Mandela has dedicated his long life to the good of South Africa _ and continues to do so.

Years of incarceration failed to diminish his determination. His age proved no barrier to leadership when he became his country's first black president.

His role as a statesman is recognised globally and a gathering of wealthy folk to a London party in his honour was, in addition to a celebration of his 90th birthday, a fundraiser for one of his charities.

What Zimbabwe would give for a Mandela-like figure able to steer it through troubled times.

And it is Mandela who spoke out early and strongly against the dire political situation in the country that shares a lengthy border with South Africa.

Now we are seeing some tougher talking from other African leaders while at home, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is considering more punishing sanctions against Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwean presidential vote on Saturday is not considered legitimate following the withdrawal of the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

When a leader suggests that only God can remove him from office, it suggests that his government is terminally dysfunctional.

Review into jumps racing warranted

THE call by Victorian Racing Minister Rob Hulls to fast-track the review into hurdles is warranted.

It comes after the Grand National Hurdle at Flemington on Saturday in which just four of the 13 horses in the field managed to complete the 4350m course, which included 16 jumps.

Of the nine horses that did not complete the race, two were euthanased.

The sport should not be condemned because one race becomes a disturbing, fatal spectacle, but the recent deaths bring to 10 the tally of jumps horses that have died while racing in Australia this year.

No serious fan of horse racing could find that an acceptable level of risk to animal _ or jockey.