The venue for the forthcoming SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, whose aim is to consider the economic recovery package to Zimbabwe, has now changed from Cape Town to Mbabane, Swaziland on Monday.South Africa's Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa, confirmed the venue change without giving much detail.
He added that the situation in Madagascar, which was recently thrust into turmoil, would be discussed at the meeting.
The Summit is convened to consider the economic recovery aid package
for Zimbabwe as well as deliberate upon a report on the current
situation and developments in Madagascar following the unconstitutional
transfer of power last week. The SADC Summit of Heads of State and
Government will be preceded by a meeting on Sunday 29 March of the SADC
Council of Ministers chaired by South African Foreign Minister Dr.
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to process reports to be considered by the Heads
of State and Government,
He added, With respect to Zimbabwe, the SADC Finance Ministers had met
recently in Cape Town, where they made recommendation to the SADC
Council of Ministers meeting regarding the economic recovery plan for
Zimbabwe. Accordingly, the SADC Council of Ministers meeting will
present a report on the economic recovery plan to the SADC Heads of
State and Government for ratification by the SADC Summit.
In February, Finance ministers from the 15-nation bloc agreed to push
for donor help to rebuild Zimbabwe's ruined economy and put the initial
need at $2 billion.
The unity government of President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai has said at least $5 billion was required for
broader economic recovery.