Military

DATE=10/30/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-268624

TITLE=SAF / ZIMBABWE (L ONLY)

BYLINE=DELIA ROBERTSON

DATELINE=JOHANNESBURG

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: South African President Thabo Mbeki says that his government's approach to the political crisis in Zimbabwe is based on the need to prevent a complete economic collapse in that country. Zimbabwe's economy is severely depressed as a result of the political uncertainty and years of failed economic policies. V-O-A's Delia Robertson reports from our Johannesburg bureau that Mr Mbeki made the comments in a wide-ranging discussion with members of the foreign media in South Africa.

TEXT: Thabo Mbeki says that South Africa and other countries in southern Africa will pay the price of a complete economic collapse in Zimbabwe.

/// MBEKI ACT ///

Because, I am saying, a collapse of Zimbabwe would not only be disastrous for Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans, for us, for the region, we would have to absorb that shock very directly. Somebody further away doesn't have that challenge.

/// END ACT ///

The South African president was responding to criticism that his strategy of so-called quiet diplomacy in addressing the land invasion crisis and political violence in Zimbabwe has failed the people of that country.

Mr. Mbeki has not been as critical as some would like of developments in Zimbabwe. In addition, the South African government has been working with the Zimbabwe government to find ways of ensuring that Zimbabwe does not run out of fuel and continues to receive electricity.

Critics say Mr. Mbeki's approach creates the impression that he supports beleaguered Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe who, they say, is fueling the crisis and flouting Zimbabwean law with his support for the farm invasions. They say Mr Mbeki should instead speak out against the invasions and violence in Zimbabwe. Mr. Mbeki says he has done so on a number of occasions.

/// MBEKI ACT ///

This conflict is wrong, this approach of occupation of farms or seizure of farms, and this disregard for the law - these things are wrong, these things must stop, these things must be addressed. I've said that, in Zimbabwe, twice - in Zimbabwe, not just from South Africa - all of these things. We'll continue to say those things, and we'll continue to do what we can to contribute to a resolution of all of these issues that confront Zimbabweans.

/// END ACT ///

South Africa is already feeling the effects of the Zimbabwe crisis. In recent months, the local currency has declined dramatically in value, and there have been heavy losses in the markets. Analysts say that these declines are, in part, a result of fears of a so-called Zimbabwe contagion - a fear that land invasions and political unrest could spread to this country.

South Africa's place in regional politics is not always comfortable. It is the regional economic and military power and as a result of this, and because of the history of the former apartheid government in the region, regional governments and populations often look on South Africa with a great deal of suspicion and resentment.

Some analysts say that this, added to the necessity of keeping Zimbabwe's economy afloat, has had the effect of severely limiting Mr. Mbeki's options in dealing with Zimbabwe and with Mr. Mugabe. (Signed)

NEB/DAR/TDW