JUBA, Sudan - South Sudanese voted overwhelmingly to declare independence from the north in a referendum, according to officials in 7 out of the region's 10 states

Referendum officials reported large votes in favour of independence - some releasing early figures, some saying trends pointed to support of more than 90percent - in the southern states of Central Equatoria, Unity, Lakes, Jonglei, Warrap, Western Bahr al-Ghazal and Eastern Equatoria.

Officials did not release figures or give any indications in the states of Western Equatoria and Upper Nile, while no one immediately answered calls in Northern Bahr al-Ghazal.

Meanwhile, the South African government has congratulated Southern Sudan on the "peaceful and well concluded" referendum, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said.

The people of South Sudan voted in a referendum last week to decide whether they would remain part of a united Sudan or form a new, independent state.

The week-long referendum was concluded on Saturday.

"South Africa would like to congratulate the people of Southern Sudan, the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and Bureau on the peaceful and well conducted referendum," department spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.

"Furthermore, South Africa would like to commend both President Al-Bashir and First Vice President Salva Kiir on the personal leadership and courage they have shown in facilitating a conducive and peaceful environment for citizens to participate freely and without fear in casting their ballots."

South Africa had sent a team of 35 people, including members of Parliament and civil society, to observe the referendum "to assist in ensuring a conducive environment for a credible, free and fair referendum".

The country's support was based on its role as chair of the African Union Committee on Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Sudan.

The steps taken in Sudan were a positive sign of further developments in the country andfor the Horn of Africa region and entire continent, said Monyela.