FORMER South African leader Thabo Mbeki flew into Harare
early on Monday for “consultations” with President Robert Mugabe, as Zimbabwe
teeters on the brink of implosion over the 93-year-old Zanu PF leader’s
succession.
The South African ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mphakama Mbete,
confirmed Mbeki’s visit, which he said was at Mugabe’s invitation.
“President Mugabe and President Mbeki became very close
during the Government of National Unity and had not met for a long time,” Mbete
said.
“They met briefly in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) during the
African Union meeting, but President Mugabe indicated he wanted to meet former
President Mbeki here.
“They were discussing experiences in South Africa and
Zimbabwe, as well as the issue of liberation movements, as indicated by
President Mugabe last month.”
There was speculation that Mbeki’s visit would touch on the
succession issue, a suggestion Mbete rejected.
“They met yesterday and today (Monday and Tuesday). In the
meeting, there was Zimbabwe’s Foreign minister (Simbarashe Mumbengegwi),” he
said.
“They did not discuss succession because President Mbeki is
steadfast on his principle of non-interference in the affairs of other
countries.”
Mugabe’s spokesperson, George Charamba, also confirmed
Mbeki’s visit and meetings with the President, but claimed it was the former
South African leader who had requested them, contrary to Mbete’s assertions.
“Yes, they met, it was strictly at his (Mbeki’s) request
and strictly private. We didn’t even attend,” Charamba said.
Mbeki flew back to South Africa yesterday. Mugabe told Zanu
PF supporters last month at a rally in Masvingo that Mbeki would visit. newsday
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