South African President Thabo Mbeki's role as facilitator in Zimbabwean's political dispute will continue as long as he is willing to act in that capacity, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said yesterday.

"It does not need someone to be a sitting president to facilitate in a dispute. It does not subtract anything because he has resigned, unless he personally thinks otherwise," said SADC spokesman Charles Mubita.

"Mbeki was appointed by the SADC to facilitate mediation in Zimbabwe and this appointment was based on his knowledge, understanding and acumen of the situation. The status quo remains as it is," Mubita said.

The SADC secretariat was aware that South Africa was the current chair of the SADC and stressed that this position was for the country and not for a particular person.

"Whatever leadership the country chooses, the country will continue to chair the SADC until August 2009," Mubita said.

He said the SADC viewed Mbeki's resignation as a domestic issue.