South Africa has cordial relations with the following eleven countries that falls within the remit of the Chief Directorate for Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Albeit the cordial relations with the aforementioned countries, special attention is paid to the ongoing transitional process in the DRC.

A post-conflict reconstruction framework that provides for simultaneous short-, medium- and long-term programmes to prevent disputes from escalating, avoid a relapse into violent conflict, and build and consolidate sustainable peace guides South Africa's policy towards the DRC.

A co-ordinated multidimensional assistance programme is in place, whereby the South African government is undertaking a range of interrelated programmes that span security, political, socio-economic and reconciliation dimensions for the development of the DRC. A successful transitional process is vital for economic development and sustainable peace in the region.

Bilateral Commissions

There are fourteen (14) bilateral commissions viz. eleven Joint Permanent Bilateral Commissions (including three Heads of State Economic Bilateral Meetings) and three Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security. Malawi is the only country with whom we do not have a bilateral commission. South Africa is on the verge of establishing a Joint Commission for Economic, Technical, Scientific and Cultural Co-operation Agreement with Malawi.

The aforementioned Commissions meet on a regular basis either annually or biannually. The Commissions are used as a platform to identify, discuss and pursue matters of mutual interest. These mechanisms pave the way for the conclusion and implementation of numerous bilateral agreements and projects. It plays an important role in the fostering of bilateral relations and economic co- operation.

The three Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security primarily focus co-operation in the areas of defence (joint military exercises, training, search and rescue assistance, etc), customs, transnational crime and the movement of persons. The three countries involved are Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The inaugural session of the SA/Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security was held in Cape Town from 14-18 November 2005.

Trade statistics

It is important to note that the statistics obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry does not accurately reflect South Africa's trade relations with other members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). SACU consists Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and South Africa. With few exceptions, free and unimpeded trade takes place among SACU members - see Annexure A.

SOUTH AFRICA'S TRADE RELATIONS WITH SELECTED COUNTRIES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Source:< http://www.dti.gov.za/econdb/raportt/rap100c1.html>
*South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland are all members of SACU.