Note to editors: The following statement was distributed this morning at a press conference held jointly by DA Parliamentary Leader Athol Trollip MP, parliamentary representative to the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Dr Wilmot James MP, and DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Kenneth Mubu MP. The document that was presented at the press conference is available for download.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has grown increasingly concerned with the approach of both the ANC government and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to the Zimbabwean political situation - and how both parties' refusal to challenge President Robert Mugabe's despotic behaviour will impact the fortunes of South Africa, and Southern Africa more broadly.
As a party concerned with solutions, and mindful of the impact that Zimbabwe's fate will have on our own country, the DA today presented a document to, firstly, offer a brief overview of Zimbabwe's current social, economic and political state of affairs and, secondly, identify the key obstacles to progress in that country. Thirdly, this document seeks to present a set of proposals to map a successful way forward in Zimbabwe.
The signing of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) in September 2008 and subsequent formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in February 2009 - a process spearheaded by former President Thabo Mbeki - effectively threw tyrannical President Robert Mugabe a political lifeline. By abusing state resources for political gain, retaining control of key components of the state, such as the military, and failing to comply with the provisions of the GPA, President Mugabe has, using a combination of violence, rhetoric and deft political maneuvering, staged a successful political comeback.
In conducting an analysis of Zimbabwe's political, economic and social prognosis, one must therefore remain mindful that the South African government, driven by the misguided foreign policy agenda of the ANC, helped to change a defeated President Robert Mugabe's political fortunes.
For reasons of both national and regional importance, the ANC government cannot be permitted to continue with its tacit support of President Robert Mugabe's attempts to undermine political progress in Zimbabwe.