Thabo Mbeki has in the space of a week become marginalised as first the SADC Chairman, then the UN Secretary General, next the UN Security Council and now the ANC President have stepped up to fill the leadership gap created by Mbeki's weakness.

Jacob Zuma knows that Mbeki's vacillation at a time when the world and the Region was looking for a firm stance against this murderous regime has diminished his country in the eyes of millions. God alone knows why Mbeki was prepared to pay such a heavy price to protect his mate. Whatever the reason, Mbeki's slide into political oblivion is now beyond doubt.

couldn't agree more.. Say what you will about Zuma, but at least he is prepared to point a finger... Why Mbeki has had no backbone in this we will never know I fear. Not sure what to make of Zuma, but I thik he got this one right. Probably even the SANDF to get rid of Robert. For all those who say that foreign intervention is a western plot... Now THAT would shut them up. Too bad it isn't going to happen. Somebody, please arrest the editor and staff of The Herald when all this is over...