Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma sent condolences to the United States on Tuesday after a tornado killed at least 51 people, the international relations department said.
“We mourn with the government and the people of the USA, particularly the affected families in Oklahoma City, as they come to terms with the effects of the devastating tornado,” he said in a statement.
The tornado ripped through parts of the city in Oklahoma on Monday, with at least 20 children among those killed.
Zuma said the government and people of South Africa sympathised with and shared the grief of those who had lost their loved ones.
Department spokesman Clayson Monyela said in a statement that South Africa and the US enjoyed a cordial diplomatic relationship, characterised by frequent high-level visits and exchanges.
US President Barack Obama is expected to meet Zuma when he visits South Africa in June, accompanied by a high-level diplomatic and trade delegation. - Sapa