Another chance for Mbeki to act

It appears that Mugabe will declare himself victor and legitimate president of Zimbabwe yesterday. Everybody knows that this is a farce. The rest of the world will be lining up in the coming days to discuss the crisis in Zimbabwe. South Africa will once again be provided an opportunity to shape the international community's reaction to Zimbabwe. Will South Africa join with leaders in the UN and AU to condemn the election? Or will South Africa once again do everything it can to shield Mugabe from the consequences of his crimes.

The world will be watching Thabo Mbeki's reaction to this crisis. His failure to act will have consequences on South Africa: increased refugees, increased ethnic tensions in South Africa, increased unemployment, increased starvation in Zimbabwe...and a boycott of the South Africa World Cup.