Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has sent Brazil his condolences and solidarity following the recent floods that engulfed the north-eastern regions of that country, claiming a number of lives.
A number of people still remain missing while others have been left homeless when heavy rain triggered the Mandau River to overflow its banks on Sunday.
Expressing his condolences Zuma said: "Along with the people of South Africa, I share the pain of those affected. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time."
The president added that this tragedy came at a time "when we, the people of the south, should all be rejoicing on our achievements."
Brazil is South America's most influential country, an economic giant and one of the world's biggest democracies. The country is also set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
Zuma said tragedy should push world leaders to take an active stand against climate change.
"The disastrous consequences of climatic conditions we are experiencing reinforce our resolve to focus more of our attention to climate change and to work jointly so that we mitigate the negative effects and challenges facing our planet, especially developing countries."
