Madam Deputy Speaker, the DA welcomes the decision by the South African Cricket Union to suspend its relationship with the Zimbabwean Cricket Association owing to the political crisis in that country. The courage displayed by the leadership of Norman Arendse is an example of what South Africa's foreign policy approach towards the dictatorship of Robert Mugabe should be.
Sports sanctions were effective in isolating the apartheid regime and they will achieve the same success with Zimbabwe, if South Africa mobilises the international community to do so. Mugabe has a thick skin, he does not understand the language of negotiations and we must be very tough when dealing with a ruthless criminal like him.
South Africa must take the lead in isolating Mugabe's illegitimate reign. His brutal regime has claimed the lives of innocent Zimbabweans, exposing children to the hardship of life without parents or food. Every day we are hounded by images of some Zimbabweans being beaten or burnt to death, yet the government insists the people of Zimbabwe should solve their own problems.
South Africa can no longer hide behind a failed, silent diplomacy while Mugabe is killing our brothers and sisters. I thank you Madam Speaker.