Business Day (Johannesburg)
21 November 2008
THE South African government has lambasted the bickering parties in Zimbabwe, saying that a lack of political will has resulted in ordinary Zimbabweans bearing the brunt of the constitutional stalemate in that country.
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The ANC and theSA government have been the laughing stock to the world for having encouraged devil Mugabe to prolong his illegitimate rule!
What pressure? No pressure has ever been applied against Mugabe. Instead, it seems SA is happy to host some 4 million refugees from Zimbabwe just to bring down wage pressure and counter trade union militancy in SA.
If pressure there is, let it be a complete blocade of Mugabe & his thugs, the Army and the CIO. Mugabe will not be able to put up for even 24 hrs!
Let's not ridicule ourselves about perceived pressure from SA against Mugabe.
Prem, SA does not rule Zim, its governed by its own people. You just talk of pressure, pressure what pressure you think SA can attack Zim, why, its not possible, no reason. Zim issues should be delt with by Zims and not by pressure from outside, that is what is called interference, like what stupid little Bots is doing, its day will come
Icho, Prem is right! SA failed to see the problems with Mugabe and how he will never give up power. Yes, it is embarrassing to SA given what we know. SA as a big power and one tasked by the AU and UN to help solve the problems in Zimbabwe has failed. Instead, Mbeki embraced MUgabe and his policies in Zimbabwe. Had Mbeki been frank and honest regarding the Zimbabwean situation...Mugabe could have been put on the spot a long time ago and the international community could have supported SA, if it had taken a tough stand. Leaders must also be able to see things ahead. Mbeki's dealing with Mugabe was misleading to Zimbabweans and the international community.
You are very right Prem. A boycot of the worldcup of soccer 2010 in SA could raise the pressure on the SA government to change there Zimpolicy finally.
Rmkooistra, Let us keep the world soccer cup out of this discussion! Countries that host international sporting events are not themselves perfect. So punishing the sins of Zimbabwe is the wrong way to go. I strongly disagree with your reasoning!
Ok phirri, we could start to talk now about the olympic games in Berlin 1936 but let's not. The point is that peacefull demonstrators in Zimbabwe are beaten and arrested on false charges, that the policeforce is involved in criminal activities and that the Zimbabwe government is a load of gangsters and in the meantime the whole country faces total collapse and is turned into a massive concentrationcamp with Zanuguards. SA does not do very much to change the situation. Do you have any confidence in these powersharingtalks? Who does? So to who can the Zimbabweans turn to in their struggle? Not to the AU, not the SADC, not the EU, not the UN, not the Elders. SA could and should play a key role in trying to get real free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. Offcourse feared by ZANU, especially now their own party is desintegrating. A threat to boycot the worldcup of soccer could do the job to let SA put more pressure on Mugabe and safe maybe millions of lives. And after Mugabe and Zanu are finished and Zims people are liberated from evil forces I really would like to see a good worldsoccer tournement in SA maybe sitting next to you. But under the present situation and present SA politics, no way.
Rmkoos, I agree with most of your points. But, should SA not be allowed to host the 2010 soccer world cup? I don't think so. On the other hand if you said Zimbabwe should be barred from hosting any soccer related events, then I would say yes! No one will want to go to Zimbabwe to train or use any of the facilities. There is no health drinking water in Zimbabwe.
PRESSURE??WHAT PRESSURE??NOT FROM S.AFRICA.I THOUGHT MBEKI WAS WORSE BUT WAS REALLY MISTAKEN.THE ANC AS A WHOLE IS ENJOYING THIS BICKERING FROM ZIM.NOW THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE REAPING THE REWARDS FROM MBEKI AND HIS SILENT DIPLOMACY.FORGET ABOUT THESE ANC CLOWNS.MBEKI FAILED ZIM PEOPLE AND NOW ITS MONTLANTE.