Pretoria — President of the Republic of South Africa Mr. Jacob Zuma has reiterated his country's firm position in favour of the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination, in the state of the nation address on the occasion of the joint sitting of parliament.

"The right of self determination for the people of Western Sahara has to be realized," said Mr. Jacob Zuma, in the presence of senior officials in the state, ambassadors, members of government, representatives of civil society and trace unions and media.

The nation address is the official statement of the government's policies and programs for this year. It also outlines its orientations and positions on the various national and international issues.