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News24 User

'Mugabe is here to stay'

by
2008-07-07 08:15

Funnybones, News24 User

We all know Robert Mugabe is the self-elected president of Zimbabwe. We have shouted about this, everybody has expressed their opinions and Mugabe still won't budge. The MDC mobilised everybody, but that didn't help either.

The question we should be asking ourselves is what now? First I would like to express my opinion on the way the MDC handled this whole saga. I think Morgan Tsvangirai has only himself to blame. Ever since SADC mandated Mbeki to mediate in Zimbabwe, Tsvangirai has been making things difficult for Mbeki and worst of all for himself and the people of Zimbabwe.

While engaging the Zanu-PF with the help of Mbeki, he has repeatedly made irresponsible and contradictory statements to the media and the world at large thus contributing to the hot headedness of Mugabe.

Please don't get me wrong, I am not saying Tsvangirai shouldn't express his dissatisfaction with the mediator. All I am saying is that he should do that through the proper and correct channels. He should have approached SADC or the AU first before running all over the place like a headless chicken.

For me the MDC executive do not have any proper strategy to deal with Mugabe. Tsvangirai has put Mbeki as a mediator in Zimbabwe in a difficult position because of his continuous ranting and pity-seeking antics from the media.

You cannot expect the mediator to take sides no matter how bad the other party is. It's like going to the marriage counsellor and expecting them to tell your wife/husband what a control freak they are.

Work with what you've got

Its now time for solutions and, like Gabriel Chaibva, I believe the first step towards a workable solution in Zimbabwe is for the MDC to accept that Mugabe is going nowhere anytime soon. They have worked against him for the past eight years and their strategies have clearly not worked for them. It's time for them to revise their hard-line stance against Mugabe.

The other thing they need to do is to distance themselves from the powers of the west. No matter how noble the intentions of the western countries are, they had a huge contribution to the stubbornness of Mugabe.

We cannot downplay the immense contribution Tony Blair and his England made towards the problems of Zimbabwe. Tsvangirai needs to acknowledge this and accept that running to Gordon Brown every single time will only make things worse.

If he is not satisfied with Mbeki as a mediator, he needs to approach SADC directly and not through the media. Like Mbeki, I believe the solution will only come out of Zimbabwe and Tsvangirai holds the key.

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50%Single 7/7/2008 8:22:30 AM
Dude why write this piece of contradicting rubbish so early on a Monday morning nogal? I can't make tail or head of what do you want to say.

SM 7/7/2008 8:31:21 AM
We here in Sa has a lot of our own problems. Why should we get involved in Zim problems. Mugabe has clearly said he does not need help. Big global companies are saying they are withdrawing from Zim. Is it not time to give them their wishes. Let SA close our borders and let Zim sort out their own problems. Give TM a break, let him also withdraw as mediator. Frankly I do not believe he is going to get anywhere, no fault of his. Look who he is dealing with. (rest to follow)

Paul 7/7/2008 8:35:54 AM
Clearly you need help. Mugabe has to go, it is the only way foward for Zimbabwe. There is no way that Zim can have any future with mugabe in it. Even if it means military intervention. Another good idea is to stop blaming Blair,England,Whites,Colonialism,The Queen's dog,People who happen to speak English etc. mugabe has been in power for almost 30 years. Can you still blame Whites after 3 decades? In 200 years from now will we still be hearing this tired rhetoric?

VG 7/7/2008 8:36:40 AM
..the basic problem is Zimbabwe is the lack of "competition" in their politics. at the moment, i ts Zanu vs MDC with little in between. Makoni and Moyo have campaigned as independents, but have such chequered pasts, they are no better than Bob.They may not appeal to everyone, but I am v glad that SA at least has more than two options.Zim civil society needs to play a more active role in politics or else the cycle will repeat itself -even if Bob goes

James 7/7/2008 8:36:49 AM
Actually, Mugabe is the problem. I am not sure what Blair did to worsen the Zim crisis. Did he upset poor Bob and make him rub his own people into the dirt? I am sorry to say that mediation is a waste of time in this case. It has been tried for the past 8 years or so, and that avenue is now exhausted. A UN peace-keeping force is necessary to arrest Mugabe, then international aid is needed and help Zimbabwe rebuild itself. Africans always look for lazy solutions; let the West take care of it.

p123 7/7/2008 8:38:55 AM
Funnybones, what world are you from! Dictators like Hitler and Amin need to be removed by third parties, be they the 'evil' west or otherwise. Mugabe is not going to voluntarily move on. Mbeki has been and is a disgrace. His softy softy ubuntu stance has led to the suffering of millions. Using your example he is the marriage counseler sleeping with the wife. Stop your rhetoric blaming Britain! They only stopped the flow of funds for land reform when they realised ZANU-PF were self-enriching!

Sandra 7/7/2008 8:39:24 AM
What utter tripe! Regardless of Tsvangirai's personal proclivities, the people - you know, that inconvenient "by the people, for the people" version of democracy - voted for him and he should be in power. And my definition of "mediator not taking sides" certainly does not include said mediator happily holding hands with one of the parties to the conflict, after what was one of the most farcical "elections" since democracy was invented. Mugabe is the problem and cannot be part of the solution.

M 7/7/2008 8:40:52 AM
First you accuse the victim (the MDC) of "not following the right channels" while a maniac is running the country into oblivion. Then you say people in Zim need to accept that this dictator is here to stay,that he needs to be accepted,defecating onto the very idea of democracy while you Mr. Smartiepants live in one (lekker ne).You are a blatant moron and an idiot.Why this rubbish got posted, I don't know.The only thing I can agree on is that the British(&their media) are also at fault.

Tuffy 7/7/2008 8:42:40 AM
And this is exactly what Mugabe wants - for people to give up the fight. In one breath Africa is flipping the West the finger when they try to exert pressure to release Mugabe's illegal hold on power but in the next breath Africa demands help from the West's G8 with Africa's AIDS problem and expect money handouts. I say the West should flip Africa the finger in return and let it rot in its own incompetence and undemocratic, racist rule.

Chris 7/7/2008 8:43:08 AM
Funnybones, there fundementaly nothing wrong with you view but where do you draw the line in future? If we accept that senile baboon we are saying democrazy has no place in Africa (hear the cheers from the ANC) and we accept that we as a people in Africa will always be under the yoke of other more developed countries. Furthermore, the acceptance of Mugabe as such condones all human rights abuses under the guise that that de facto is more relevant than de jure

The Truth 7/7/2008 8:47:28 AM
Robert Mugabe is the illegitimate ruler of Zimbabwe (Tsvangirai won the first legitimate election and the run-off was a one man show and a sham).When paper tigers such as the SADC or the AU didn't provide the MDC with the support which they needed (when the whole world has seen what is going on there),where was he supposed to go and seek help but from the West (they haven't done much either).Instead of constantly trashing Tsvangirai we should all be supporting him.

Fraud 7/7/2008 8:48:12 AM
apparently reported that the head of the zim military was responsible for Mugabe not stepping down after the March elections. This dude told Bob the if he steps down,the military wud take over the country! He then suggested Mugabe to go for a run-off. Just sharing some FACTS b4 we start pointing fingers. By the way, this was on the front page of the sunday times.

Stryker 7/7/2008 8:50:54 AM
Accepting Bob as the legitimate leader of Zim is not unexpected from the weak leaders of SA but suggesting Morgan be PM is further evidence of not only weak leadership but stupidity as well. I think all South Africans are getting tired of the leadership Vacuum so clearly in evidence in this country. Perhaps it is time to accept that the writing is on the wall and Africans wherever they occur will manage to mess up a perfectly good country.

morena 7/7/2008 8:51:18 AM
for once someone with some honesty, now lets wait for the mugabe haters to take sides,

Robert 7/7/2008 8:56:39 AM
Mugabe is going nowhere! That's a fact. I agree that Tsvangirai's tactics were poor, however he's not had any help. And lets face it, how many times do you need to be arrested and beaten to lose your cool?

swaer 7/7/2008 9:02:31 AM
Agree wholeheartedly with you, perhaps it is time for our borders to be shut - get Anglo and others to withdrwaw their interests, stop tourism and let Zim sort out their own problems! You will recall Zimbabwe was almost self sufficient a decade or two ago, let everyone go back and work towards a solution - they will soon sort Bob out!

Tafara Makinya 7/7/2008 9:04:33 AM
Its almost certain that the author of this article is not a Zimbabwean. You take Tsvangirai to be at blame for Mugabe's evil behavior. I say no. Mugabe is very evil because his threats are anything not less than death. he is so barbaric. He uses state resources to oppress Zimbabwean, and you cannot blame mere statements by Tsvangirai to rebuke such evil behavior. Now Mbeki(no crisis) desires to do it the Mugabe way, but knows its impossible for him, so he supports Mugabe.

Deon 7/7/2008 9:07:58 AM
Mugabe said it again and again, MT will never ever rule Zim. This means that he will never give up power at own free will. He is condamning the west, but he demands money from them. All the millions of pounds that the Brits paid to Zim in the past, were used by his wife and friends to spend on luxuries, because their was no opposition to control them. Their will only be one solution, he must be removed by a third party and that party will definately not be TM.

JB 7/7/2008 9:09:38 AM
Dude l am not too sure you are up to speed with modern trends. Mugabe is a dictator and must be called such by all, more so by Tsvangirai. no stance must be softened to accommodate the devil. Maxi pressure must be exerted on Bob to free the Zimbos. SA would never be were it is today if people like you were part of the free SA agenda.

DavidD 7/7/2008 9:10:54 AM
Whoever believes that Mugabe is running Zim, needs to look again. I think he is tempted to take his money and run to some safe haven, but what would happen to the military junta surrounding him? They are the current villains and need him as a figure head to maintain whatever unity and support Zanu-PF has in Africa. If Bob goes there'll be military coup and possible civil war. That's the danger and intractible problem.

Biti 7/7/2008 9:11:12 AM
Why is the West so concerned about Zimbabwe yet we have other African conutries with bigger problems, this makes me wonder. Mugabe MIGHT be the problem BUT Tswangirayi is NOT the SOLUTION. Who ever advises this character is really doing a study on stooges and I guess the person will come out with a very good Phd thesis on this. Most people who think Mugabe is wrong are whites, just because Black took what belongs to them. The problem in Zimbabwe is land and everyone is quite about Land Land Land

Z 7/7/2008 9:11:14 AM
...unfortunately the puppets of the West, MDC, have to satisfy their masters.

Biti Tendai 7/7/2008 9:13:39 AM
The root cause of the crisis ? land ownership ? is lost in the rarified verbiage about human rights violations, a subject far more easier to sell to ignorant Western audiences. The "bloody idiots" are the foot soldiers carrying the rhetoric in the global war to maintain or extend the West?s hegemonic influence in Africa now under serious threat from the dragon from the East.

BigBang 7/7/2008 9:14:32 AM
You are not very funny, funnybones, but a bit stupid. The reason the west must always help is that Africans cannot sort their own crap out, true, the zimbo's should have sorted their own stuff out, but they are either to lazy, scared or useless to do it themselves, that is why the west must help again. Why is Zim our problem? Because we see the potential which they have driven into the ground.

SkerP 7/7/2008 9:14:47 AM
This is exactly what Moeg-apie wants... for the world to shrug their shoulders and say 'oh well', thereby giving his faux presidency legitimacy. Only if the world, with ZA at the forefront, condemns this megalomaniac consistently and constantly, will change take place. Thereafter we can discuss ways to help Zim and Zimbabweans. Until then, toffee to you, Bob, toffee to you, ZANU-PF thugs.

Pietskiet 7/7/2008 9:17:25 AM
Your'e naive to think going through the right channels is going to achieve anything worthwhile. It's not Tsv whose got the problem, it's Bob. He is the sole reason why that country is imploding. Rather say that going through the 'right channels' is the only forced solution for Zim, but please don't pretend it's going to make a difference to keep that evil babboon on his pedestal. At least Tsvangirai has that one thing correct in his mind. Mugabe and his irk needs to be obliterated from history.

k_m 7/7/2008 9:21:52 AM
listen what Mugabe said? He wants war with his neighbours.

Brian 7/7/2008 9:22:19 AM
for starting Zim debates, whether we agree or not funnybone has made a point that is worth noting let us be fair about this one. Well done funnybones

Steve 7/7/2008 9:29:07 AM
yes, another african definition of democracy. Moron.

Stryker 7/7/2008 9:31:55 AM
It allways amazes me how "Whites" get attacked for daring to criticise Mugabe. "Blacks" took farms from whites as the land belongs to the people! Oh very nice, perhaps one should however delve into who got the land from the productive white farmers who were feeding the people of Zim. Yip most of the reposessed farms were given to members of the ruling party. Now I realise this is typical African redistribution but please lets at least be truthful about it.

Yam 7/7/2008 9:32:21 AM
It was this same 'oh-well' attitude that made them shrug and say shame when Hitler first invaded the Rhineland... only to unleash hell on earth. Take a damn stand and stop trying to blame it on everyone else EXCEPT Moeg-apie (credit to SkerP!). I cannot comprehend how anyone could forsee a future for that country where Mugabe has any kind of position of power. He should be tried for crimes against humanity! Or let his people deal with him in the same way that the Italians dealt with Mussolini...

Funnybones 7/7/2008 9:32:31 AM
Well that?s a typical response I expected from most of the emotional users of this site. Besides millitary intervention, what else do you suggest be done in Zimbabwe. Like I said we all agree that Mugabe is a problem, the world has basically shut Mugabe's ears with noise. Tutu pleaded, Mandela spoke, Jacob Zuma added his voice, Botswana and Tanzania also condemned Mugabe. Some of the western countries imposed sanctions, and all this did not work. So all you geniuses out there what do you suggest a a solution?

Laurie 7/7/2008 9:35:38 AM
Morena?! The term "mugabe hater" should pretty much extend to any living reasoning person!! Funnybones - what exactly would you have had Morgan do? It's clear to everyone that he's not going to get any help from his African compatriots SADC & AU(in getting Bob out. In fact, it is the response of Thabo(Crisis,What Crisis)Mbeki that has fuelled his apparent "ranting and pity-seeking tactics", as you call it! Mediators shouldn't be seen holding hands with one the parties they are mediating either!

jerry 7/7/2008 9:38:33 AM
just a quick question for you and all other madbob supporters to ponder - now that most of the productive farms have been "redistributed",to what use are they being put? are they still productive ?if so , why are Zims starving? you gotta look at the facts and accept that the land grabs are a spectacular failure and the sole reason that zim has no food .

Ukhandampondo 7/7/2008 9:42:52 AM
Again, Mugabe is here to stay. MDC must come up with plan B and stop bitching and moaning.

Les-Maada 7/7/2008 9:44:55 AM
The MDC has failed its supporters especially with Morgan playing too much victim & leaning too much on the West for just about everything.Mbeki,SADc & AU not impressed by Morgan's cry baby attitude & as for the MDC leadership taking cover & leaving its supporters wanting at crucial times is just a clear sign that Morgan is not a reliable leader after all! I however do not support Mugabe's cause anyway,but i think the MDC should change their attitued & start heading for the table!

charlie 7/7/2008 9:45:07 AM
So tired of hearing about Mugabe , I could not care less what he does , as long as he stays in ZIM and all the Zombo's go back to their country they shaped so well. Cheers go back home

John Camp 7/7/2008 9:45:44 AM
I'm disagreeing with you on this one. Mugabe must NEVER be aknowledged as legitimate. The EU have dangled a 250 million Euro carrot over Zimbabwe, it's now time for the Zimbo's to take it. It's high time Zimbos set aside there differences with the "west" and work towards a better tomorrow. The only way they will ever prosper again is without Mad Bob in charge and with 'guidance" from the west.

Win 7/7/2008 9:47:12 AM
Isn't it amazing how when the black countries run themselves into the ground, they run to the white/western countries for help. Why is that? Since you want to throw the race card, tell me again why a lot of the African countries (black leaders) have condemned Mugabe?

Doorboot 7/7/2008 9:49:28 AM
Would you still say the same if Mugabe was white? And Biti Tendai, the "ignorant" West gave the ANC South Africa, so what are you talking about?

Panashe 7/7/2008 9:50:56 AM
You are writing from an uninformed position. The problem is that you guys are writing from the terraces. We are in the trenches and Mugabe must go.

Louis 7/7/2008 9:51:51 AM
Mugabe and Zanu-PF is the problem, you cannot work with them! They are in self-destruct mode!

man@war 7/7/2008 9:53:36 AM
You sound like the child who packs extra sandwitches for the school bully.... wake up!!

Sinudeity 7/7/2008 9:55:36 AM
Having guards patrolling it, being the first African country declaring Mugabe's presidency illegitimate. Im loving Botswana and its President more and more. Have more respect for him than Mbeki.

M 7/7/2008 9:56:07 AM
Yes,lets blame it on the West, or the Red Dragon,anyone but ourselves.I agree that imperial Brittani is the last country to point fingers,they should be the first on a war tribunal,but please don't divert from the core subject,MUGABE MUST GO.Even if Tsvangirai isn't the solution,at least he can be the transition to something new.

Morne 7/7/2008 9:57:18 AM
The flushing out of Mugabe, is the only solution to Zim's problems. He cannot be accepted as president, in fact it is not even worth being calling him human. And as for the "west", I myself would rather live in a country ruled by them than a country ruled by poverty, high inflation and a power hungry idiot like mugabe!

Mike N 7/7/2008 9:57:43 AM
Pres Morgan won the elections fair & square as per Zim law, even ANC stalwart Prof Kadar Ashmael said so after studying the Zim electoral laws. ZEC did not manage to get the run off done in the 21 days so by default Pres Morgan won. Also he has the most popular votes so is that not the will of the people of Zim or does Africa have a different democracy model. Funny when Ian Smith was oppressing blacks condemnation & violance was the order of the day, now Ex-Pres Bob can do whatever he wants SAD!!

Bobbi 7/7/2008 9:58:03 AM
I agree with you that MDC has not itself justice in the conflict of Zimbabwe. Their antics especially involving the media have not yielded fruit where it matters. The arrogance of Tsangirai at times has made me ponder whether he himself is not a dictator?!?

Enough 7/7/2008 9:58:15 AM
The West is accused of trying to extend their territory and sidelining Bob. Hmmm come on people lets just be realistic here, its not only the West who thinks Mugabe is a nutter, its all clear thinking human beings. We wax lyrical about our hard fought Democracy and scream about counter revolutionary forces etc If this was really an honest view how then is it perfectly acceptable for one man to rule for 28 years. Isnt this somewhat hypocritical? Come on Africa, get real

Dhliwayo 7/7/2008 9:59:00 AM
Funnybones you must send Tswangirai a copy!Tswangirai is behaving as anticipated - bigheaded - why? it is the so-called support from the West or is the Western masters telling him how to behave! ?

Azonic 7/7/2008 10:01:15 AM
"Most people who think Mugabe is wrong are whites, just because Black took what belongs to them." Call it whatever you want. What Bob did killed Zimbabwe, removing farmers that fed the country. If there are 5% productive farms left I would be surprised. This is not a white vs black issue, too bad though that blacks are the first to try make it one...

black1 7/7/2008 10:01:23 AM
I am almost certaing you are Zimbabwean,judging from you response to the posting. Why should Mbeki,Mugabe or even Tsvangirai be blame for Zim's predicament? Let's rather blame all Zimbabweans. Why shud SA or even anyone else fight them if they are not willing to stand up against their own?The fact that he managed to get 41% of votes in the 1st election is sign of support. Vote him out! Stop with the blame game and take responsibility for ur actions!

Bob 7/7/2008 10:01:59 AM
That man is a raving lunatic, would you be saying the same things if he was running SA?. He must go, how is irrelevant, but go he must. I am severely disappointed in your article.

Neel 7/7/2008 10:03:47 AM
..you idiots who don't know how Britain CONTRIBUTED to the current situation in Zim please read up on the Lancaster House Agreement. Rememeber independence and freedom are pretty words but mean nothing when people are still just workers on the lande they was stolen from them. You know what..SCREW IT! BRITAIN IS THE SOLE CAUSE OF THE SITUATION IN ZIM. mubgabe has done terrible things but just think who and what precipitated the situation.

Jonas 7/7/2008 10:08:07 AM
Thanks for a realistic view of the zim situation.Most ranters ans ravers in the column are mostly whites who are failing to acknowledge the african way of thinking.They offer no solution.Come to think of it,if bob was white these morons would be quite as mice.Morgan is not a favourite amongst africans as he is regarded as a sell out to colonialism and none of them want it back.What he did this weekend to thabo is irresponsible and who wants a president like him.

Lloyd Macklin 7/7/2008 10:09:07 AM
that anyone with more than one brain cell can support Mugabe. We can, as individuals, do something to put pressure, albeit in a small way, on him. Boycott those hotels and shops, here in South Africa, that allow him to use their facilites. The management of these hotels should have the balls to tell him that they do not accept blood money.

mallencolly 7/7/2008 10:09:50 AM
Perhaps you would like to tell us who owns most of the land in Zim? The hegemony is being continued by whoever sold you the rubbish you are sprouting. "Western Hegemony", like "The man's keeping me down" before it, is the safety net of an enslaved mind. Perhaps you should write an article detailing the future that African sees for itself, Surely you must have been taught that in Rhetoric class. As you said the "bloody idiots" are the foot soldiers carrying the rhetoric.

Big Bad Bob 7/7/2008 10:12:31 AM
To pre-empt an expected flurry of condemnation, I am not saying that MT is the problem. The problem is the ruling regime (not necessarily Mugabe or JUST Mugabe). But Tsvangarai seems to me to be too truculent. Funnybones is right: It's time to live in a real world - especially when ZANU are showing signs of being ready to explore a negotiated solution. The reality of negotiations is that no party gets 100% of what they want.

Thabo 7/7/2008 10:13:19 AM
I believe Mugabe must stay as his excellent economic policy will take Zim into the 31st century as a superpower with more billionaires then the USA, Asia and Eastern Europe put together. Currently he is empowering to make more billionaires then any other countries or companies. His achievements will be remembered for a 1000 years. After Zim I think he should consult to the SA government on how to create a billionaire population

nzs 7/7/2008 10:15:56 AM
For some time now, Funnybones (especially when you expressed views that seemed so extremely panegyric of the SA opposition, I have doubted your rational reading of politics. However, with this article, you have brought the point straight home. It's a pity that very few will engage with the contents of your article - even though it is blatantly NOT an endorsement of Robert Mugabe (many will regard it as the latter). Bravo, Funnybones, bravo!

Matrix 7/7/2008 10:16:26 AM
Look at history & see what works & what not. Hands OFF Zim to resolve their own issues. They chose, now they must live with the concequences. Many tried to help, but Zim does not want our help. Bob even stated that those contemplating war should try. Bob's military need work & are ready, especially after the Chinese arms shipment. All we can & should do is to help the innocent people of Zim / refugees. Let the Zimbos left destroy what is left, then we help to rebuild Zim after Bob dies!!!

Laurie 7/7/2008 10:16:38 AM
So Morgan is now "big headed" and being a "puppet" of the "Western Masters"? Is that what being principled is called these days? He should be commended for REFUSING to accept Bob as the new president of Zimbabwe, you bloody idiot. Morgan won fair and square, no matter which way you look at it.

Mike3 7/7/2008 10:21:22 AM
In Africa an election is nothing more than a tribe count.

Matrix 7/7/2008 10:21:45 AM
Look at fundamentals & principles & then decide what can be done to the source of the problem. We all know what the source is, but it is NOT up to any of us or Zim Neighbours to resolve any issues. We all suffer the impact in varius ways, but we should mitigate this by other means. Zim can only be helped IF they admit to the REAL problem & accept help / assistance. Clearly they dont & shun all comments / help / etc... Talk shops & Noise wont help anyone!!!

bj 7/7/2008 10:23:55 AM
Why is it that so many people want to blame others for their problems (read the west). Why is Africa the laughing stock of the world? Why are Africans so reluctant to blame their own leaders for their failings - do they wear blinkers. Can you not see the problems that incompetentleadership brings. We need more leadership like that seen in Botswana, where the people and the country are put before the ruling elite. Africa will never get anywhere without a massive change in attitude among Africans.

Alain 7/7/2008 10:25:38 AM
that is a pretty racist comment. there are ways and means of land redistribution, and murder and hostile takeovers is certainly not one. These farmers were feeding Zim, and now look - NO FOOD!!! Mugabe is to blame-he is ultimately responsible. However, Britain is also to blame. Look at the San Remo Conference of 1920. The arabs wanted to make peace with the Jews in Palestine, but Britain went promised 3 different parties Palestine (Jews, Arabs and France), and now look at the mess in Israel today

Sean 7/7/2008 10:27:16 AM
The AU has demanded that the "west" not interfere with African politics.So be it..AU, please don't stick your hand out to the west or first world for disaster or famine relief... Deal with your own problems. Zimbabwe can not claim to be a democracy, but then how many African countries can?

Alain 7/7/2008 10:27:31 AM
Do u really think Mugabe got 41% of the votes first time? and even if he did, do u think that his cronies didn't threaten, burn, chop off hands etc etc etc to get these ppl to vote for him? Come on...

MaLeFaCtOr 7/7/2008 10:27:57 AM
Weak minds could'nt get your point accross. All you asking is, since Mugabe is a problem and CANNOT be removed. What do we do next. People just rant and rave that he shoud go blah blah blah. All talk and no action. That will never happen in this lifetime. It's high time we talked possible solutions and get over our dreams and fantasies.

vusi 7/7/2008 10:28:47 AM
I agree with your position that Tsvangirai has been an extremely poor strategist. One cannot wish away the fact that Zimbabwe is a sovereign nation and Mugabe is legally elected under its laws - irrespective of how you feel about whether they are just or not. I can?t help wondering how many of your critics (above) would have agreed to the USA, the USSR or Britain walking in and taking over the apartheid state in the seventies or eighties; when they were enjoying the benefits of apartheid. Another concern is at what point did the benefactors of apartheid become so knowledgeable about democracy? They certainly did not recognise democracy when they were in power.

M 7/7/2008 10:29:19 AM
Its all been said in the posts below. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/04/zimbabwe1 This video explains it all! I hope the editor publishes this so that everyone can see & hear the truth!

Z 7/7/2008 10:30:18 AM
No I wouldn't, simple really, the issue of Zim is more racially than anything. Ask yourself why the West and all you Anti-Mugabe are least concerned about other atrocities in other countries and ONLY cry foul when the white interest are at "risk". There other African countries that are in far worse situation than Zim, and Mbeki had quietly and diplomatically helped those leaders in talking. There in Zim you have TWO "leaders" who are acting childish, including the spoilt brat MT.

bj 7/7/2008 10:30:37 AM
Why is it that so many people want to blame others for their problems (read the west). Why is Africa the laughing stock of the world? Why are Africans so reluctant to blame their own leaders for their failings - do they wear blinkers. Can you not see the problems that incompetentleadership brings. We need more leadership like that seen in Botswana, where the people and the country are put before the ruling elite. Africa will never get anywhere without a massive change in attitude among Africans.

BS 7/7/2008 10:31:29 AM
What a load of hogwash. Leave a dictator in power who rigs elections, kills his own people make sure that if they do not get killed they starve to death while he is living in luxury! So what you are saying is to *^& with democracy leave the dictator alone! Sorry but your arguments are ridiculous and not supporting democracy!

Olivia 7/7/2008 10:31:44 AM
did Morgan run to Gordon Brown with problems? He has been running to Mbeki as far as I have seen. I personally do not think any solution that includes Robert Mugabe will work for Zim. Zanu-PF surely have other leaders except him?

EvylShnukums 7/7/2008 10:33:30 AM
Mbeki's "mediation" has been less than worthless. Despite his supposed mediation Mugabe has given the finger to the West, the AU, The SADC, and most importantly, the electorate who voted for the MDC. Mugabe is a tyrant, and his henchmen are criminals whose favourite pastime seems to be to interfere with, beat up and/or kill those who criticise Bob (think Nyandoro), aid agencies, women and children. Does Africa support tyranny? If not, Mugabe should be denounced and deposed.

Alain 7/7/2008 10:33:38 AM
I agree with you. Morgan DID WIN FREE AND FAIRLY! By stepping down before the election, he showed what being a TRUE leader should be. He dropped out for the safety of the people - which was AMAZING. I feel for that man, NO ONE is helping him. what else must he do to Thabo Mbeki, as he is supporter no 1 for Mugabe??????????????????

Jerry 7/7/2008 10:34:57 AM
I find this article totally unresearched and lack political knowledge about the situation in Zimbabwe. Blaming Tsvangirayi on mediation by Thabo Mbeki is utter crap. Mediation mandate from SADC was not met at all. Tsvangirayi was elected by the people of Zimbabwe to lead the MDC and later alone as a more preferred candidate for presidency. Mbeki, who is supposed to be neutral shocked the world when he blatantly repeatedly lied on issues on the ground. All what zimbabweans need is an HONEST broke

BringinDaNinjas 7/7/2008 10:35:02 AM
Man have u read what u just wrote?? We all know this already, no solutions given! Just because a leader doesn't feel its his time to go, doesnt mean he can use violence and intimidation to do so! The whole world should come crashing down on his fat head, but as we all know, the best qualities our world leaders haev is to TALK,TALK,PAPER, TALK,PAPER,FORGET,TIME,......oh yeah....TALK,TALK............Quiet diplomacy....LOL

Pangea 7/7/2008 10:36:37 AM
No! Mad Bob will not be accepted. All efforts must be made to remove him from power the correct way (Full sanctions and total isolation in the international community and arresting ZANU-PF big wigs as the leave the country). This is africa's problem, they accept dictators, genocide, corruption and violent crime as part of life and this is the reason it will always flourish on this continent and why the continent will always struggle.

Tuffy 7/7/2008 10:41:03 AM
that the West does not understand the "African way of thinking". Without mentioning the individual's name I'd like to congratulate you on your newly-developed myopia - fact is that the West DOES understand the African way of thinking and that is why they are desperately trying to help Africa from ANOTHER failure.

Justin 7/7/2008 10:44:51 AM
Funnybones, if you were arrested and beaten/tortured every time you farted, maybe you too would consider not running if you were in Morgan's shoes. Tyranical rulers should be removed for the benefit of the people they "rule".

sdlala 7/7/2008 10:45:05 AM
Funnybones, you are out of order.

Z 7/7/2008 10:45:53 AM
Yes I agree, MUGABE MUST GO. Where I differ with most people and with MDC is HOW to get Mugabe out. Had ANC refused to negotiate with the illegitimate government of NP, we would have gone a longer and painful route. In Kenya, there was dispute after elections, and the leaders there sat down and talked. No, I am not Pro-Mugabe, but neither am I pro-MDC. So my views are very neutral.

fedup 7/7/2008 10:48:37 AM
you couldnt be more right even if you tried. i have always said Tsvangirai is not a leader of any sort which is why he will never be president of anything besides MDC. Uncle Bob will step down the day tony blair/gordon brown and the US stop interfering with Zim matters. ACCEPT THE FACT THAT BOB IS THERE AND A SOLUTION MUST BE FOUND!!!!!!!

Tom 7/7/2008 10:49:17 AM
I am tired of reading about Mugabe and refuse to read any more of it. He does not deserve any atention of any kind.

mallencolly 7/7/2008 10:50:21 AM
Feel free to enlighten us with the TEMRS of the Lancaster Agreement. Specifically the bits about no political violence or intimidation (Matebeleleland?)or the bit about the land being given to ordinary Zimbabweans and not being given to the any political elite.

James 7/7/2008 10:50:54 AM
Pure genius. If you had been part of Bob's crew they could have managed to smash Zimbabwe much faster and possibly already be on the road to recovery. Maybe you should refrain from commenting in light of your inability to make sense. PS Africa only managed to condemn Bob about 5 years late, after he had had a highway named after him and received many a hero's welcome.

VG 7/7/2008 10:53:36 AM
Bob is just one man. He has a whole party - and the armed forces- behind him that are benefitting from the chaos in Zim.Solving Zim's problems cannot be limited to removing Mugabe alone. Thats why the emphasis has been placed on a negotiated solution.Replacing Bob with Tsvangirai in Zim now will have the same outcome as replacing Smith with Bob.

Alan 7/7/2008 10:53:56 AM
The people of Zimbabwe voted overwhelmingly for Tsvangirai. Mbeki is a dishonest mediator. He is complicit in Mugabe's Human Rights Crimes. Both Mbeki's and Mugabe's rightful place today is in the dock at the International Criminal Court. Charles Taylor, erstwhile president of Sierra Leone's neighbour Liberia sets the precedent. Read the latest Economist! Tsvangirai is Zimbabwe's Mandela. He is on track for a Nobel Peace Prize...As for Mbeki, Polokwane saw the Mugabe in him...

Wernardt 7/7/2008 10:54:01 AM
I have given up trying to debate this subject with anyone who supports lame duck mbeki or mad bob mugabe. As we say in Afrikaans: As jy nie wil hoor nie moet jy voel. I believe in simple arguments. Choice and consequence. Look at the choices Zimbabwe made, and look at the consequences. Is that the African way? Turning your country into a starving wasteland to "spite" the whites? Well, have fun doing that.

kwk 7/7/2008 10:54:45 AM
It's easy to give advice to someone who has tried every democratic and judicical avenue possible, and get harrassed and his scull cracked.There are so many faults in your convulted reasoning.For one,a mediator starts neutral, but should speak out if mediated agreements are broken by one of the parties.Otherwise his mediation is meaningless(as suprise, surprise, the results show).

Kolobe 7/7/2008 10:57:49 AM
Robert Mugabe is a victim of conspiracies propagated by the two western colonial imperial masters, the question that we the masses always ask is why the legitimate president of Zimbabwe is being targeted, the west cited 28 years long service is enough for one man, well if that is the case then what about President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, is one of the longest serving presidents of an African country having ruled Angola since 1979, President Blaise Compaore, and even our neighbour Msawati, President Paul Biya has been in power for 26 years ? since November 1982, yet the western colonial imperialists are not concerned about them, there is clearly a third force behind the president of Zimbabwe. they want to re-colinize Zimbabwe through Morgan Tsvangarai.

petepan 7/7/2008 10:58:27 AM
Wake up my boytjie - more that 66% of those "benefactors" voted for democracy - which lead to the 94 elections. I wonder all these black people who say the West should stay out of Africa's affairs - why you didn?t want them to stay out when they sanctioned the Apartheid government. And believe me where you?re sitting all comfy behind you PC ? those people in Zim dying of hunger would much rather be getting food aid from the West (once again) than die of hunger.

Lin 7/7/2008 11:01:22 AM
are you serious, or are you trying to be funne? The mad Bob person stole the previous electrion and now this one! He has killed so many people, its an absolute disgrace. He must go and he must go now. Morgan must be president and he should be given all the help he can get from the UK, US and anybody who has money to spare. Then he can build a new Zim and not least feed all the starving people!

MUDANALWO PH 7/7/2008 11:02:13 AM
if you are true african,like marcus garvey,haile selaise, you ought to believe that the western powers are looking for the wealth of our continent,nothing less, but in their continent they are untouchable, i believe that president thabo mbeki must tireslesly continue to mediate. africans must learn to solve their problems.

Herman 7/7/2008 11:03:07 AM
Neels moet asseblief nie K@2K praat nie. If you can only talk cr@p rather keep quiet.

Cant get me 7/7/2008 11:04:44 AM
Dude, you have made my day, that was a lovely posting you sent there, i cant wait for the empowerment to come to S.A

Ryan 7/7/2008 11:21:02 AM
I used to be passionate about Zim's crisis and have a serious interest in the going's-on but I have to say now,I really dont care anymore!All of you out there who have anything positive to say about Mugabe,I hope Zanu mistakes you for an MDC supporter and you get beaten senseless for your utter stupidity,Mugabe has got to u too!I'm now stopping commenting because of complete buffoons who have absolutely zero moral compass and who don't care for fellow human beings,u deseve a fate worse than death

KimPossible 7/7/2008 11:30:25 AM
I believe Funnybones (and quite a few commentators here) hit HIS head on the nail - hence the RETARDED post/s! Does CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY mean ANYTHING to you morons?!

Karen 7/7/2008 12:02:56 PM
I am also reaching a point where I just don't give a damn anymore. I used to have hope and belief, then came dispondency and disbelief at what was going on. Then the realisation that no matter how hard white people tried to offer understanding and support in the face of blatant hatred and racism, our apology would never be enough and our help would always be suspicious, they only want our money. Only revenge will do, and Africa will self-destruct in trying to get their revenge - you have won.

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