Obama says ties must benefit Africa
THE US is not threatened by growing relations between Africa and China, President Barack Obama said yesterday.
But he warned President Jacob Zuma and other African leaders to avoid partnerships that would not benefit their people.
Speaking at the Union Buildings after talks with Zuma, Obama said: “If someone says they want to come and build something here, are they hiring African workers? Somebody says they want to help develop your natural resources, how much of the money is staying here?
“If they say they’re interested in certain industry, is the valueadded manufacturing done here? Are they tolerating corruption that does not benefit the people but just the few at the top? Those are the questions Africa should be asking,” said Obama.
Later, at the University of Johannesburg, Obama said his visit was not aimed at countering China’s influence.
China is the fastest-growing economy and has made inroads in many African countries, including South Africa. However, the US remains one of South Africa’s biggest trading partners, with 600 US companies doing business here.
Asked why he had omitted Kenya, the birthplace of his father, on the tour, Obama said “the timing was not right” because newly elected President Uhuru Kenyatta had issues with the International Criminal Court.
“My personal ties to the people of Kenya are strong and they will continue to be strong,” he said.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, arrived with their delegation in three helicopters at the Union Buildings. They were welcomed by Zuma and his wife Thobeka Madiba.
After the proceedings in Pretoria and a brief stop for lunch at the Radisson Blu Sandton Hotel, the Obama entourage headed for the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Houghton to meet privately with members of the Mandela family. Those at the
solidarity and meet our children, they have added a touch of personal warmth that is characteristic of the Obama family. I am humbled by their comfort and messages of strength and inspiration, which I have already conveyed to Madiba.”
Obama then travelled to the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus, where some 600 young South Africans piled into a hall to hear him speak.
Obama praised South Africa’s youth, saying that the 1976 Soweto uprisings had “opened my mind” to global politics.
‘‘I know the story of Soweto inspires you in your lives, but keep in mind that it inspires me too. The uprising here helped open my mind to a broader world and to our responsibilities to choose between fairness and injustice, between right and wrong,” said Obama.
He announced the expansion of the Young African Leaders Initiative where young Africans would get an opportunity to further their studies at US universities.
Obama paid tribute to former president Nelson Mandela, saying he had “inspired us all”.
“As you go forward, think of the man who is in our prayers today. Think about 27 years in prison, think about the hardship, the struggles of being away from his family and friends. Recounting his years in prison, Nelson Mandela wrote that there were dark moments that tested his faith and humanity, but he refused to give up. In your lives there will be times that test your faith.”
Mining magnate Patrice Motsepe, ANC Youth League member and entrepreneur Shaka Sisulu and businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo were among the VIP guests. But beyond this gathering of friendly guests, Obama’s credibility among South Africans is lower than at any time since his first inauguration. There is disappointment and anger at his broken promise to close Guantanamo Bay, drone attacks and his administration’s loyalty to Israel.
The university’s decision to confer an honorary doctorate on him drew criticism from proPalestine activists. About 700 anti-Obama protesters were herded away from the university entrance. They regrouped but police fired stun grenades at them to disperse them, with one injury reported.
Last night Zuma hosted the Obamas at a gala dinner at the presidential guest house in Pretoria. Also in attendance were Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, ministers, their deputies, premiers, mayors and MPs.
Guests dined on vegetable soup, followed by beef medallions, chicken breasts stuffed with spinach, peppadew and feta, and maize batons with vegetable parcels. Dessert was malva pudding and custard, and fruit. The event was briefly delayed when Zuma discovered that the speech that was brought for him to read was one written for delivery by Obama.