President Kgalema Motlanthe welcomes the Gazetting of Amendement 19 of the Zimbabwean Constitution

Pretoria- President Kgalema Motlanthe today Saturday 13 December 2008 on behalf of the South African Government and SADC welcomed the gazetting in Harare of Amendment 19 of the Zimbabwean Constitution which will pave the way for the formation of an inclusive government.

At its last Summit held in Johannesburg, SADC had urged the Zimbabwean political parties to move as speedily as possible towards the formation of an inclusive government.

In welcoming this development, President Motlanthe said” the gazetting today of Amendment 19 of the Zimbabwean Constitution is indeed a major step towards the formation of an inclusive government in Zimbabwe. This amendment creates among others the positions of Prime Minister and Vice-Prime Minister, the incumbent of which we expect to be sworn in with immediate effect”

“Accordingly, we urge the Zimbabwean political parties to establish an inclusive government as envisaged in the Global Agreement. In this regard, we note with appreciation the continuing work done by the SADC designated Facilitator Former President Thabo Mbeki. The Facilitation team will be available to facilitate the resolution of any outstanding matter” continued President Motlanthe.

 “South Africa and SADC stand ready to assist the people of Zimbabwe as they embark on the difficult road towards the reconstruction and development of their country. We understand too well that this will indeed not be an easy task, however, with the support of SADC, AU and the rest of the international community the Zimbabwean people will and must succeed” concluded President Motlanthe.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

13 December 2008