Statement of Condolence by President Jacob Zuma on the earthquake in Haiti

Pretoria – President Jacob G. Zuma said in a statement:  “The Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa wish to convey to His Excellency Mr. Rene Garcia Préval, President of the Republic of Haiti, the Government and the people of the Republic of Haiti our deepest sympathy and condolences following the disastrous earthquake that struck Southern Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, 12 January 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 Haiti. The Department urges South Africans who may have family members in Haiti to contact the Consular Division of DIRCO at 012-351 100. DIRCO will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti.

For more information contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr. Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 1647.

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

13 January 2010