Bush needs to leave Africa signs of hope
July 08, 2003 Edition -1
Like him or not, South Africans have a mere few hours to make a lasting impression on US President George Bush. The inescapable truth is that our country's development and that of the rest of the continent depends heavily on the inflow of dollars.
We have made a good start in being included in Bush's five-country tour of Africa. This will give President Thabo Mbeki another opportunity to push for a free trade agreement between South Africa and the US, thereby further enhancing this country's economic prospects. Already, exports to the US have risen from R7 billion in 1994 to R30 billion in 2002. Neighbouring states too will benefit.
Bush's visit, the first to Africa by a sitting Republican president, takes place against a backdrop of residual anger over the invasion of Iraq, increasing African poverty and the world superpower's skewed trade and aid policies.
All of which adds to the negative image and vulnerability of the otherwise mighty US. The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre and the bombing of US embassies in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi in 1998 serve as constant reminders.
The 11 conflicts currently tearing the continent apart must also make Bush realise that any one of those theatres of war has the potential to hide and nurture those who wish to harm the US. Hence the visit to friendly states who are also leading lights on the continent.
Africa's revival, through initiatives such as Nepad, needs massive funding to become a reality. It is important that when Bush leaves, he leaves behind hope and economic prospects that will lift Africans out of poverty.
