JOHANNESBURG South Africas official opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) last week said that the way Africas economic powerhouse had handled the situation in Zimbabwe and other troubled countries on the continent had put a dent on its foreign policy.DA shadow deputy minister of international relations and cooperation Stevens Mokgalapa said leading the way in demanding that African leaders are held accountable for their actions and policies. He said: We must hold countries and their leaders accountable and not offer patronage and solidarity while the people suffer. We must also keep in mind that we are signatories to the Rome statutes for the establishment of International Criminal Court (ICC), and we must support its actions and role to ensure democracy, justice and accountability.
The opposition politician called on his government to champion the promotion of media freedom, independence of the judiciary and creation of a vibrant civic society on the continent.
While others criticize Former South African President Thabo Mbeki for his policy of quiet diplomacy towards President Robert Mugabe many credit the former president for eventually managing to get Zimbabwes squabbling leaders to agree to form a unity government that has been able to calm political tensions in Harare while and stabilise the economy.