Pahad criticises foreign govts., SA media in Zim Crisis

The South African Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad (left) on Friday criticised the militant approach taken by some foreign governments towards solving the Zimbabwe situation pointing out that such an approach has only served to worsen the situation. Speaking to media in Tswane Pahad put Europe and the United States, the instigators of hostilities against Zimbabwe, in spotlight for their failure to engage in constructive dialogue. He is reported to have said that if international governments had adopted a common approach on Zimbabwe the current crisis could have been averted. Pahad believes that if these countries worked with South Africa towards a common approach to Zimbabwe “the doors would not have been closed”. “We were told that we were working from the same song sheets but it seems we were all playing in different bands”.
Pahad also criticised the South African media for their sensational reporting, which has largely not been based on facts but generalised statements. According to Pahad, the South African media are covering the events in Zimbabwe with "too much sensationalism…there has been a tendency on many of these occasions to make generalised statements without checking the facts. When we investigate these statements we find it to be untrue but the public is already under the impression that this is happening”.
Such approach defines the general failure by both the Zimbabweans among themselves and the foreign forces to come up with a constructive solution for the country. The only progressive route to regime change, which seems to be the pre-occupation of many forces both internal and external, is through the ballot box. Everything else is just a wild dream.This report also demonstrates the destructive role of right wing media on Zimbabwe in setting up their wishes and imaginations as reality. People can only make informed decisions if they have adequate and accurate information. Who can treat cancer when they think they are dealing with a slight headache?

Picture courtesy of SA Dept. of Foreign Affairs