Allow me to express my anger towards the South African government over the Zimbabwean catastrophe.

Allow me to express my anger towards the South African government over the Zimbabwean catastrophe.

I wrote many letters to former president Thabo Mbeki about the long-term implications of his quiet diplomacy on Zimbabwe.

I agree with the MDC that Mbeki has lost the plot in terms of mediating, but the core of the problem is that after many years of his approach on Zimbabwe, South Africa is paying the price.

Now the people of Limpopo are facing another monster, cholera, created by political intolerance and a lack of vision under Mbeki. South Africans have also died from the cholera and for what? Why should ordinary South Africans be victims of another country's lack of political tolerance?

Yes, we can't fold our arms and let Zimbabweans die - but how much can we take?

I would like to call on the South African government to step up and protect its citizens. Do whatever it takes, even if it means removing Robert Mugabe forcibly.

US President George Bush once said that he would do whatever it takes to protect America and its people. Maybe it's time for the South African government to do what it takes to protect its people.

Olebogeng Mothibi, Kempton Park