[Definitely! Jan]

South Africa, Zimbabwe Unify
The Trumpet, UK

WORLDWATCH: AFRICA February 2006

Many worry that South Africa is traveling the same destructive path as
its northern neighbor Zimbabwe. Having long suffered from problems similar
to those in Zimbabwe-including crime, corruption and economic woes-South
Africa now appears intent on following in its footsteps politically. In late November 2005, those concerns rose another notch as South Africa and
Zimbabwe strengthened defense and intelligence ties.

South African Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils “praised Zimbabwe’s
‘advances and successes’ in the 25 years since its independence from
Britain. He said the two countries shared a ‘common world view’ and would
‘march forward shoulder to shoulder'” (cnn, Nov. 17, 2005).

Zimbabwe has “advanced” in many ways: for instance, its land seizure
program has advanced to the stage where there is virtually no white
ownership of farms in Zimbabwe. Consequently, its food-shortage issue has
also reached the advanced stage-nearly one third of the population is
severely short on food. Last year, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was
able to use “advanced” technology to block his political opponents from
broadcasting their speeches in the lead-up to elections. Official returns
showed that the number of votes received had advanced past the number cast, something that could never be accomplished in a fair election.

Inflation is currently over 400 percent, far more “advanced” than most nations.

When questioned about South Africa’s support of a country so obviously
opposed to human rights, Minister Kasrils responded: “[W]e are indebted to
our neighbor for achieving freedom and liberty. This will never ever be
forgotten by the people of South Africa” (ibid.). Zimbabwe has South
Africa’s unapologetic support, and Robert Mugabe is considered a hero by many in South Africa.

Human rights abuses, unfair elections and land seizures seem destined
to become the norm in South Africa next.