President Jacob Zuma on Sunday congratulated Robert Mugabe on his re-election as president of Zimbabwe.

Zuma described Wednesday's elections as "harmonised" and called for peace in the neighbouring country, the international relations department said in a statement.

"President Zuma urges all political parties in Zimbabwe to accept the outcome of the elections as election observers reported it to be an expression of the will of the people.

"[He] also encourages the people of Zimbabwe to seize this opportunity to collectively contribute towards building their country driven by a common desire for peace, stability and prosperity."

Zuma said South Africa was ready to continue its relations with Zimbabwe.