Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma is heading back to South Africa after the 14th African Union Summit concluded in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
Zuma and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi and Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda attended the summit under the theme "Information and Communication Technologies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects for the Future".
During the summit, Zuma encouraged African leaders to harness the potential of ICT for greater integration of African governance structures.
"We meet here in Addis Ababa with the objective of advancing our vision of a united Africa. Information and communication technology can help us to realise that vision. It can help us to advance economic growth and development," he said.
Zuma pledged South Africa's support of the resolutions taken by the summit that include the draft decision on Madagascar wherein the Assembly underscored the leading role played by SADC in the mediation process in that country.
The Assembly also expressed their support to former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, SADC mediator and his mediation team for their endeavours towards re-establishing constitutional normalcy in Madagascar.
The AU also took note of the election of the Peace and Security Council of the AU by the Executive Council for a three year term with effect from 1 April 2010. South Africa was also elected as a member for a two year term with effect from 1 April 2010.
Zuma attended the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee and the African Peer Review Forum of Heads of State and Government meetings.
He also met with Malawian President Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika who has assumed the Chairpersonship of the AU. Zuma pledged South Africa's support to his leadership of the organisation.
Malawi takes over the chairmanship from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Zuma also invited all African Heads of State and Government to attend the FIFA 2010 World Cup in June as South Africa views it as an African World Cup.
