The South African president, Nelson Mandela, and President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique have officially launched construction of the Maputo Highway -- a toll road between Johannesburg and the Mozambican port and capital of Maputo.

Mr Mandela said that the project was a continuation of the co-operation South Africa and Mozambique had forged in the struggle for liberation.

The road is a key element of the Maputo Corridor, a seven-billion dollar development initiative, which will eventually include a rail link, an upgrading of Maputo's harbour, factories, shops and hotels.