The situation in Zimbabwe has clearly exposed how useless the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has become.

The situation in Zimbabwe has clearly exposed how useless the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has become.

It has also exposed the ineffectiveness of other institutions such as the African Union.

The fact that at the height of the socioeconomic-political crisis in Zimbabwe, SADC presidents met for 13 hours in Lusaka and only emerged with a lousy resolution speaks volumes about their ineffectiveness.

Those of us who have been observing the situation in Zimbabwe know that thousands are displaced, without food and molested by political opponents every day.

Zimbabweans have been reduced to beggars. They are never sure where their next meal will come from.

I find it strange that anyone can expect these men to correctly advise President Robert Mugabe when they themselves have not fully embraced democracy.

Mugabe's insistence on ruling Zimbabwe, even when the majority of his people do not want him, actually reinforces their own selfish positions.

The truth is that they will in public sheepishly call for the speedy release of results but privately call Mugabe and tell him to "hang in there".

I am convinced that these African leaders do not have the courage to stand up to Mugabe.

The international community should tell him that the continued suffering and pain of Zimbabweans cannot continue.

Benny Boshielo, Polokwane