President Jacob Zuma is to send Telecommunication and Postal Services Minister, Dr Siyabonga Cwele, to represent him in Friday’s inauguration of Zimbabwe’s interim President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.
Zuma can’t attend due to a meeting with Angola’s new head of state João Lourenço.
Mnangagwa returned home to a hero’s welcome earlier this week, after former President Robert Mugabe resigned on Tuesday following a military take-over.
The inauguration will be held at the 60 000 capacity National Sports Stadium. Former colonial power, Britain, will be sending Africa Minister, Rory Stewart.
However, no member of the royal family is expected to attend. In a statement, the Presidency says President Zuma congratulated Mnangagwa and wished him well before the new leader’s return to Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
Zuma also extended his good wishes to former President Robert Mugabe and emphasised his contribution to the liberation of the Southern African region.
