By Violet Gonda
5 July 2005

After having cut off dialogue with South Africa the MDC has made a sharp u-turn and re-opened the lines of communication with Thabo Mbeki. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai held talks this past weekend with the South African President.

Shortly after the recent elections, which South Africa endorsed, the MDC announced that it would not take part in the Mbeki led initiative to resolve the Zimbabwean crisis and sharply accused him of not being an honest broker. When asked by SW Radio Africa what has now changed, Mr Tsvangirai said, "Circumstances have changed, we can't continue to be angry. It is in the interest of Zimbabwe that solutions be found and Thabo Mbeki is part of the solution." He said although the opposition party had been disappointed by the position taken by it's neighbour, it will not separate or isolate anyone who is in a position to help.

The opposition party wants South Africa to put pressure on Mugabe to come to the negotiating table. Some observers feel that these are futile efforts, especially when South Africa recently told the West it will not be bullied into making statements about Zimbabwe. But the MDC maintains its optimism that this time South Africa will act because it is under tremendous pressure. Morgan Tsvangirai said at the end of the day Mbeki risks losing his credibility if he continues to defend Mugabe.

Tsvangirai also held meetings with key leaders in the region including with Nigerian President Obasanjo, to raise attention to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe and the deteriorating economic situation.