Zuma Appoints New Diplomat To Harare
21/03/2011 11:55:00
Harare, March 21, 2011 – South African President Jacob Zuma has appointed a
new ambassador to Zimbabwe, Vusi Mavimbela.
Diplomatic sources told VOP on Monday Mavimbela is due to start his mission
in Harare on Friday 25 March, 2011.
He replaces Mlungisi Makhalima whose tour of duty diplomatic sources said
has come to an end.
Makhalima has been Zuma’s point-man in Harare for the past two years as the
South African leader battled to find a solution to the Zimbabwe crisis.
Mavimbela comes at a time when tension is high in the government of national
unity as President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Tsvangirai wrestle for
power.
President Mugabe refused the premier permission to hold a star rally in
Harare over the weekend, further confirming fissures within the coalition
government. Zuma’s facilitation team is due back in Harare this week in what
weekend papers claimed was meant to diffuse tension in the power-sharing
arrangement following heavy regional lobbying by the Prime Minister.