,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also called for the long-standing Orange River boundary issue to be brought to a conclusion, saying years of technical and diplomatic work had laid the foundation for a final decision.
She expressed hope that the summit would mark the successful resolution of a colonial-era matter and leave a legacy of certainty and cooperation for future generations.
The President thanked South Africa for its Presidential Drought Relief Project, which has supported the drilling of boreholes across Namibia, and called for the completion of the remaining phase of the initiative to expand access to reliable water supplies.
On regional development, Nandi-Ndaitwah proposed closer cooperation between Namibia, South Africa and Angola to formalise electricity transmission arrangements through Namibia to South Africa, saying interconnected energy infrastructure is vital for regional industrialisation, economic growth and integration.
She also welcomed future cooperation in nuclear energy once Namibia finalises its policy and legal framework.
Addressing climate change, the President reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges while emphasising the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, noting that countries face different development realities.
She said this principle also informs Namibia’s approach to developing its emerging oil and gas industry.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further welcomed efforts to accelerate the reimagined Southern African Customs Union (SACU) agenda, saying a stronger customs union is essential for protecting regional economies and promoting industrialisation.
Turning to international affairs, the President said the global environment was becoming increasingly uncertain due to conflict, unilateral trade measures and growing pressure on the rules-based international order.
She commended South Africa for its commitment to international law and reaffirmed Namibia’s continued support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, as well as its solidarity with the people of Western Sahara in their pursuit of freedom and decolonisation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also praised South Africa’s leadership within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and expressed confidence that the country would continue advancing regional integration, resilience and development.
She wished South Africa well ahead of its upcoming municipal elections and expressed confidence that they would be conducted peacefully.
The President said she hoped the Fourth Session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission would deliver practical and lasting outcomes that benefit both countries.
