Zim must solve own issues - SA

2004-11-03 22:50

Cape Town - The cabinet expressed the hope on Wednesday that matters relating to the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe would be resolved as soon as possible.

In a statement released after its fortnightly meeting at parliament in Cape Town, government communications head Joel Netshitenzhe said the government remained firmly convinced Zimbabweans themselves best handled these and other issues.

South Africa's role in the Southern African Development Community "is to lend a hand", he said.

"In this regard, our own conduct as the government and civil society in South Africa should be informed by the desire to promote, rather than undermine, the attainment of these objectives."

Netshitenzhe said the cabinet noted the interaction between the South African government and the main political parties in Zimbabwe in an effort to contribute to the normalisation of the situation in Zimbabwe and the holding of free and fair elections.

Role-players

"The meeting welcomed the appreciation on the part of these role-players of the contribution to this end being made by South Africa, together with other SADC countries," he said.

The cabinet also noted the appointment by President Thabo Mbeki of several senior SA National Defence Force officers.

They included Rear Admiral M Mudimu as chief of the navy with the rank of vice-admiral, and Major-General C Gagiano as chief of the air force with the rank of lieutenant-general, both with effect from March 2005.

Major-General S Z Binda was appointed chief of joint support with the rank of lieutenant-general with effect from November 2004.

"The president and the cabinet wish to express their gratitude to the retiring chiefs of the navy and the air force for their loyal and dedicated service," said Netshitenzhe.

- SAPA