PRETORIA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- The governments of South Africa and Zimbabwe are working together to address the challenges they face, South Africa's ministry of foreign affairs said Sunday. Ndivhuwo Mabaya, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, said, "Minister (Lindiwe) Sisulu indicated that the South African government was working with the Zimbabwean Government in finding a short and long term solution to the economic situation."

"The Minister added that if the situation is not attended to, the current economic challenges can derail the political and economic progress the country has made since the election of the new president," Mabaya said.

Zimbabwe had violent protests last week against increase in fuel prices. The government said three people, including a police officer, died in the protests.