Issued by the Presidency
30 January 2002
President Mbeki accompanied by a few Cabinet Ministers, held a meeting yesterday with leaders of the business, religious, trade union and commercial agriculture sectors, to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe.
The President briefed the meeting on the initiatives that the South African Government has already taken, both within the SADC context and as a neighbouring country to help ensure that the forthcoming presidential elections in Zimbabwe are conducted in a climate of peace and tolerance by all parties and that they are free and fair.
President Mbeki also outlined the steps taken by the region especially to address the issue of food shortages in Zimbabwe. The meeting agreed that we should continue to attend to this matter to assist the ordinary people of Zimbabwe.
There was consensus that South Africa must do all it can to act in the best long-term interests of the people of Zimbabwe and the SADC region. Accordingly the meeting agreed that South Africa should do everything possible to ensure that the elections take place in a peaceful environment and that they are free and fair. Among other things, the government and other sectors of South African society will provide election observers to Zimbabwe over the coming election period.
The meeting agreed that government would remain in regular contact with all the participants to ensure a common national effort as we do what we can to assist the people of Zimbabwe.
Enquiries:
Bheki Khumalo 091 917 5184201
or
Tasneem Carrim
083 650 7119