My opinion on the article by Eddie Cross

“SA's 3 million resident Zimbabweans could be mobilised into a powerful pressure group if there was the right leadership and resources in place to raise the stakes.”

Whilst I don't disagree with what he says, I can't help but say that at the end of the day Zimbabweans are the only arbiters of their destiny. Mbeki can only assist and right now, I think that many haven't fully grasped the fact that Mbeki supports Mugabe. Quiet diplomacy is just a smoke screen to disguise this support. Many of the comments made by Foreign Minister, Mrs Glamini Zuma, support this view. Further, actions by the South African Government in all world forums imply that the South Africans are acting as the de facto Zimbabwean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The simple fact is that Zimbabwe is where it is today because South Africa has allowed Mugabe to get it where it is. I have no doubt that they will continue to shelter Mugabe in the future. Zimbabweans who think otherwise should think hard as to why there have never been any results from "Quiet" diplomacy. The reasons are obvious and they hinge around the racial and ideological synergies shared by Mugabe and Mbeki.

Zimbabweans need to realise that the power IS in their hands, despite forces that say otherwise. It's time to stop waiting for the cavalry (ala Mbeki) to come over the horizon. It's simply not going to happen despite predictions made by some. Having said this, the battleground for Zimbabwe's freedom should be played out in South Africa. Mbeki needs to be pushed into taking some form of action, even if it for humanitarian reasons. SA's 3 million resident Zimbabweans could be mobilised into a powerful pressure group if there was the right leadership and resources in place to raise the stakes. A few have tried with pitiful resources at their disposal and that's a tragedy. These same patriots complain about the laxity of MDC reps in SA who, they say, drive around in 4x4's and do nothing for the cause. One might say that this is only hearsay but the source of this opinion is trustworthy. It is understood that this concern has been raised with the MDC leadership and it is hoped that they are doing or have done something about it.

Given the South African constitution with it's freedoms and rights, there is ample democratic space to mobilise Zimbabweans in SA. It would increase the temperature and the large accessible media coverage would be more effective in highlighting Zimbabwe's problems. In fact, talking to a friend in the media recently, he told me that they couldn't understand why Zimbabweans in South Africa were not flexing their muscles. In any event, it would be much easier to raise Zimbabwean patriotism in South Africa than to do the same inside Zimbabwe. Time has ensured that Mugabe's operatives have massively infiltrated every sector of society and right now, fear is now a very real part of every Zimbabwean's psyche. It is a well known fact that people living away from home tend to be more passionate and nationalistic about their homeland and this asset should be utilized. Zimbabweans inside Zimbabwe would be encouraged if they got news about their exiled brothers and sisters mobilising. It would send a powerful message of hope. It may even motivate, activate and encourage them to take the action needed to bring change. It may even pressure Mbeki to do something if Zimbabweans became too noisy inside his country. It would be impossible to lock up 3 million zimbabweans as a result of some planned synchronized national pacifist action. Maybe it's time for the formation of a new opposition with a fresh approach and maybe a broader cross section. Consideration should also be given to the possible formation of a government in exile. Waiting for the next election (March 2005) is just a complete waste of time. Given the battering people got before and after previous elections, it's a no win situation and certainly not the solution under current circumstances. When the South African governemnt recognised the last elections, one of their reasons for recognition was that the MDC took part.

The regime is now making moves to get complete control of food distribution.
They have already told aid organisations that Zimbabwe won't be needing food aid despite the massive predicted food production shortfall. Mugabe intends to import any shortfall because he knows that he can only get votes if he controls food supply. What the MDC might need to consider is that whatever they have done in the past largely hasn't worked. They have not achieved the rightful outcome mandated to them by the people of Zimbabwe. They have been outmaneuvered at every turn by a desperate regime. Many are now saying that they are paralysed and some people I know are becoming demoralised to the point of almost throwing in the towel. It is not good to hear this and recent statements by Morgan Tsvangirai have not helped. Morgan Tsvangirai needs to clarify the position and tell people if there has been a change in policy. Whatever the case, this year is going to be one of the toughest Zimbabwe has ever experienced. It is not time to give up. We all need to apply our minds, our intelligence, stand together, stand tall and help each other wherever we can. We all have something positive to offer. If I was talking to Morgan Tsvangirai today, I would say "You have the support of most Zimbabweans. Use that mandate you know you have been given. Right now, the choices are simple; it's either Zimbabwe or Mugabe. We ask you to lead from the front and take all measures necessary to protect our Zimbabwe.We are with you all the way. Now lets get on with it.".

By FreeAfrica reader,

Chris, in South Africa.