What we hear is wind with no life, a statesman who has little perception of the plight and mayhem occuring in a neighbouring country to which he purports to be commited.

He can hide behind academic and diplomatic jargon, but the key issue is he has failed.

Failed to mediate.

Like the air filled with tobacco smoke is tainted with acrid toxins. The SADC like Mbeki need a big health hazard warning sign that reads:

‘DEALING AND TRUSTING MBEKI/SADC/AU IS A POLITICAL RISK AND A DEADLY HARZARD TO ANY NATION’

In his answers to questions about Zimbabwe Mbeki was certainly beating about the bush as far as conclusions to the ‘talks’ are concerned. But he did say one important thing. With reference to the formation of the inclusive government to which the negotiations are supposed to agree, he said,
“Lets really allow the people of Zimbabwe to determine their future.” In this simple statement he is confirming that at the end of the day, and having regard to the full negotiating process which began last year and not just its culmination of recent weeks, the results of the March 29th Elections must be respected by all political parties.

This means, in effect, that when parliament re-convenes the MDC will, according to the peoples decision of March 29th, become the ruling party, and Zanu-PF will become the opposition. An inclusive government does not mean a coalition government in Zimbabwe’s case because its constitution does not recognize a system of proportional representation.

Elinor Sisulu, chairperson of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, said the summit showed the SADC’s “undemocratic governments were not geared to handle” crises.

“Mbeki’s handling of the process is one of the most painful things I have experienced in my life,” she said.

Well said Elinor!

Meanwhile, I guess the Russian/Georgian debacle will take the spotlight off Mugabe, so he and his JOC (or is it the JOC and he)can go and create more mayhem and destruction in Zimbabwe.