New Zim Currency being printed

[John Boucher]

Should be the NON RESERVE BANK OF ZIM

Not much confidence displayed by them to have an EXPIRY DATE - I suppose their way to prevent counterfeiting!

Zim is in SERIOUS Kilo@Kilo and it's going to spill over to the neighbouring countries of which SA is one - I think the Zims coming here will rather be prepared to face Xenephobia than Mugabe's masses.

I think a torrid time awaits.....

[Sox]

Remember it is only 600km away from Johannesburg!

[tsotsi]

There is no crisis in Zimbobwe, just ask Thabo your president !

[Trikenut]

Of kouse therr be no problem. You ask your presidint Thabo. Hee is a good man!
(Thees not my nomal spel)

[Sox]

This is the US Ambassador's Speech at Wits on 19 June 2008.

What can be done ...

[John Boucher]

The most immediate threat facing many Zimbabweans is violence and lawlessness

Very common in African states - South Africa included!

Corruption, greed and the need to maintain themselves in power have converted freedom fighters and liberators into lawless tyrants.
At an even more basic level, there is no Government of Zimbabwe.

Very common in African states - South Africa included!

An equally serious threat for many Zimbabweans is hunger and starvation. Compounding the lack of an adequate harvest is the Government of Zimbabwe’s disastrous, practically criminal, decision to suspend all operations by NGOs, including those providing humanitarian assistance.

That is awaiting us... there are so many people starving in South Africa & the rest of the World

Unemployment is over 80%.

We are we sitting? Halfway there?

It is interesting to note that after Rhodesia’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965, general sanctions were imposed against Rhodesia. Nevertheless, at independence in 1980, the Zimbabwean dollar was stronger than the U.S. dollar.

So true for sanctions! South African Rand was also much strong against the US$ and the Pound. Sanctions make hard working people even more independant!

The state controlled media also contributes to the poisonous atmosphere.

Very common in African states - South Africa included!

Then there is the massive and widespread intimidation of the electorate.

Very common in African states - South Africa included!

We have already seen what regional action can do, with regards to the arms shipment turned away at ports throughout southern Africa. Most notable, this effort did not start out as a governmental action, but as a protest by dock workers in Durban.

Workers had to make the noise whilst our government sat observing... Paints a dreary picture!

The impact of Zimbabwe’s troubles on the region goes beyond the millions who have fled. Zimbabwe was long known as the breadbasket of southern Africa. Given the global food crisis, the continuing disappearance of the Zimbabwean harvest is only magnified.

So, now we are back to starvation. Remember, the wheat, he plants himself, he grows himself, he harvests himself... eish!

The broader economic collapse of Zimbabwe is also felt throughout the region. Economic growth in the region is retarded by Zimbabwe’s implosion.

It is clear that when there is trouble in our region the Rand hiccups!

And a new government which sets responsible fiscal policies and is willing to work with the International Financial Institutions can start to bring Zimbabwe out of the economic abyss. It won’t be quick, and it won’t be easy, but we must start now, or it will be too late.

I agree... however, that is a mindset for a 1st world country willing to do what is necessary for its sustainability! As Mr. Mbeki said, there is absolutely nothing wrong in Zim. If you have people such as this in power - Lord knows what brings Zuma - To be quite honest, I shudder to think what Nelson M is thinking to himself... " Can it be true that I fought a "war" with these morons? Where is their "vision" for a prosperous future?"

No Madiba, we miss your affirmative & positive leadership! I must say you have proven yourself unique!

To the masses in the region - more sal vir homself sorg!

I hope I have not stepped on the political correct's toes - I wonder what would David Bullard's column have said?

[John Boucher]

Mbeki needs to stop trying to mediate between Zanu-PF and MDC. No-one believes in his mediation any more - not MDC, not most of the world, and certainly nothing that he is suggesting is being done by Mugabe.

As a leader in Southern Africa, he should publicly condemn what is happening in Zimbabwe and that in the current climate no elections could possibly be free and fair.

Lobby for immediate and extensive sanctions against the whole of Zimbabwe. Isn't if funny how sanctions were such an acceptable and powerful tool against apartheid, but the ANC won't hear of it against any other African country?

Cut off the electricity supply that South Africa gives (for free, whilst we have our own crisis) to Zimbabwe. If Mugabe has no electricity in his mansion, he might willingly leave for Malaysia (or wherever else they are willing to take him in).

Cut any fuel supplies to the country, either being ferried through South Africa from our ports or that we are directly supplying to them. Without fuel Mugabe and his cronies won't be able to access the rural areas themselves and they will stop terrorizing MDC supporters in these areas.

Lobby for an urgent arms embargo against Zimbabwe. Whilst this is not in place, China can continue to supply Zimbabwe with arms and ammunition (even if they have to fly it in) without fear of reprisal.

Stop promising him indemnity against his crimes if he steps down. Force him out by any means possible and then ensure that he and his cronies are arrested and brought before The Hague and punished for their crimes.

A reader on News24 posted these ideas... They all have potential but who will listen?

[Tumbleweed]

The civilised world is long passed worrying about Zimbabwe. The uneducated Zim masses (with a bit of Thabo's reasonably free and fair result)voted him in last time, so don't expect any 'Iraq' conquest. Only Thabo can close the tap or pull the plug and he's just plain useless.

Maybe offer the one who snuffs Bob a choice of one of his family's farms.