G20: SA should work with countries ‘that value democracy’

South Africa will later this year host the G20 group of major economies amid a rise in geopolitical tensions.

Zikalala spoke on Monday at the ‘Matola Raid’ commemoration at Freedom Park in Pretoria.

In 1981, sixteen Umkhonto weSizwe combatants were killed in Matola, Mozambique, following an operation by the South African Defence Force against suspected safe houses of MK.

The day also serves as a celebration of the friendship between South Africa and Mozambique.

"As we host the G20 in South Africa, we should not steer our diplomatic efforts to build in solidarity with countries that do not recognise the value of democracy, the integrity of African states," Zikalala said.

"Commemorating this day of friendship between the two countries should also remind us of the contributions of Mozambican workers to building our economy."

Recently, the neighbouring country was recently plagued by post-election violence after opposition parties disputed the poll outcome.

Currently, the SANDF has deployed some 1,500 troops to Mozambique as part of the SADC maritime security strategy to help Mozambique combat insurgents in the Cabo Delgado region.

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