Nandi-Ndaitwah, Ramaphosa set for key bilateral summit

By: Envaalde Matheus

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, are set to lead talks aimed at deepening bilateral relationships, as the two countries convene the fourth session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) on Friday.

Some media reports have indicated that the longstanding Orange River boundary question could form part of the discussions. However, neither the Presidency nor the Ministry of International Relations and Trade could confirm this to NewsOnOne.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah will leave on Thursday, accompanied by ministers and senior officials from key portfolios, including agriculture, defence, justice, trade and industry, works, environment, health, education, gender, urban development, home affairs, MICT, NamRA and the Office of the Prime Minister.

The BNC brings together senior officials and ministers from both countries to review cooperation, with the Presidency noting that Namibia–South Africa relations are anchored by more than 150 bilateral agreements across various sectors.

Deputy director of media liaison in the Presidency, Herman Kangootui, said the two countries are expected to sign a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at translating cooperation into practical outcomes.

“It is very important to note that a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed during this session, reflecting the practical scope of cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

Kangootui said the fourth BNC provides an opportunity for Namibia and South Africa to deepen bilateral ties and advance cooperation for the benefit of both nations.

“The key areas of discussion will be issues of trade, investment and economic integration, border management and boundary matters, infrastructure, energy and connectivity, disaster management and humanitarian cooperation, defence, security and transnational challenges, as well as regional, continental and other global issues,” he said.

International relations analyst, Marius Kudumo, has stated that the Orange River boundary question remains sensitive, with water resources, historical treaties and national interests complicating efforts towards a final agreement.

“Previous discussions have resolved to refer that matter to a technical committee, and obviously you are expecting that the technical committee might present a report,” he said.

Kudumo said resolving the Orange River boundary issue will not be easy, as both Namibia and South Africa have significant strategic interests, particularly over water resources.

“There might also be other resources of interest, and you need to contextualise it within colonial borders and treaties that were signed on this matter,” he said.

Kudumo said a final agreement on the Orange River boundary issue is unlikely to be reached at this week’s Commission meeting.

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