Minister Dlamini Zuma departs for Swaziland ahead of President Motlanthe for the SADC Extra-Ordinary Summit to discuss Zimbabwe and Madagascar

Pretoria- South African Foreign Minister and current Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers, Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma departs tomorrow Sunday 29 March for Swaziland ahead of President Kgalema Motlanthe, for the scheduled SADC Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for Sunday 29 March 2009 at the Royal Villas in Ezulweni.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to chair the SADC Council of Ministers meeting later on Sunday, which takes place against the background of preparations for the forthcoming SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for Monday 30 March at the Lozitha Royal Palace in Ezulweni, aimed at discussing the economic recovery plan for Zimbabwe as well as the current situation and developments in Madagascar. 

With respect to Zimbabwe, the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government is expected to receive a report from the SADC Council of Ministers based on recommendations of the SADC Finance Ministers on how to help Zimbabwe extricate itself from its current economic challenges. 

On the other hand, the SADC Summit will also deliberate upon recommendations of the  SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security  as well as a report of the visit of the SADC delegation led by the SADC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tomaz Salomao to Madagascar aimed at assisting the country to return to democracy, the rule of law and constitutionality

The Extra-ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government is expected to wind its deliberations on Monday 30 March.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

28 March 2009.