Chairperson, the decision by the European Union to extend its sanctions against Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe and his cronies, is a welcome move and should be applauded by all who wish to see progress in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement, GPA, in that country. Mugabe and his Zanu-PF have stubbornly refused to fully observe and implement the GPA under the pretext that the MDC has failed to convince its colonial masters in Europe to remove the sanctions.
It should be understood that the sanctions by the EU are not against the people of Zimbabwe, but are targeted against Mugabe and close individuals with links to the reign of terror in that country. For as long as there is no progress in the implementation of the GPA, the DA supports the continued EU sanctions against Mugabe and his cronies.
The DA calls on President Zuma to act now by implementing the DA's road map to democracy to ease tensions between Zanu-PF and the MDC and to pave the way for free and fair elections and democratic consultation in that country.
South Africa has a strong role to play in preventing politically motivated violence in the run-up to Zimbabwe's elections and ensuring that they are not marred by political intimidation and meddling.
Mugabe has indicated time and again that he is not interested in power- sharing and despite him reneging on numerous agreements set out in the GPA, President Zuma has said nothing and provides no mediation between MDC and Zanu-PF leaders. As a champion for African democracy and a leader on the continent, South Africa is fully empowered for the role it needs to play, but President Zuma remains reluctant to act. Thank you. [Applause.]