Pretoria – South Africa has donated computers and vehicles to the transitional government of the Central African Republic to assist the country in the upcoming elections.

“The donation of 15 vehicles and 1200 computers follows a request from the Secretary General of the United Nations to President Jacob Zuma for South African assistance,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said on Tuesday.

The computers have already been transported to Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, through the assistance of the Government of Equatorial Guinea.

The vehicles will be transported shortly following the finalisation of the required customs and export clearance formalities.

The first round of the presidential and parliamentary election is scheduled for 27 December with provision for a second round for 30 January 2016.

South Africa has joined the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in congratulating the people of the Central African Republic for their immense courage in participating in the constitutional referendum despite intimidation and violence.

“We convey our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have been killed and injured.

“The South African government rejects any and all attempts to derail the conclusion of the transitional period that comes to an end on 31 March 2016,” the department said.

The South Africa government welcomed the strong commitment and desire of the people of the Central African Republic to participate in the upcoming electoral process.

More than 90 percent of the population have registered to vote in the upcoming elections.

“This unmistakable clarion call demonstrates a deep yearning for change, peace, reconciliation, security, stability and development.

“The people of the Central African Republic deserve nothing less given the country’s tempestuous and violent past,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za