This year alone, 57 people have been deliberately and arbitrarily killed and over a thousand tortured for their political beliefs in Zimbabwe. Violence has become a tool of the government of Robert Mugabe to silence its opponents and maintain its grip on power. South Africa, with its enormous economic and political importance in the region, is in a unique position to influence Robert Mugabe. President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa has been working behind the scenes to establish peace. Despite this, the violence continues. It's time to change tactics. A strong public signal from South Africa has the power to force change in Zimbabwe. Let President Mbeki know that the people of Zimbabwe need him.