President Zuma sends condolences to the US following Orlando tragedy

The South African government and President Jacob Zuma have sent an official message of condolences to the American people.

This is the full text of the message:

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma has sent a message of condolences to the Government and the people of the United States of America following the shooting in Orlando, Florida, which has left about 50 people dead and scores injured.

The South African Government has noted the comments by President Obama following the shooting, describing the incident as an “act of terror.”

The attack, which was targeted at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community, shows extreme levels of intolerance. South Africa fully recognises the rights of the LGBTI community and condemns in the strongest possible terms any violent attack targeted at the community.

President Zuma said: “The South African Government and people stand with the people of the United States, particularly the families of those that have lost their lives, during this difficult time. We wish all the injured speedy recoveries. We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism, particularly this incident which has claimed so many innocent lives.”

The scourge of terrorism and violent extremism require that nations of the world come together and work jointly towards a coordinated international response to this dangerous phenomenon.