The mere talk shop that is AU and SADC

If anyone has been in doubt that the African Union (AU), SADC and its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security are mere talking shops, here is the evidence.

The recent AU Addis Ababa summit is said to have received a progress report on Zimbabwe. It is even a misnomer talking of a progress report on anything concerning the ever-worsening meltdown in Zimbabwe. Where many people see despair and disillusionment, the optimists in the SADC organ see hope and progress.The SADC says South African President Thabo Mbeki reported that both the opposition and ruling party have reached an agreement on all substantive matters on the political situation in Zimbabwe.

Mbeki said the parties had issues ranging from the constitution, electoral laws, security legislation, communication legislation - in particular the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (AIPPA) and the Broadcasting Services Act. The two parties in the Zimbabwe crisis are said to have reached an agreement on matters related to the political climate in the country, such as the land question, politically motivated violence and external interference.SADC says constitutional and statutory changes have already been put in place.The summit welcomed the good progress and requested, and we believe they begged Mbeki to carry on as the facilitator to resolve the Zimbabwe crisis. Even on the face of it, this is absolute nonsense. Is there really progress?

Editor's Comment
Dear gov't, doctors: Ntwakgolo ke ya molomo

With both sides entrenched in legal battles and public spats, the risk to public health, trust in institutions, and the welfare of doctors grows by the day. It's time for cooler heads to prevail. The government and BDU must return to the negotiating table, not with threats, but with a shared commitment to resolve this crisis fairly and urgently.At the heart of this dispute lies a simple truth: doctors aren't just employees but guardians...

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