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President Jacob Zuma will, tomorrow Thursday 27 August 2009 depart South Africa for Zimbabwe on his first working visit to that country from 27 - 28 August 2009. President Zuma will be supported by International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Evaluation and Monitoring Minister in the Presidency Mr Collins Chabane, Presidential Advisors Mr Charles Nqakula and Ambassador Lindiwe Zulu.

President Zuma's visit to Zimbabwe comes within the context of South Africa's commitment to assisting the Inclusive Government to implement the Global Political Agreement (GPA) signed on 15 September 2008. Under Article 22.6 of the GPA, South Africa, SADC and the AU are the guarantors of the Agreement.

The Extraordinary SADC Summit in Swaziland on 30 March 2009 urged developed countries to lift all forms of sanctions against Zimbabwe as these sanctions will undermine the country's and SADC efforts to normalize the situation in Zimbabwe. The Summit also urged Member States to support Zimbabwe to implement the Short Term Emergency Recovery Programme (STERP), in the form of budget support, lines of credit, joint ventures and toll manufacturing. The Summit also called on the international community to support Zimbabwe and provide it with the necessary financial support for its economic recovery.

On the evening of 27th August 2009, President Mugabe is expected to host President Zuma and his delegation for a state Dinner.

While in Harare President Zuma is expected to meet all political players in the Inclusive Government (IG) of Zimbabwe and also to participate in the 99th Annual Harare Agricultural Show.