Nairobi — A high powered South African delegation is expected in Zimbabwe to speed up talks among the three governing parties who are racing against time to meet a Saturday deadline to conclude negotiations.

The three-member facilitation team was appointed last week by South African President Jacob Zuma to nudge President Robert Mugabe and his coalition partners to fully implement their Global Political Agreement (GPA).

Mr Charles Nqakula, a veteran of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) will lead the delegation that also includes Mr Mac Maharaj and Ms Lindiwe Zulu, an advisor to the presidency.