April 1, 2008
Posted: 1917 GMT

BEIT BRIDGE, South Africa-Zimbabwe border – Is this the beginning of the end? The rumors, reports and downright speculation are starting to fly now.

Everyone at the border post here at Beit Bridge is asking the question: what have you heard? The results of the elections seem clearer and clearer. Robert Mugabe has lost, and a generation of political leadership is about to end.

"We are just hoping for change," one man tells us. A woman sighs almost sadly, not willing yet to hope. "We’ll see," she says, shrugging her shoulders.

This is now the moment of high politics, of secret meetings, of truths denied and lies defended. What is real? What is false? Its hard to make sense of it all but at last, it seems, real change is in the air. Checking and rechecking facts, rumors with trusted sources – that’s the best we can do here on the South African border.

We are hearing that Robert Mugabe has conceded defeat - some sources say it was as early as yesterday lunchtime. The ruling ZANU PF party and the opposition MDC are in serious talks about transition. If this is all true then this is the night of the generals. They hold the future of Zimbabwe in their hands. Will they support a transition or will they be loyal to their old comrade and leader from the liberation war Robert Mugabe. Some have openly said they will not salute someone who "did not fight in the liberation war" - meaning opposition leader Morgan Tsvangarai.

This is the moment of fate. Will they accept defeat and allow the political process to move forward into the future or will they remain stubbornly wedded to the loyalties of the past?

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Filed under: Zimbabwe


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Kakooza Brian   April 2nd, 2008 601 GMT

The Generation of the old guards is over now. The "we fought" as referred to in the so called "liberated" cuntries should allow the will of the people to prevail. Mugabe, Kaunda, Jomo Kenyatta, Obote, Omar Bongo, etc have become liabilities to their countries. Their contributions are recognised but they should not now contribute negatively to their countries.

To the People of Zimbabwe, congraculation.

Mike   April 2nd, 2008 609 GMT

I think its about time for Zimbabwe President to step down because he has brought the political and economical structures in turmoil let alone the human indignity suffered under his reign in that country and high gross of violation under Human Rights and exploitation of his people.

So i think its time for him to let go the RULE OF POWER to someone else who can reform that country and bring back sound economic and vibrant life yet again.

Fadzisai   April 2nd, 2008 613 GMT

Well well I wish that was true. A quick check with my buddies at Reuters last night dismissed the claim that Mugabe has conceaded defeat. They simply called Nelson Chamisa (MDC Spokesman) who professed no knowledge of these claims. I think you should do the same.

Peter W   April 2nd, 2008 637 GMT

There is an air of great expectation here in Bulawayo. The talk never stops, bets are being taken, the latest rumour is passed on and expanded. Very little work is being done. Everyone wants change; I haven't heard one person state that they support ZANUPF. The champaine and beers are on ice. Had ZANUPF won, the results would have been out on Sunday.

Billibo   April 2nd, 2008 1343 GMT

South African citizens have first hand knowledge of the hardship suffered by the citizens of Zimbabwe.. We seem them come across the border to South Africa with million dollar ZIM bank notes that worth absolutely nothing.

Why our government never took a harder stance against the Zim government, to affect change, we will never know.

We all hope and pray that Zimbabwe will be able to return to the delightful country it was before Mad Bob and his cronies destroyed everything.

Hopefully, citizens who have been without for so long will be able to get a square meal under the belt and begin to plan a bright new future.

The feeling is that if Mad Bob and et al, do try and pull a fast one, then the only alternative is for outside assistance to arrive and get the new party into power.

The world cannot sit and watch while thousands are sacrificed because of few megalomaniacs.

annie   April 4th, 2008 1534 GMT

Thats is true people should go and help MDC to take over otherwise the more we sit thinking it is going to change the worse it gets. South Africa is not willing to do much they know they are benefiting economically the people of Zimbabwe are coming everyday to buy food from South Africa what they have failed to get is it has now made South Africa's commodities go up the demand is high making the common people in both countries suffer. The majority of Zimbabeans want to go back if ZANU PF steps down because they have abadoned their houses fleeing looking for food. They are educated Zimbabwean sleeping in streets in South Africa because the South African government does not want to help.

I appreciate south africans for demostrating last year on behalf of Zimbabweans. Please CNN continue to cover Zimbabwe put them on the spot to shame ZANU PF and its supporters thank we are watching everyone who can pray for Zimbabwe.

Ramesh Laxman   April 6th, 2008 934 GMT

I was in Zimbabwe ten years ago when Mugabe and his men began placing the thin end of the wedge to plunder the nation. I pointed out this to concerned persons and they poo-pooed me. Persistent budget deficit, government borrowing from the local financial market thereby cuttinh off funds for local investors and under invoicing of exports and over invoicing of imports and other classic financial dealings to bankrupt the country had already begun.

Zimbabwe from a bread basket of south Africa has now becom a basket case. Who is to blame. When Mugabe points his finger at the whites he forgets that four fingers are pointing at him.

I love Zimbabwe and its people. I hope this elections will be allowed by Mugabe to lay the foundation for the rejuvernation of Zimbabwe ten years from now. That is how long it will take. I hope to vist t Zimbabwe soon.

Concerned Non Citizen

Reuben   April 8th, 2008 932 GMT

Why do these old guards in Africa always hang on power,The issue of going to court should not arise mobilize supporters of MDC to have peaceful demonstrations,Mugambe and his allies will not just leave power they need to be pushed.

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