Norway and South Africa have had a close relationship dating back to the struggle against the apartheid regime. Our present co-operation is based on shared values such as human dignity, liberty and equality and promotion of human rights. The development co-operation between Norway and South Africa was formally established in 1994. The overall vision of the development co-operation has been to contribute to peace and democracy in South Africa and in the region. From 2005 the co-operation is extended for another period of five years with the signing of a declaration of intent (link). The Embassy of Norway manages about NOR 100 million in development assistance annually, of which most is part of the co-operation with the South African government and human rights NGOs operating in the country.
Norway and South Africa have agreed that the development co-operation should focus on the following three specific operational objectives:
a) Co-operation in areas where the collaboration could result in long term, self-sustaining relationships;
b) Consolidation of the democratic transition;
c) Strengthening regional integration and collaboration through the utilisation of South African expertise in the region.
The two governments have decided to concentrate the co-operation in the following areas:
- Democracy, Human rights and Security.
Although the consolidation of democracy and strengthening of human rights are overriding principles of all Norwegian development co-operation with South Africa, Norway also funds specific programmes and projects in this field. The aim in these areas is to promote respect for political pluralism and a democratic culture, as well as promoting government accountability. It also endeavours to apply a rights-based approach to development and international co-operation. Furthermore, the programme facilitates the formation and strengthening of sustainable partnerships between South African and Norwegian institutions.
- Higher Education and Research.
There is extensive on-going collaboration between Norwegian and South African universities and research institutions. Norway also supports the transformation of the higher education system in South Africa. The next five years the Norwegian Government will continue to support South Africa’s National plan for Higher Education and activities that stimulate research and university/student collaboration between the two countries.
- Environment and Fisheries.
The environment co-operation covers a number of areas, among them climate change and energy. In the Fisheries sector, the aim is to contribute towards fair distribution and optimal, sustainable management of South Africa's marine and coastal resources. The purpose is to increase South Africa's capacity, competence and legitimacy to manage marine resources.
- Energy.
Norwegian support has played an important role in assisting the evolving policy and legislative framework for petroleum and electricity sub-sectors. Support of these processes will continue for a few more years.
In addition to the sector specific aims, the two governments have agreed that Norwegian and South African development co-operation should support the overall ambitions included in NEPAD, not least the African Peer Review Mechanism. Regional and continental development co-operation should be related to initiatives and policy decisions with the NEPAD framework. In many areas sustainable development and poverty reduction require regional solutions within several areas. Hence,regional needs and opportunities should also guide the co-operation between Norway and South Africa. Within all the main sectors mentioned above, the possibility of including regional (continental) aspects and initiatives should be explored.