Zuma criticised for not taking tough stance on Zimbabwe

Analysts are criticising Zumas speech for failing to inspire hope that he can set South Africa on a new, positive course. Despite pledges to create more job opportunities in the country, where more than four million people are unemployed, analysts have argued the goals are too ambitious, with no clear direction given by the president.

The public address focused almost entirely on domestic issues, with only passing mention being given to the crisis across the border in Zimbabwe. Although the President acknowledged that South Africa and the Southern African region as a whole had been negatively impacted by the crisis, he failed to take a much-needed stand on the issue. Critics have argued that a critical change of policy by the new Zuma administration is pivotal for change in Zimbabwe, following his predecessor Thabo Mbekis detrimental and failed policy of quiet diplomacy.

But Zuma has yet to take any kind of stance, despite being called on as the SADC chair to break the current political deadlock between the countrys leaders. He has also remained quiet about the ongoing abuse of Zimbabwean exiles in South Africa, which was this week detailed by medical charity group, Doctors Without Borders. Observers have argued that his State of the Nation address on Wednesday presented an ideal opportunity for Zuma to make a stand on Zimbabwe. He instead used the chance to urge support for the unity government for Zimbabwes economic recovery, and very little else.

South African based Political Analyst Glen Mpani on Thursday moved to defend Zuma, arguing that the State of the Nation address was not the right platform to publicly make a stand on the Zimbabwe issue. Mpani argued that Zuma knows he will need to take a tough stance on Robert Mugabe eventually, but argued that he will not move to alienate himself. He is expected to be tough on Mugabe, and he will be tough on Mugabe, Mpani argued. But he believes Zuma will deal with other issues in the unity government first.

Meanwhile, the visa waiver declared by the South African government as the first positive development towards the treatment of Zimbabwean exiles, has seen a massive crisis develop at the Beitbridge border post. Officials there have said the number of people seeking entry to South Africa has skyrocketed since the announcement last month, with more than 7000 people entering per day. Although the lifting of visa restrictions has been welcomed, the move has not been facilitated with the boosting of human resources at the entry points. The border post reportedly now resembles car market with long and winding queues of vehicles and people trying to get through customs clearance.