“In Mr. Coltart’s criticism of the New Zealand government he expresses deep concern about ongoing human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, and acknowledges his government’s inability to stem this brutal tide but then insists he and his colleagues have no option but to continue their association with ZANU PF. This is nonsense. When you are part of an arrangement that conducts itself in a fashion that is consistently criminal, Mr. Coltart should know better that most of us, you become complicit. The honourable, nay the only response to this disgraceful alliance he so fervently defends is to summarily withdraw and have no more truck with it. It is now manifestly clear that only ZANU PF wield real power and the former opposition is only there for cosmetic reasons and to sing the praises of their murderous principals and Mr. Coltart is singing very sweetly indeed.

The fact is both factions of the MDC are now effectively collaborators in the pejorative sense and their only achievement has been to legitimise a regime that is illegitimate in every possible way.

Criticising the New Zealand government for preferring to maintain a distance after concluding that no pressingly needed fundamental change has taken place in the country is disingenuous.”

Hannes Wessels

An after thought – I am somewhat amused by the fact that both the Herald (see “Letter to Auckland “written last Saturday the 27th March posted on my web site that day http://www.davidcoltart.com) and Voice of Democracy) didn’t like my comment published in New Zealand – but for completely different reasons! The Herald because it feels I unfairly attacked the very people Heath Streak is said to be “collaborating with”. Sometimes being assailed from both ends of the political spectrum is a useful place to be in.

There are some sectors – land for example – which are not better but most sectors are. I challenge Voice of Zimbabwe to dispute that objectively and truthfully. Also I challenge Voice of Democracy to advise us what the viable non violent options are. I have seen, I think, articles written by Voice of Zimbabwe stating that an election is a viable option. With respect the only election we will have in the short term is another repeat of June 2008, which no-body needs.

Does Voice of Democracy have any idea what Heath Streak has been through? I think to call him “collaborator in chief” is a cruel cut. He genuinely loves cricket and is doing what he can to revive the sport in good faith.

I think it is time for Voice of Democracy to get out of its negative mind set and start working with many of us acting in good faith to help make this peaceful non violent experiment work. If they carry on carping from the sidelines then the predictions of gloom will become a self fulfilling prophecy. That is not to say that we should not all be held to account for our actions – but we must have balance, fairness and truthfulness in this debate.