By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa and Mozambique are going to hold a major bilateral meeting on Wednesday, 18 December 2024 to discuss “ongoing tensions” in Mozambique.
The situation has been tense in recent weeks amid violent protests sparked by the outcome of last month’s elections in the neighbouring country.
At least 11 people have been killed since violence broke out after Frelimo, the party that has been in power since independence in 1975, won the 24 and 25 October elections by a landslide.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola will lead a delegation of South African ministers in a bilateral engagement with Mozambique on Wednesday.
According to the department, the meeting is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning at the Paradise Creek Lodge in Malelane, Mpumalanga.
“This gathering represents a significant opportunity for collaboration and dialogue between South Africa and Mozambique,” the department’s statement read.
Both nations will also take time to host a joint press briefing to provide updates and insights into their discussions.
This will be followed by Lamola’s tour of the Lebombo port of entry.
Meanwhile last night, Venâncio Mondlane, leader of the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos) party, called for no violence or disruption in the coming days.
The call was made during his highly anticipated Turbo V8 protest phase announcement.
Mondlane announced a period of mourning that will commence on Thursday and end on Sunday. He told his followers to resume all activities as normal, without any demonstrations, but to wear black or white in line with their mourning tradition.
The Constitutional Council is scheduled to make an announcement on the validity of the October elections on Monday, December 23.
Monday’s outcome will determine the severity of Turbo V8 and Mondlane stressed that the council will prove whether they believe the truth or lies. The future of Mozambique will be in the hands of the seven members of the council who will determine a direction of peace or chaos.
Mondlane said he will take office on January 15, 2025, as president of Mozambique and will, with immediate effect, suspend the collection of tolls, logging and mining operations and the collection of customs duties from informal cross-border female traders.