zimcricketnews.com

Taibu has denied comments attributed to him in a recent article in The Times, where he's reported as saying he hoped to qualify to play for South Africa. Speaking to the Sunday Mail, Taibu put the record straight:

"I have not spoken to any journalist either in England at the little town where I was based or since my arrival in Harare. I don’t know where that information came from. I actually got to learn of that incorrect report when someone brought it to my attention soon after my arrival here. I would love to play for Zimbabwe again but at this moment the situation does not permit. In the meantime I must continue to provide a meal on the table for my family and I can only do so by playing abroad."

Taibu had stated when he resigned the captaincy that changes would be necessary to the ZC administration before he would return to the side, and that remains the case:

"There has to be a lot of them (changes) especially in the structures. Club cricket has also to be up and running unlike the situation we have right now where there is no domestic league to talk of."

Good to hear he hasn't completely jumped ship, at least...
Sunday Mail - I still want to play for Zimbabwe: Taibu

UPDATE: The Independent quotes Cricket South Africa chief exec Gerald Majola as saying that Taibu did contact them about switching nationalities:

"Taibu has called to say he wants to play in South Africa, but I think it will be very difficult for him to play for us because he has to qualify and four years from now is a long time. Besides we have a lot of other talented South African players coming up and I can’t say whether he would qualify even after four years."

CricInfo have also been in touch with the Times reporter who wrote the original report, and he stands by his quote, so it looks like there's be a bit of a U-turn somewhere along the line. Interestingly, the Independent also claims that there are efforts now underway to bring Taibu back into the national side, while former "rebel" player Gary Brent has made himself available for selection again. Brent has been training with the Champions Trophy squad, although he won't be travelling to the tournament.
Zimbabwe Independent - Who's lying?