President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria has congratulated his South African counterpart President Jacob Zuma, and his party, African National Congress (ANC) on their resounding victory in the South African general elections.
Jonathan sent his congratulatory message on Saturday, following ANC’s victory, with over 60 percent of the votes cast in the election to the South African Parliament and provincial legislatures.
Jonathan said the victory is an affirmation of the enduring popularity of President Zuma and the party of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Thambo and other great heroes of the anti-apartheid movement, as well as a reaffirmation of the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the ANC government to progressively achieve more inclusive national economic development and prosperity.
Jonathan also applauded the country over the peaceful conduct of the first election in the country after the death of Nelson Mandela.
“President Jonathan and Nigeria felicitate with the people of South Africa on the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections, which were the first since the passing away of Dr. Nelson Mandela,” Jonathan said in a press statement signed by his spokesman, Ruben Abati.
“The elections and ANC’s fifth consecutive victory at national polls are a well-deserved tribute to Madiba, whose contributions to the emergence of a non-racist and truly democratic South Africa remain legendary.”
Jonathan expressed hope that the cordial relationship between South Africa and Nigeria will continue growing especially in the area of bilateral trade and investments.
“We trust that under the continued leadership of the ANC, Nigeria and South Africa will keep on working together with others for the attainment of greater peace, political stability, economic development and progress in all parts of the African continent,” Jonathan said.
