Changes bring uncertainty - Zuma

2011-07-09 18:17

Johannesburg - Change always brings uncertainty and discomfort, but an African solution was delivered to an African problem, President Jacob Zuma said in a statement on the inauguration of the Republic of South Sudan on Saturday.

"Today (Saturday) is a significant and most historic moment for the Sudan, Africa and the world. We are honoured to be here with you to witness the dawning of a new era," he said in a statement from the Presidency.

Zuma arrived in Juba to attend the inauguration of the newest country on the African continent.

He was pleased at the general acceptance of the reality of the independence of the South, and that the historic development was an expression of the will of the people.

He was accompanied by International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the minister in the presidency, Collins Chabane.

Zuma praised the role his predecessor Thabo Mbeki played in helping bring about an end to conflict in Sudan.

Mbeki headed the African Union's high-level implementation panel which helped ensure a peaceful solution to Sudan's conflict.

"As South Africa we are truly humbled to have contributed to ensuring a sustainable peace in the Sudan.

"We have always aspired to witness the dawn of peace, security and stability prevailing in the whole of the Sudan. That dream is coming to fruition," he said.

South Africa had contributed significantly to the post-conflict reconstruction and development programme through a number of capacity and institution building projects in the Sudan since 2005.

South Africa also chaired the AU post-conflict reconstruction and development committee on the Sudan.

Zuma said both north and south Sudan needed to serve as an example and "a beacon of hope not only to the African continent, but to the world at large".

- SAPA