President Zuma's visit to Zimbabwe, which began yesterday, is seen by many as a last ditch attempt to keep the troubled country on the path to democracy. The recent passing of the controversial indigenisation law, ZANU-PF's manipulating of Ministerial portfolios to disempower opposition Ministers and last month's re-arrest of Deputy Agriculture Minister Roy Bennett are damning illustrations of the disdain shown for the Global Political Agreement (GPA) by President Robert Mugabe. The future of our own nation is inextricably linked to that of our neighbour. Should President Zuma fail to use this visit to take a strong, principled stand against President Mugabe's dictatorial agenda, he will be betraying the interests of his own people as much as those of Zimbabweans.

Reports from Zimbabwe confirm that the social and political situation in the country is increasingly precarious. Camps have been re-established to "re-educate" and indoctrinate young disaffected Zimbabweans. Child soldiers are being mobilised. Opposition members are regularly intimidated and tortured. And still President Zuma does nothing.

In fact, he has done worse.

His stubborn refusal to speak out against President Mugabe's continued attempts to undermine the democratic process in Zimbabwe is tantamount to tacit support.

What will it take for our President to defy the octogenarian leader who has seemingly seduced him? Let President Zuma not make the mistake of continuing with his current approach for fear of internal political repercussions.

During his recent state visit to the UK, President Zuma made an urgent plea to the UK government to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe as it helps the country "move forward". Yet until South Africa, Zimbabwe's most critical regional ally, confronts President Mugabe with a resounding, "No More!" - any progress made with regards to the GPA will continue to be eroded.

It was announced yesterday that both ZANU-PF and the MDC see early elections as the only solution to the worsening political situation. President Zuma MUST defy the recent history of South African-Zimbabwean relations and call for the following steps, laid out in detail in the DA's Roadmap to Democracy in Zimbabwe, to be taken by the Zimbabwean leadership as a matter of urgency,

Reach an agreement to hold fresh elections;
Establish an interim government;
Develop a new constitution with balanced input from all stakeholders;
Call for a peacekeeping force comprised of representatives from SADC and the international community- to be present in the country for 2 months prior and 2 months post the elections; and finally
Stage democratic elections

President Zuma holds sufficient influence to be the catalyst for lasting change in Zimbabwe. South Africa will reap the rewards of Zimbabwe's success, but, so too, will be devastated by its failure. The choice is yours, Mr President.