GBO

He is right in that context of course. Folk should realize that there is a perspective that agrees with his and the ANC’s thinking (which may appear to differ with that of Mbeki on Zimbabwe).

Perhaps some of the resistance to “western” interference in Zimbabwe is based on a fear of resource rich underdeveloped countries being plundered yet again by western resource hungry nations like the US, UK and Australia. One needs to understand the dynamics of the current scramble for resources and there’s no need to look further than US imperialist ambitions as evidenced by the invasion of Iraq and possible future invasion of Iran.

As far as the fears of a situation similar to that of Zimbabwe developing in South Africa is concerned, the white folk here need to get to grips with the reasons for whites being pushed out of Zimbabwe. Those whites could not accept power sharing when it was offered to the Smith government. The result of that refusal is the situation we see in Zimbabwe today.

The sort of commentary one sees to online articles like this indicates loudly and clearly that there is a massive racist hangover amongst South Africans and unless they find a way to come to terms with the fact that a major mindset change is necessary, South African whites face a similar fate. It’s in their hands and, the majority black population and government will react to either white attempts at integration or the lack thereof.

Thandeka

“Perhaps some of the resistance to “western” interference in Zimbabwe is based on a fear of resource rich underdeveloped countries being plundered yet again by western resource hungry nations like the US, UK and Australia. ”

Uh . . . Australia? Did you not mean CHINA?

“Those whites could not accept power sharing when it was offered to the Smith government. The result of that refusal is the situation we see in Zimbabwe today.”

Uh . . . Land “redistribution” has nothing to do with the burning of “white” farms and the plunder of the land? Oy! Hope you never get a seat in government or we’ll be in worse trouble than we are now!

alex pswarayi

Its simple about Mbeki. The fact is Mbeki is a failed dictator. I mean he could not become one because he was refused. And he is one through Mugabe. For 8 years, Zimbabwe has burned and he did nothing. Now he tells us J Zuma is bad for S Africa because he is corrupt. Who is more corrupt one who kills people to be in power, one who kills an economy to be in power. And we are told by Hon Mbeki that “there in no crisis. What nonsense! And he says we should credit him with what intelligence, my foot!

Malamba

They dont like Mbeki. Ever since Mbeki took over South Africa, he has led an African continent that is united and strong. The British and Europeans can no longer control Africa as they used to. They is so much unprecedented anger towards Mbeki which can not be explained otherwise.

They make up stories all the time. Unfortunately most of these people are white South Africans. Everybody who does not wish Africa well, hates Mbeki.

GBO

Thandeka, I mean Australia. Check out this article by John Pilger: http://www.newstatesman.com/200803060031

You should consider doing a little research of your own before sarcastically writing off what others have to say.

As far as Zimbabwe’s land distribution goes, there was an agreement for the British government to fund land reform on a willing seller/willing buyer basis. That was hardly taken up by the whites there and in 1992 the funding was drawn with the British claiming misuse of the funding. As late as 1998, there were again attempts by the Zimbabwe government, supported by many western donor countries, to purchase land from black and white commercial farmers, churches and multinational corporations. Again there was little take up by farmers and well, the rest is history. There’s got to be a lesson or three in there for us huh?

Malamba

Honestly, as a black African currently living abroad, I am beginning to be concerned by the reasoning of black journalists and intellectuals in South Africa. I am concerned because very soon South Africa may be asked to be a permanent member of the UN Security Council representing Africa. Are South Africans fit for this task? Should we now look to Nigeria to take thus UN seat?

I maybe wrong here but it seems to me that black South Africans define intellectualism as endorsing everything said or done by Europeans. So to be an intellectual you have to endorse everything Europeans say.

How is it that of all hundreds of black journalists in South Africa, none (at least from reading the press there) seem to think Mbeki’s approach is right? In any group of normal intelligent people there is a divergence of ideas. Why is it that all Black journalists and intellectuals in South Africa just happen to think just like the BBC, Guardian, etc?

Mbeki’s policy on Zimbabwe is not horrible at all. The Zimbabwe crisis started with the land issue. Mugabe maybe wrong this far, but the British shares a big part of that blame. Have any of those journalists in South Africa considered the implications of SADC dealing with Zimbabwe by critizing Mugabe without saying anything about the British?

Sometimes in international politics long-term security and dignity override short term goals. If a group of terrorists kidnap British nationals today demanding Britain to do something before they release the captives, the British government will not burge an inch even if it will mean death of their nationals. Why? Because when you start negotiating with terrorists you lose. They will exploit you again and again.

Since Britain started this current crises by unfairly breaking a promise with Mugabe, is there any implication in Africans closing an eye to the British role and condemn Mugabe only?

It may well be that one of the consequences of apartheid is that black South African have been brainwashed so much that they do not see these things properly. Maybe it is time Africa started looking to Nigeria for that permanent UN Security Council seat. Black South Africa cannot even defend their own president and themselves intellectuals. Does anyone think these people will defend Africa?

Dianne

GBO – re: “land reform on a willing seller/willing buyer basis” – I’m not sure what country you’re in, but in SA there was a documentary flighted last week (check carteblanche.co.za) made by a man who fought against the Smith govt and was a Mugabe supporter. View it for the “Willing seller/buyer” initiative. Would YOU be willing to sell your home because the government told you to? And where some white farmers walked away – albeit unwillingly – their farm houses were trashed and burned.

The trouble with that type of “land reform” is that many Rhodesians had nowhere else to go once the land they were born on was “willingly” sold to others. Maybe you don’t personally know anyone who went through that? Your views appear to be that of an observer. Everything looks good on paper!

Thandeka

It’s about open discussion, GBO. I don’t write off what people say. But I am entitled to my opinion. Unless that’s become illegal here and in Zimbabwe?