FOCAC website 2010/08/17

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma on Monday joined the International community in extending heartfelt condolences of the government and people of South Africa to Chinese President Hu Jintao, the government and people of China following the heavy mudslide in that country.

The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement that this followed reports of 1248 people being killed and other 600 people reported missing in China' s Gansu Province, following heavy mudslide in the town of Zhouqu.

Zuma's statement said: "On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to your Excellency, the government and people of China, especially to the families and relatives of the people who are affected and still waiting for assistance during this time of great sorrow and bereavement."

He said the people of South Africa grieve with the people of China at this difficult and painful moment.

"Accordingly, please accept our deepest sympathies", Zuma said. Zuma is due to visit China from Aug. 24-26.