Photograph by: TSVANGIRAYI MUKWAZHI
Credit: AP

That much is evident from the fact that he has not moved to address the outstanding issues connected to the Global Peace Agreement (GPA) and continues to be obsessed with lifting the smart sanctions imposed on him and other senior members of Zanu-PF rather than with taking the steps required that will allow the economic reconstruction of that country.

In the light of that, the continued engagement of President Jacob Zuma with the situation in our northern neighbour is welcome as is his obvious concern that the issues preventing the smooth operation of the unity government that the MDC is currently boycotting, should be addressed to prevent Zimbabwe falling back into a state of instability.

Just how fragile the situation is can be seen from the fact that the boycott of the unity government by the MDC has knocked investor confidence with the question now being posed as to whether the GPA will still be in existence in 12 months time.

Equally, the emergence of another outbreak of cholera is all to clear an indication of the extent to which the infrastructure of the country has collapsed. Five deaths have already been recorded.

We do not believe Mugabe will allow the unity government to collapse but will at the same time continue to prevent it from operating as envisaged in the GPA and delay the writing of a new constitution.

The Zanu-PF leader is a wily operator and will appreciate all too well that his best chance of clinging to power rests with that kind of approach.

Mugabe will also know that such a strategy, while frustrating those anxious for an end to the impasse, will also keep them engaged particularly as they will not want to damage the progress made to date.

That provides Zuma and SADC with the challenge of developing a strategy that will counter this ploy and force Mugabe to implement the full provisions of the GPA, complete the drafting of a new constitution and allow elections to be held under international supervision.

It will not be easy and we are not optimistic a solution will be found in the immediate future – a solution which will bring an end to the misery and suffering of Zimbabwe’s people.