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Statement by the South African Government
on the Situation in Zimbabwe
The South Africa 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.
For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082
990 4853
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
22 August 2002
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