Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
27 June 2000
President Thabo Mbeki, on behalf of the people and the government of South Africa joins the international community in welcoming the conduct of democratic elections in Zimbabwe during the weekend of 24-25 June.
South Africa is particularly heartened by the massive turnout of ordinary people impelled by the desire to shape the destiny of their own country. We are certain that the entire leadership of Zimbabwe will not fail them!
Like the rest of the world, South Africa is confident that all parties to the elections will respect and abide by the outcome as the expression of the democratic will of the people of Zimbabwe.
We welcome the pronouncement of the majority of election monitors and international observers that the elections were held in the main in a climate of peace and stability.
The holding of these elections in Zimbabwe should help add impetus to the advancement of democracy not only in the Southern African region but indeed the entire African continent in its quest for a renaissance.
South Africa commends the electoral authorities, international observers and monitors as well as the people of Zimbabwe for ensuring the elections proceeded without hindrance. Yet we express our regret at the loss of lives and the violence that engulfed the country before the holding of elections
President Thabo Mbeki on behalf of the people and government of South Africa expresses his congratulations to President Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF on their election victory; and to the opposition parties for helping to demonstrate democracy in action.
The President is confident that the ruling party and all other parties, will now utilize the mandate received from the people of Zimbabwe to find lasting solutions to the pressing socio-economic needs of their people.
South Africa stands ready to assist the people of Zimbabwe, where-ever possible, to deal with the challenges they face within the context of integrated regional economic development, growth and prosperity.