Zuma discusses Zimbabwe with SADC leaders




President Jacob Zuma. File picture: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
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JOHANNESBURG – South African President Jacob Zuma in his capacity as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) chair has now arrived in Angola where regional leaders are expected to discuss the unfolding developments in Zimbabwe.Zuma last week sent Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and State Security Minister Bongani Bongo to the neighbouring country to deal with the impasse there.

Mapisa-Nqakula described the situation in Zimbabwe as “confusing”. She added it was unclear who’s control of government affairs now.

“Zimbabwe is a very proud nation and they really believe in their ability to resolve their own problems. You must be very careful when you interact with them, especially when you move in as a special envoy.”

Meanwhile, ousted Zimbabwean vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa added his voice on Tuesday to those demanding 93-year-old president resign, saying he needed to heed the “clarion call” of his people and step down.

Mnangagwa, who said he fled Zimbabwe because of a threat to his life after being purged from the ruling party, said he had been in contact with Mugabe and invited to return but would not do so until his personal security could be guaranteed.

“I told the president that I would not return home now until I am satisfied of my personal security, because of the manner and treatment given to me upon being fired,” he said in a statement.

EWN