Fully-fledged inter-party talks to resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis will begin in South Africa on Thursday, according to the government.

The dialogue comes days after the historic memorandum of agreement signing between president Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Amid reports the talks had been delayed until next week, justice minister Patrick Chinamasa told Zimbabwe state daily the Herald negotiators were travelling to an unspecified location in neighbouring South Africa, believed to be Pretoria.

"All parties to the dialogue agreed that talks should begin on Thursday and delegates were expected to start travelling to South Africa [on Tuesday] and Wednesday before they travel to the venue for the talks, wherever that would be."

Mr Chinamasa is leading the Zanu-PF negotiators, while Tendai Biti – the general secretary of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) – is representing the opposition.

Earlier this month Mr Biti was bailed for Z$1 trillion after being charged with treason. Mr Tsvangirai had earlier made the release of all political prisoners a precursor to reconciliation talks.

The MDC leader won the popular vote in the country's presidential election in March but was denied an outright victory after failing to gain an overall majority.

He later pulled out of a run-off vote in June, allowing Mr Mugabe to stand uncontested and re-elected, amid increasing politically-motivated violence.

The poll attracted widespread international condemnation but the UN stopped short of levelling sanctions against Harare.

Speaking earlier this week Mr Tsvangirai said he now hoped both sides could work towards a "common good" of a more prosperous and secure Zimbabwe.
© Adfero Ltd