SA team meets principals

South African president Jacob Zuma arrives for a meeting as African Union (AU) heads of state wrap up a three day African Union summit at the UN headquarters in Addis Ababa on February 2, 2010. AFP PHOTO/ SIMON MAINA

The team arrived two days ago.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ambassador Joey Bimha yesterday confirmed the seperate meetings with President Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara .
The team comprises President Zuma’s international relations advisor Ms Lindiwe Zulu, political advisor Mr Charles Nqakula, special envoy Mr Mac Maharaj and a fourth unnamed member who is believed to be an assistant to the three.

Ambassador Bimha said the visit was a routine review mission and a follow-up on decisions on Zimbabwe at the August Sadc Summit in Namibia.
President Zuma is the Sadc-appointed mediator between the GPA parties.

“The visit is a normal and regular to review the situation and developments in terms of the Global Political Agreement.
“It’s normal , especially in view of the last Sadc Summit,” said Ambassador Bimha.
The team first met DPM Mutambara before meeting President Mugabe in the afternoon, and lastly PM Tsvangirai at his residence in the evening.