THE South African governments immediate concern is to quell the fears of the minority community, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad on Wednesday, in reaction to the incidents of farm attacks by war veterans in neighbouring Zimbabwe. We have to reassure our people in South Africa that a similar situation will not arise here, he said. As part of a campaign to send assuring signals, the government this week announced it is strengthening the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 1998. Measures include ensuring any invasion of land is made an offence. President Thabo Mbeki is also likely to meet with the South African farmers union Agri South Africa in the next two weeks.
* A newly-formed task team under the aegis of the South African Development Community is intended to work with the Zimbabwean government and other role players to resolve its economic and political problems. It is to meet within the next five days. Mbeki is part of the troika comprising the task force, which will cooperate with any other international efforts to resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe. – Mail & Guardian