Zimbabweans pinning their hopes on upcoming SADC summit

Interested parties will join Zimbabweans across the globe in once again pinning hopes on regional body SADC as dignitaries from the 15-member bloc convene in Johannesburg later this week seeking a much-needed and long-awaited solution to Zimbabwe's seemingly endless political impasse, which depending on who you talk to, began in 2000 when President Robert Mugabe launched his land reform program.

You have to sympathize with those who question whether SADC can be a good harbinger of things to come. It has taken too long to resolve this unpredictable and complicated conflict. For the larger part of its diplomatic efforts, SADC has until recently been accused of taking a pro-Mugabe stance.

A shift in policy at a recent regional summit in Livingstone left senior ZANU PF officials launching an unprecedented, scathing attack on South African President Jacob Zuma, who as facilitator issued a damning communiqué, which said the regional body was “disappointed” and getting increasingly “impatient” with the stalemate.

You always have to trade carefully when dealing with Mugabe. A confrontational approach is tricky. There is no doubt Mugabe is rallying for SADC support, which is perhaps why a ZANU PF delegation left for South Africa as early as Monday. However, in as much as he needs SADC, Mugabe is very stubborn. Just like he pulled Zimbabwe out of CHOGM, he may repeat the same act should Zuma “embarrass” him even though chances for such an extreme undertaking are quite slim.

Zimbabwe's future is indeed in the hands of SADC. There is no other option.

If Europeans poke their noses into the Zimbabwean folklore, firebrand Mugabe will use every opportunity to blend them ''imperialists'' and ''racists.'' Mugabe isn't prepared to listen to an ''unAfrican'' solution, whatever that means. European or American voices will only help advance Mugabe's claims that Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC is fronting Western interests in the country.

For that reason, SADC is the best bet to resolve the conflict. SADC, for instance, is the only international body that can stop Mugabe from postponing elections, which his party has been preparing over the last few months.

Time is not on SADC’s side though. Zimbabweans from all sides of the political divide are eager to finally see some light at the end of this very elongated tunnel.

Zimbabweans themselves are a fighting lot. Even though some political heavyweights are keen on reminding everyone of their ability to solve their own problems, the reality points to a different scenario. If they were capable, we wouldn't be where we are.

Many people consider Mugabe the main hindrance to progress. I think there is no doubt whatever your views are, he is certainly part of the solution. I believe his popularity for right or wrong reasons is just as good as that of Tsvangirai, whose image may have suffered from recent reports of intraparty violence.