Carpe diem Zimbabwe

There can longer be any doubt that the future of South Africa and Zimbabwe are inextricably linked. The recovery and rebuilding of our northern neighbour is vital to our own progress and development. More importantly it affords an opportunity to rescue 5.1 million Zimbabweans from the brink, offer the exiles a stable home, relieves pressure on our poorest communities and eases the financial burden on the next government making delivery a more realistic proposition.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article4372227.ece

Nobody has been more scathing on Mugabe, Zanu-PF and our own team than me. They have disgraced both countries, the continent and the planet. Their conduct is well documented on this site.

But an opportunity has presented itself : “At a ceremony in Harare overseen by long-time mediator South African President Thabo Mbeki, Mugabe and Tsvangirai shook hands and said it was time to work together after one of the most bitter periods in the country’s history.”

“We sit here in order for us to chart a new way, a new way of political interaction,” said Mugabe.

“We must act now … as Zimbabweans, think as Zimbabweans and act as Zimbabweans,” said Mugabe.

Tsvangirai for his part said it was time to put the “bitterness” behind him and said he was committed to finding a solution with his old rival.

“We are committed to ensuring that the process of negotiation becomes successful,” he said. “We want a better Zimbabwe.” – IOL

Regardless of our feelings for Mugabe, Zanu-PF and South Africa’s approach in the past, the parties must be given every encouragement to achieve a solution that is acceptable to Zimbabweans and seeks to restore normality to that country.

As in the case of sanctions, where I put in strong opposition in the interests of those Zimbabweans on the brink, so too must I urge people to set aside their feelings in the interests of those most vulnerable right now.

This step towards sanity must be welcomed together with an urgent call that aid agencies be allowed to operate immediately.

Whatever damage has been done it won’t help Zimbabweans or South Africans to allow that to prevent the parties trying to attain resolution of a problem, the outcome of which is critical to both countries and the region.

The time for recriminations can come later.

Our prayers are with you.