Issued by: Office of the Presidency
14 March 2002
Deputy President Jacob Zuma today undertook a working visit to Zimbabwe for talks with President Robert Mugabe as part of ongoing consultations between the governments of South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The Deputy President was accompanied by the Minister of Labour, Membathisi Mdladlana.
The Deputy President met with President Mugabe, Vice-Presidents Joseph Msika and Simon Muzenda, and a number of Cabinet Ministers including those of foreign affairs and state security.
A wide range of issues were discussed pertaining to the situation in Zimbabwe.
Among these were the following:-
1. The Deputy President informed President Mugabe of the preliminary report of the South African Observer Mission, which had issued a statement to the effect that the elections were legitimate. Deputy President Zuma informed President Mugabe that the SAOM report is part of a process involving various bodies such as SADC, the OAU and the Commonwealth which also had observer teams in Zimbabwe, and that South Africa, as a member of these organisations, will have to await these reports before responding definitively on the issue. Deputy President Zuma also congratulated President Mugabe on his re-election, based on the preliminary reports.
2. Both the Deputy President and President Mugabe agreed on the need for continued consultation and co-operation between the two governments to address economic matters such as the shortage of grain, and continued co-operation, trade and investments and a number of other bilateral issues. These are matters that had been under discussion already by the two governments.
3. The Deputy President pledged continued support for Zimbabwe and its people.
4. President Mugabe said he acknowledged and appreciated the role of all election observers, including those from South Africa.
For more information please contact Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575.