Football might save Zimbabwe

I have an entire blog about the problems in Zimbabwe, and right now things are getting worse. Despite western pressure, the only one who can actually can pressure Mugabe into leaving is Mbeki of South Africa, and alas he has refused to do so, even though Zim is going to hell, and the next sector of the economy to collapse will be the mining sector, many of which are owned by South Africa.

Solidarity with a fellow Marxist is more important than money, it seems.

But there is one thing that might make Mbeki do something. No, not the Christian churches, who are taking a louder stand against the tyranny. And not the Trade Unions, whose South African brothers are pressuring Mbeki to intervene.

What might make Mbeki change his mind is....football.

Already a number of European countries have raised their concerns at sending their teams to a country whose neighbour is involved in gross human rights abuses. Amid the spiralling brutality, violence, rapes and destruction of property belonging to the opposition, there are reports that the Southern African Development Community are also pushing Mbeki to force Robert Mugabe to stop his ‘dirty war’ on innocent Zimbabweans. Sources on Thursday said Mbeki is expected to travel soon to Harare for talks with Mugabe and opposition leaders Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara. Reports from Johannesburg said there have been a flurry of discussions over the phone between other SADC leaders and Mbeki, urging him to act fast on Zimbabwe to ensure the whole region benefits from South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup.

The world cup is expected to draw half a million visitors, and would benefit not only South Africa but neighboring countries. However, if Zimbabwe descends into anarchy or civil war, or if the continued economic crisis leads to more refugees, the entire region could be destablized and South Africa's bid would to hold the World Cup would be rejected.

Ironic, isn't it, that it might just come down to football?