Zuma still Sadc point man on Zimbabwe

SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday kept his role as the region's point man on Zimbabwe, hours after assuming the chair of the Southern African Development Community's organ on politics, defence and security.

Zanu-PF hardliners led by the former information minister Jonathan Moyo had warned that Zuma's new role would "diminish and even eliminate any prospects of successful mediation in Zimbabwe".

They said assuming the new role would mean he would be "report to himself".

Despite making a media meal of its misgivings, sources say Zanu-PF did not raise objections at the two-day SADC heads of state meeting in Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday – clearing the way for Zuma to keep both roles.

In a statement, Zuma said his country was honoured to lead the Organ, adding that he aimed to build on the good work done by Zambia, the previous chair.

SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomão said the leaders had endorsed Zuma's continuation as mediator in Harare on behalf of SADC and the African Union.

Zambia's Vice President George Kunda presented a report on behalf of his President Rupiah Banda – the last by the outgoing troika chairman – which noted "progress" in resolving the longstanding crisis in Harare.

Kunda said the power-sharing parties, which include two formations of the former opposition Movement for Democratic Change, are closer to setting dates for a referendum on the revised constitution now being drafted, and for new elections.

The report also noted continuing disagreements on elements of the so-called election roadmap in preparation for months now including reform of the security sector and institutions. It urged Zuma to stay seized with the matter.

The outcome of the summit would have disappointed Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC-T party which wanted regional leaders to take a tougher line on Mugabe for what he sees as his refusal to move the reform process more urgently.
The leaders were also largely silent on the growing unrest in the region and ongoing battles in Malawi and Madagascar.

Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, the organisation's outgoing chair, said "progress" had been made by SADC mediation teams trying to resolve the protracted stand-offs in Zimbabwe and Madagascar, but did not elaborate except to say that "all these issues were dealt with" at an SADC meeting in June.