Zim envoy yet to commence duties

This follows revelations that Mphoko, whose appointment is being opposed by Zimbabwes Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, has not yet presented his credentials to South African President Jacob Zuma.

According to diplomatic dictates, an ambassador can only begin his official duties after his credentials have been received by the state president of the host country.

The delay comes several months after Tsvangirai asked South Africa and the European Union (EU) member countries to ignore the credentials of ambassadors who had been unilaterally appointed by Mugabe. Under the Global Political Agreement (GPA) Mugabe is supposed to consult Tsvangirai before making important decisions.

Mphokos failure to start his official duties is likely to further strain the already sour relationship between Mugabe and Tsvangirai.

However, in an interview with The Zimbabwean, Zumas office downplayed Mphokos predicament and pointed out that the delay in receiving his credentials had nothing to do with Mugabe and Tsvangirais spat over appointments.

Zumas communications advisor Zizi Kodwa said there had been no time for Mphoko and a number of ambassadors representing other countries to present their letters of appointment to Zuma.

There are many ambassadors waiting to present their credence to the president. This is arranged by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation with the Presidency, based on space in the diary, said Kodwa, who could not give an exact date when ambassadors would present their letters of appointment to Zuma.

Speaking from Harare, Nelson Chamisa, who is the spokesman for Tsvangirais MDC, said the unilateral appointment of Mphoko and other ambassadors by Mugabe last year in July had set back South Africas mediation efforts in Zimbabwe.

The appointment of these people has undermined the legitimacy of the Zimbabwean government and the confidence our people have in us and defies the togetherness of the government, said Chamisa.

EU countries have also expressed their concern at the appointments, as they feel that ambassadors should represent the whole government of Zimbabwe and not just a part of it.