How can Mbeki be so blind?
One day he is congratulating Mugabe, shaking hands and smiling, denying any problem in Zimbabwe. The next he is dealing with the sharp increase in attacks on Zimbabweans fleeing into South Africa and being set upon by the locals.
Then he turns and says that preparations for the 2010 World Cup are going along exceptionally well.
He is looking increasingly like a King Kanute figure, trying to stop the tide by his rhetorical flourishes as South Africa becomes increasingly mired in the region’s problems. He continues to ignore the challenges facing the country, and keeps his head firmly stuck in the sand.
Until Mbeki – a crucial figure in regional politics, representing the powerhouse of African affairs – stands up for himself and his country, no good can come out of these turbulent times.
I hope you masters in international journalism doesn’t turn out to be a masters in herdthink. Mbeki deserves a harder and more sophisticated look than you’re giving him. Does the world really need more journalists all saying exactly the same thing?
Good luck.