Fresh hope for Zimbabwe as Zuma takes over as mediator

He maintained that the only outstanding issues were the targeted sanctions imposed on his family and his inner circle for their involvement in human rights violations before the formation of the unity government in February.

But the SADC communiqué issued after Thursday’s summit attended by leaders from Mozambique, Zambia, Swaziland, DRC and South Africa said “the parties should fully comply with the spirit and latter of the GPA and Sadc summit decisions of 27 January 2009.”

Mr Chamisa said their decision to suspend the three week boycott of cabinet and council of ministers meetings showed that they now had faith in the SADC mediation led by Mr Zuma.

Mr Brian Badza, a political science lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) said the 30-day time frame was “unrealistically ambitious” considering that the parties were currently “poles apart”.

“I don’t see much being achieved during the given time frame because the two parties are poles apart,” he said.

Would be resolved

“No key issues would be resolved. Only issues of little significance … issues that do not tamper with Zanu PF’s strategic interests would be solved,” Mr Badza said.

“Zanu PF hardliners would not agree to anything that would compromise their socio-economic and political interests.”

Professor Eldred Masunungure, another UZ lecturer concurred, saying even if Mr Mugabe failed to meet the deadline, the inclusive government will not collapse because the parties have realised that they cannot do without each other.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mr James Maridadi said he was hopeful that Mr Mugabe would have addressed the outstanding issues within the 30 days.

“We are very hopeful,” Mr Maridadi said.

“In the event that Mugabe does not comply with the agreement and Zuma’s mediation fails, it would mean the collapse of the government.”

An exiled Zimbabwean journalist Ms Gerry Jackson felt that SADC leaders were still not tough enough on the veteran ruler. “It is unclear how it’s possible to read this document (SADC communiqué) as a deadline on Mugabe to implement the GPA within 30 days,” she said.

“It would appear to be a document that says nothing more than remove sanctions on Mr Mugabe and his ruling elite and start talking again within 30 days.”