Sunday 26 October 2008

No way back for all concerned



It is time that a deal is reached between Mugabe and Tsvangarai in an effort to address pressing and life threatening issues that face that country. Both leaders must put aside their differences in the interest of Zimbabwe all Zimbabwean the world over.

There are two sides to this story, but the true issue is that of land -- Mugabe intends to nationalize the land where as Tsvangarai focus is to privatise it. It means that support for Mugabe’s socialist policy will come from East (namely China and Rushia) where as Tsvangarai free market concept will attract support from the west (namely Britain, USA and France). So surely if both leaders agree to a deal, Zimbabwe could benefit from both worlds.

Zimbabweans face numerous challenges, but most pressing are limited availability of food, frequent power cuts, very few jobs and a currency that in many Zimbabweans eyes is deemed worthless and insignificant.

Inflation in Zimbabwe is now running at over 11. million per cent. Recent transaction on the Black market shows that the Billions of Zimbabwean dollars will change hands for a single US dollar. The truth is that no one uses or recognises the currency. The US Dollar and South African Rand are now the currencies of choice for all those that want to trade in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe once branded the bread basket of Africa for its abundant food production capacity is now a country dependant on aid and external assistance.

Both Mugabe and Tsvangarai failed in their efforts in March of this year to secure an all right majority in the general elections. Following a power shearing deal brokered by SADC (Southern African Development Community) in September. Both men are now in a deadlock power struggle. Horse-trading over the numbers of ministerial posts, which personalities from both camps should get the lucrative and influential ministerial portfolios - especially that of finance and defence are some of the sticking points.

The reality is that the SADC brokered deal between the two men by the former president of South Africa Tambo Mbeki; should now forge a joint workable strategy without delay.

Tambo Mbeki is a battered and bruised former South African leader, who was ousted from his job as president of that country. Public infighting with long time rival Jacob Zuma resulted in a vote of no confidence by his ANC party. Tambo Mbeki has in the past been heavily criticized for not being forceful and heavy hand with both sides of the Mugabe and Tsvangarai affair. But he must be commended for his gallant effort in securing a power sharing deal between the two.

Agreeing terms and a practical working model as part of a deal with Mugabe, will command all Mbeki experience and standing in the region. The question is how much respect does Tambo Mbeki command. Is it enough for him to achieve a working formula for Zimbabwe. We must be mindful that Mbeki is now minus his presidential title combined with dwindling influence in the region.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The greed of African leaders is what causes thee masses so much problems. As the article suggest, if these leaders come together it will be quite beneficial to the citizens who have been suffering the most during their greedy battle of power.

Anonymous said...

The greed of African leaders is what causes thee masses so much problems. As the article suggest, if these leaders come together it will be quite beneficial to the citizens who have been suffering the most during their greedy battle of power.

Anonymous said...

I believe Tambo Mbeki has earned enough respect to solve this problem. However, the fact that people think he is a supporter of Mugabe will create a little doubt in the minds of Morgan's supporters.

Anonymous said...

this matter will never be resolved to be quite honest until people get to the root of this problem, which happens to be a senile old man whose greed and hunger for power is sustained by the innocent blood of people of Zimbabwe...The moromn got to see the exit point sooner than later...

And then to think of it trustins Morgan to rule that country is another thing..I get jellies in my tummy by juss looking @ him..there is no leadership skill demonstrated @ all ''zero''...The people of Zim need to stand up and get a strong young educated contender juss as Obama to get rid of these hedless morons with no founded agenda

Anonymous said...

The Zimbabwe situation is complexed and confused by unique combinations not new to African evolution from emancipation if our opinions and statements are to be guided by the precepts of history. Both the local rights to land predicament vis a vis the external rights to property and assets are critical components to the solution. The story of SHAKA ZULU in this case is a food for thoughts played years ago with similar dimensions. The problem in this instance is based on two rights making a wrong to the process of politics and ethics. It would be very difficult to find a broadbase strategy for a common workable solution for both parties to accept in principle by two different school of political thoughts and eras. Mugabe represents a symbolic struggle for freedom featuring the so called cause of the peoples right to their land agenda, while Zavanrai is seen more to represent the will of the external players interest through sponsored political machinations to take control of government at all cost. The whole situation is been played out by speculations percieved by both the Zimbabwians themselves and the broader International community fuelled by limited actual media coverage which is deem to be tilted against Mugabe no matter what he does right or wrong is consumed in the negative. We are expecting too much of a concession from a man we see nothing good from and in what he does. This is the irony of the situation a virtual complex situation bigger than we are dilating on. There is a moral and ethical bankcruptcy involved in this case scenario from all sides of the arena and divide both local and external to finance a dividend for genuine and peacful outcome to the Zimbabwian predicaments. Only providence can save it as of today and maybe its destiny tommorrow....