22 August 2002
The South African Government has been informed by its High Commission in Harare of the latest developments in Zimbabwe, which led to the arrest of 199 farmers, including at least two South African citizens, for breaching the provisions of the Lands Acquisition Amendment Act. The High Commission is assisting the South African citizens concerned in terms of the consular services that are provided to all South Africans arrested abroad. The High Commission has also approached the Zimbabwean Foreign Ministry regarding the listing of six farms for resettlement owned by South African citizens. The High Commission will remain in constant contact with the Zimbabwean authorities in an effort to resolve the situation.
South Africa will continue to act as part of the international collective to encourage dialogue among all the political and other role-players in Zimbabwe in an effort to create an environment conducive to reconciliation and the reconstruction and development of Zimbabwe.
In that context, the Commonwealth Chairperson's Committee, consisting of South Africa, Nigeria and Australia, remains committed to execute the mandate received from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in March 2002, namely to facilitate dialogue between the two main parties.
South Africa is of the view that the land question remains at the heart of Zimbabwe's economic and political problems but that the redistribution should take place within the rule of law, respect for the Zimbabwean Constitution and due process.
The people of Zimbabwe have a common responsibility to ensure that theirs is a peaceful and democratic country, in which all Zimbabweans enjoy human rights and protection under the rule of law. A lasting solution to the problems in that country can only be achieved when the people of Zimbabwe themselves agree to it.
South Africa will also continue to work with United Nations agencies and SADC structures in addressing the current food shortages affecting the region in general and Zimbabwe in particular.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs