Pretoria — The foreign affairs department says South Africa is prepared to offer assistance to Mozambique, following the disaster that was caused by cyclone Japhet in that country at the weekend.

The cyclone hit the coastal Inhambane Province in the country, killing 19 people and leaving many others displaced.

Foreign affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said South Africa had not yet received any request for assistance from the Mozambican authorities. But the country would assist should there be a need.

President Thabo Mbeki has since sent his condolences to the people of Mozambique, saying 'our thoughts and prayers are with the Mozambican people and in particular with the family and friends of the victims'.