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South Africa regrets unauthorised statements on Zimbabwe
The Presidency, South African Government
July 21, 2013

http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=15771

The Presidency has noted with great concern, recent unfortunate statements made on the situation in Zimbabwe, which have been attributed to a member of the technical team supporting the Facilitator, President Jacob Zuma.

South Africa was appointed by SADC to assist the Zimbabwean political parties to resolve their differences.

The Facilitator, President Jacob Zuma, appointed a three person facilitation team to provide technical support. The team comprises Mr Charles Nqakula, High Commissioner to Mozambique as the Head, Mr Mac Maharaj, Special Envoy and spokesperson to the President and Ms Lindiwe Zulu, International Relations Advisor to the President. The technical team supports the Facilitator and cannot impose its views on Zimbabwe nor make public pronouncements. Only President Zuma has the mandate to speak on Zimbabwe on behalf of SADC on facilitation issues.

A number of statements have been made during the facilitation process which have been unauthorised and which are regrettable and unfortunate. Some of the utterances have also been inaccurate.

The Presidency wishes to correct in particular the reports this weekend that President Zuma telephoned President Robert Mugabe to express his unhappiness about preparations for the Zimbabwean elections. No such telephone call has been made. The report is incorrect.

President Zuma has also been alerted to inappropriate postings in the social media on the Zimbabwean situation.

South Africa remains fully committed to the warm historical relations with the Republic of Zimbabwe and wishes the people of Zimbabwe well as they prepare for the elections.

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