Zim leader briefs Zuma on Mugabe’s fall
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma said yesterday after being appraised by newly-appointed Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, he now had a clearer picture of what transpired in Harare, regarding the removal of long-time ruler Robert Mugabe.
“We have had a very good discussion and I’m very happy that Comrade President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) did come because I am more clearer now about the situation in Zimbabwe. It confirmed what I could observe from a distance – that it looks like there is stability now in Zimbabwe.
“I also commended the manner in which the army, when it had a concern, how it handled the situation. The situation could not go out of hand,” said Zuma after a meeting with Mnangagwa in Pretoria.
“I think it indicated the maturity of the Zimbabweans in handling any situation that will develop. We are grateful for that because in a number of countries, if the army decides to stand up, they leave a trail of destruction, generally.
“In Zimbabwe I think they were able to be under control and indeed, finally the situation was controlled politically.”
Zuma praised Mnangagwa for his leadership role in the peaceful transition which ushered in a new era for the landlocked southern African nation.
“He has been able to stabilise the situation, and I had to thank him very much for that,” said Zuma.
Mnangagwa was in Pretoria on his first international visit after taking over from Mugabe who resigned under a cloud last month.
The new president of Zimbabwe temporarily fled to South Africa early last month after he was fired as deputy president by Mugabe.
The move later proved to be the downfall of the 93-year-old who had been at the helm for 37 years.
Mugabe resigned under pressure from his Zanu-PF party, the army and the Zimbabwean public, leading to the return of Mnangagwa, who has since been sworn in as president.
Yesterday, Zuma said he had been assured by Mnangagwa that Mugabe “will be taken care of”.