A statement released by Zuma’s office after his Wednesday meeting with Tsvangirai said he had told the Zimbabwean premier that Pretoria was ready to assist the Harare coalition partners resolve their differences.
The statement that also said Zuma had expressed concern with the situation in Zimbabwe appeared a thinly veiled statement of support for Tsvangirai’s calls for Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to intervene to diffuse the crisis in Harare.
But Zulu said while Zuma expressed his sympathy with Tsvangirai’s concerns, he was more worried by the Zimbabwean Prime Minister’s decision to disengage from all cooperation with Mugabe and his ZANU PF party.
Zulu said Zuma also made it clear to Tsvangirai that he had to go back to Harare and try to resolve his problems with Mugabe because there was simply no alternative to the power-sharing government.
“President Zuma told him that the only mechanism on the table is to remain in government and ensure the implementation of outstanding issues,” said Zulu.
“This is the only mechanism available and there is no other. President Zuma and South Africa cannot afford to let Zimbabwe go back to last year’s condition. The way forward is to engage, engage and engage,” she added.
Zulu said Zuma suggested “Tsvangirai and Mugabe must sit down and iron out their differences as a matter of urgency”.
Tsvangirai last week announced his MDC party’s decision to boycott Cabinet and cut all cooperation with Mugabe and his ZANU PF party, blaming the veteran leader’s obstinacy for failing to fulfil the Global Political Agreement (GPA) that gave birth to the unity government, and the slow pace of democratic reforms.
The MDC’s action was also to protest the indictment of its treasurer general and deputy agriculture minister-designate, Roy Bennett, as well as what it says is the continued harassment and politically motivated prosecution of its activists and legislators.
* Zimonline
