S Africa sees Zimbabwe 'meltdown'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/6486525.stm

Version 0 of 1.

South Africa's deputy foreign minister has made the country's strongest comments on neighbouring Zimbabwe, saying it was on the brink of meltdown.

Aziz Pahad said it was now difficult to see how the country could avoid a complete collapse.

South Africa has come under pressure from the West over its reluctance to voice criticism of Zimbabwe.

But the authorities have insisted there is no alternative to its approach of quiet diplomacy towards Robert Mugabe.

Spiralling inflation

International outrage at the situation in Zimbabwe was heightened this month after a violent crackdown on opposition politicians left party leader Morgan Tsvangirai in hospital.

Nothing frightens me, not even little fellows like Bush and Blair Robert Mugabe <a class="" href="/1/hi/world/africa/6441529.stm">Q &A: Zimbabwe on the edge</a>

The UK and US have threatened to broaden targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe's leaders.

But so far Zimbabwe's powerful neighbour South Africa has been muted in its response.

The BBC's Grant Ferret in Johannesburg said Zimbabwean activists in the county will be pleased with the comments, which they hope indicate a more interventionist policy towards Zimbabwe.

On Friday, a Roman Catholic Archbishop repeated his calls for Zimbabwean citizens to take to the streets in protest at conditions in their country.

"This dictator must be brought down right now," said Pius Ncube, Archbishop of Bulawayo.

"Brought down by people power, not by a violent manner but let people fill the streets and demand that he comes down."

But during a rally of Zanu-PF supporters in Harare, the 83-year-old Mr Mugabe remained defiant.

"Nothing frightens me, not even little fellows like Bush and Blair. I have seen it all, I don't fear any suffering or a struggle of any kind," Mr Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe for 27 years, told cheering crowds.

Zimbabweans are grappling with spiralling annual inflation of 1,700% and widespread unemployment and poverty.