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The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has called on the South African government to stand ready to support Zimbabwe in a way that will guarantee social, economic and political stability following the resignation of President Robert Mugabe.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Siphosezwe Masango, said the impact of the resignation will be realised once celebrations have died down, and that the Committee hoped that regional bodies like Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) will be able to provide collaborative and comprehensive assistance if called upon.

“The departure of President Mugabe marks the end of an era, and inaugurates an opportunity for Zimbabweans to collectively attend to their social, economic, and political challenges. The Committee congratulates the people of Zimbabwe for guaranteeing the safety of President Mugabe, and the matured and relatively peaceful way in which this transition is being handled,” Mr Masango said.

The Committee received a briefing from the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Llewellyn Landers, on Zimbabwe and Lesotho on current developments, and he assured Members of the Committee that the bilateral relations with both countries remain cordial and unchanged.

The Committee recommended that the SADC Heads of State and Government provide strategic assistance to all stakeholders in Zimbabwe if so requested.
 

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Committee Chairperson, Siphosezwe Masango