Urgent meeting on Zim crisis

2008-12-04 11:38

Pretoria - Cabinet is extremely concerned about recent developments in Zimbabwe, especially the shortage of food, government spokesperson Themba Maseko said on Thursday.

It had called an urgent ministerial meeting to discuss ways of aiding South Africa's crisis-stricken northern neighbour, he told a media briefing in Pretoria, following Cabinet's fortnightly meeting on Wednesday.

"President [Kgalema] Motlanthe will convene a meeting of key ministers to consider ways in which South Africa could work with other countries in the region, donor organisations and NGOs to address the urgent need for food and other humanitarian needs," he said.

Dying of starvation

"We believe people are dying of starvation and we cannot fold our arms," he added.

Cabinet also received a report from the interdepartmental task team on action taken to deal with the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe.

Latest reports out of that country are the death toll from the virulent water-borne disease has risen to 565, with over 12 000 people infected.

"Government will continue to monitor the [cholera] situation in Zimbabwe very closely and to make all the necessary interventions," Maseko said.

Prevent influx of carriers

He said efforts to combat the cholera outbreak were mainly focused on treating afflicted Zimbabweans who have come into South Africa, but these had to be extended across the border to prevent an influx of carriers.

The government was therefore talking to NGOs and other countries in the region on how to intervene in the health crisis in Zimbabwe.

"It is very clear that if we keep on providing services inside the country without any intervention inside Zimbabwe, we will create a magnet for people to come across the border and receive medical attention."

Maseko added however that Cabinet has decided to keep on hold a R300m aid package to Zimbabwe, which was aimed at alleviating the country's agricultural crisis.

"Even if that money was released tomorrow it still would not be able to put food on the table immediately," he said.

- SAPA