Political crises are normally resolved by political processes worked out by politicians and their supporters. But the failure of Zimbabwean political parties to find a way through the maze where we have lost ourselves, induces one to look in other directions. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have become a major force in our society - could they not show us the direction and lead us back to political sanity?

Dear Mr. President,

We, the undersigned, wish to express to you our grave concern about the ongoing and unrelenting nature of the crisis in Zimbabwe. We believe that African states, including South Africa, need to intensify efforts to publicly signal to the Zimbabwean government that the violation of human rights is unacceptable.

Through the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), in which South Africa plays such a vital role, African Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to take effective and concrete measures to uphold the rule of law and promote principles of human rights and accountability. The disparity between the principles enshrined in both NEPAD and the Vision and Mission of the African Union, and the reality of the situation in Zimbabwe, as experienced by millions of Zimbabweans, is conspicuous.