The Cabinet is extremely concerned about recent developments in Zimbabwe, especially the shortage of food, government spokesperson Themba Maseko said on Thursday.
It has 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 the 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.
The 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 more than 12 000 people infected.
”The government will continue to monitor the [cholera] situation in Zimbabwe very closely and to make all the necessary interventions,” Maseko said. — Sapa