Statement of Condolence by President Jacob Zuma following an Earthquake in Chile

Pretoria – President Jacob G. Zuma, today 27 February 2010, said in a statement: “The Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa wish to convey to Her Excellency Ms Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile, the Government and the people of Chile our deepest sympathy and condolences following the disastrous earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday, 27 February 2010.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by the earthquake either emotionally and psychologically or through the loss of life of loved ones or destroyed infrastructure.”

The Department of International Relations & Cooperation has at this stage not been informed of any South African citizens who have been affected by the events in Chile. The Department urges South Africans who may have family members in Chile to contact the Operations Centre of DIRCO at 012-351 1000. DIRCO will continue to monitor the situation in Chile.

For more information contact the Director for Media Liaison, Ms Nomfanelo Kota, on 082 459 3787.

Department of International Relations & Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
PRETORIA
0001

27 February 2010