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Deputy President Jacob Zuma and his delegation this afternoon received a warm welcome when they arrived at the Bujumbura International Airport in Burundi.

Accompanied by Dr Penuell Maduna, South Africa's Minister of Justice, and other senior government officials, Deputy President Zuma was received by the Vice President of Burundi, Domitien Ndayizeye, and his Cabinet Ministers and some of the South African soldiers currently based in Burundi.

This three-day visit is part of the process of working towards peace in Burundi, following the installation of the transitional government on 1 November 2001.Deputy President Zuma is responsible for negotiating a cease-fire agreement between the government and armed groups which are not part of the Arusha agreement.

Immediately after his arrival, Deputy President will have a meeting with Vice President Ndayizeye. He will later receive a report on the operations of the South African Army in Burundi.

Finally for today, Deputy President will visit SA troops.

Deputy President's schedule for tomorrow (Friday, 11 January 2002) includes:

* A meeting with President Pierre Buyoya; and
* A meeting with the former President of Burundi, Mr Sylvestre Ntibantunganya.

On Saturday, 12 January 2002, Deputy President will meet President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam.

Contact:

Zanele Mngadi at 09257 830774
Lakela Kaunda at 082 782 2574

Issued by: The Presidency, 10 January 2002