President Jacob Zuma sends a message of support to President Sebastián Piñera of the Republic of Chile.

President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, joins world leaders in supporting the efforts and progress made by the rescue teams which have embarked on a mission to save Chile’s miners who have been trapped for 68 days to date.

President  Zuma  said ʺwe rejoice, along with the rest of the world on the successful rescuing of some of the  miners who have been trapped 700 metres underground since 5 August 2010 in northern Chile. The number of those saved increases as time goes by.

Having a strong mining culture like Chile, we can fully empathise with the fears and anxieties of those that have suffered this terrifying experience, the victims, their next-of kin, the government and the people of Chile as a whole.

The President further congratulated South African Mines Rescue Services and others who were able to offer their resources and expertise in this valiant rescue effort.

For further information please contact Chief Director Public Diplomacy, Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 1647 or Zizi Kodwa, Spokesperson to President Jacob Zuma, on 082 330 4910.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

13 October 2010