Diplomat announces plans to assist displaced

South Africa’s acting embassador to Angola, Johann Van Wyk, said on Sunday that South Africa intended implementing a humanitarian aid programme in parts of Angola in May. The programme would be aimed at easing the plight of displaced Angolans in Bengo and Luanda, he was quoted as saying during an interview with Radio Ecclesia.

“We will receive official aid from South Africa within the next few weeks, probably by May. I don’t know exactly when, but I am quite sure the aid will arrive in May. The aid includes food, clothing and other basic products. As you know, South Africa has already sent medication to support the anti-polio campaign and we are also involved in a number of Luanda hospital projects,” he was quoted as saying.

Van Wyk also stressed the importance of establishing a joint commission between South Africa and Angola to reinforce cooperation between the two states. Acknowledging there were still obstacles which prevented the unfettered travel of citizens between the two countries, he said: “Yes, I believe travel between the two countries is important, not only to increase business growth, but also to improve cultural relations. We certainly need to remove a number of obstacles.”

Van Wyk, South Africa’s acting ambassador and the embassy’s economic counsellor, replaced Reddy Mampane, whose mission in the country ended recently, the report said. A new embassador is to follow.