NationStates Jolt Archive

This is a SABC news bulletin.

PRETORIA (SABC)

Today, President Mogae of Botswana, President Pohamba of Namibia, and President Lockhart of South Africa signed the historic Act of Union in Pretoria today. The Act of Union is the result of years of discussion between the three countries, some of Africa's most agressive economies.

"We have a great opprotunity on our hands today- to start a new era for our nations. Colonisation, though it did bring the wonderful gift of Western civilisation, led to such problems as Apartheid. However, decolonisation caused many more problems- ones which have not really been fixed. However, we can fix all that- our nations have the power to become respected- but only as one."- President Lockhart before signing the treaty.

The new South African Republic has kept most of the institutions of the old Republic of South Africa, including the Rand currency. However, President Lockhart is expected to introduce reform bills in Parliament soon, reforms he claims will enhance democracy.

Jessica Lockhart, the President's wife, was quoted as saying, "The flame of hope for Africa is burning brighter than ever today."

Office of the President of the South African Republic, Pretoria.

"On behalf of my government, I wish to ask a favour of my international colleagues: It is my sincerest hope that we can continue diplomatic relations. I realise that some of you may view our merger with Namibia and Botswana as imperialism, but it is nothing of the sort. They joined us of their own free will. I pray that this will not affect South Africa's relations with the world."

-Ian Lockhart
President of the South African Republic.