adminAnd of course having pride of place in that historic story of Africa’s maiden victory over neo-colonial regime change projects will be former president of South Africa Cde Thabo Mbeki.
A man who personified to the hilt, the Biblical neighbour by refusing to be used against his brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe.
Others dubbed him their ‘‘point man on Zimbabwe’’, yet others implored him ‘‘to work closely with them over Zimbabwe’’, but his resolute refrain: ‘‘Zimbabwe is not a province of South Africa and Zimbabweans have the capacity to resolve their problems,’’ always rang out.
The condescending Westerners were put on notice though they stubbornly refused and continue to refuse to respect us enough to stop meddling in our affairs. Cde
Mbeki’s resolve should inspire us all to believe in ourselves and respect each other’s political space.
Cde Mbeki’s policy of quiet diplomacy was vindicated and all those who opposed and badmouthed him over Zimbabwe should hang their heads in shame.
The power-sharing deal, he brokered between Zanu-PF, the MDC-T and MDC was as much a personal tribute as it was a triumph for Zimbabwe, Africa and the entire developing world.
It was a celebration of African solutions to African problems as espoused in the MoU that preceded the GPA and should be a wake up call for African leaders to believe in themselves and not always look outside for solutions.
We are aware of the enormous personal and national sacrifices this great son of Africa made to defend our right to self-determination and the flak he received from the reactionary media in Zimbabwe and abroad that would rather have seen us at each others throats for ‘‘good’’ copy.
It is important to note that apart from President Mugabe, no other man was subjected to as much pressure over Zimbabwe as President Mbeki was made to bear.
The fact that he refused to give in when it would have been easier to do so testified to his leadership credentials.
As President Mbeki rightly pointed out, all diplomacy is quiet, if it is not quiet then it is not diplomacy, but something else.
We also salute his successor, president Jacob Zuma for carrying the baton with distinction.
To this end we urge all in the inclusive Government to remember this great son of Africa and accord him the honour given other African luminaries by either naming a street or key institution after him.
Future generations must know, and learn from his example.
Online Reporter