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Statement on the Elections in Zimbabwe
South Africa remains engaged with developments in Zimbabwe
and welcomes the peace and calm being displayed by the
Zimbabwean people.
The government has also taken note of comments by various
observers. These include:
The Preliminary Report of the Commonwealth Observer
Group, which concludes "that the conditions in
Zimbabwe did not adequately allow for a free expression
of will by the electors", and urges "all Zimbabweans
to put aside their differences and to work together
for the future of the country";
The assessment of the SADC Council of Ministers that
the election was "substantially free and fair";
The Preliminary Report of the SA Observer Mission that
the elections, though not adequately free and fair,
should be considered as legitimate;
The statement of the OAU Observer Team that "in
general the elections were transparent, credible, free
and fair".
As part of the South African Government's serious,
calm and forward-looking approach, Deputy President
Jacob Zuma went to Zimbabwe as an emissary of the President.
He will be briefing the President on his return.
The President is also in constant consultation with
the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and with the
other members of the Commonwealth troika, which consists
of the leaders of Australia, Nigeria and South Africa.
On the basis of all these reports and consultations,
and proceeding from the principle that South Africa
will act as part of a collective international effort,
a comprehensive statement will be made in due course.
The South African Government believes that the most
urgent challenge is to work with the Zimbabwean people
for economic recovery and social stability, and to promote
a climate for national unity in pursuit of these objectives.
This is in the interest of our country, our region and
our continent.
For further information contact:
Joel Netshitenzhe - 082-900-0083
Bheki Khumalo - 083-256-9133
Ronnie Mamoepa - 082-990-4853
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS), 14 March
2002
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