The South African Department of Agriculture has assisted the South African Council of Churches (SACC) to secure the GMO documentation that certifies that the emergency food being supplied to Zimbabwe is not genetically modified.

Two trucks, loaded with 37 tons of food, have been stranded in Randburg because Zimbabwean authorities would not accept documentation supplied last week by the food supplier that the maize in the load was not genetically modified.

With the assistance of the Office of the President the Department of Agriculture was contacted this morning and by lunchtime documentation was received stating that the maize was not genetically modified. This documentation was immediately transmitted to Harare.

All that is required now from the Zimbabwean authorities is the necessary clearance certificates and once these have been supplied the trucks will leave.

The South African embassy in Harare has also offered assistance from its side to facilitate the speedy processing of the documentation.

In addition to the maize the consignment of food also contains beans and cooking oil. A separate truck, containing blankets, is also being sent to Harare.

The goods will be delivered and distributed by Christian Care, an NGO, that is working extensively throughout Zimbabwe distributing food to those in need.

There are plans to send a second consignment of goods to Zimbabwe at the end of the month.

For more information: Rev Ron Steele, 082 891 7458