Mbeki, understood to be now feeling the pinch of Mugabe’s intransigence, tried to convince Mugabe of the need to expeditiously set the date for the run-off, say sources privy to the meeting. The Zanu (PF) military junta has reportedly indicated to SADC officials that it plans to further delay the run-off by up to another 12 months.Observers believe that this delay poses a serious threat to SA’s hosting of the 2010 soccer World Cup.The international football governing body, FIFA, is due to send a team in the coming two months to assess, not only the progress on SA’s preparations, but also the general situation in the region, with Zimbabwe in the spotlight.
Impeccable SA sources said Mbeki’s meeting with Mugabe came after pressure from SADC chair, President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia, following evidence of the Zanu (PF) sponsored violence.Mbeki urgently requested meeting with Mugabe after his advisers informed him of plans to delay the rerun by even up to 12 months, which would have dire consequences not only for SA but also the region, a source said. It has also become clear to the SADC leaders that Mugabe is sponsoring the ongoing violence and teams sent to investigate the situation have warned that if allowed to continue, the situation might simply get out of hand to irreparable levels.