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- Written by: John Burke
- Category: Diaspora
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The Disconnect: Chamisa and the Diaspora's Role in Zimbabwean Politics
Tonderai Godknows Mapfumo
In the complex landscape of Zimbabwean politics, the relationship between opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and the diaspora has become increasingly fraught. While the diaspora community plays a crucial role in supporting political movements through financial contributions, there is a growing perception that Chamisa is resistant to their involvement in shaping policies that directly affect them. This disconnect raises significant questions about the CCC's commitment to inclusivity and representation.
The Diaspora: A Vital Resource
The Zimbabwean diaspora has long been a vital asset for the opposition, providing financial support and mobilizing resources for political campaigns. Many members of the diaspora are deeply invested in the future of Zimbabwe, often expressing a desire to contribute to meaningful change from abroad. However, this support appears to be welcomed only when it comes to fundraising efforts, rather than as a voice in policy formulation.
Chamisa’s administration often solicits financial assistance from the diaspora, leveraging their resources to bolster the CCC’s initiatives. Yet, when it comes to crafting policies that address the needs and concerns of Zimbabweans living abroad, the approach has been markedly exclusionary. This dynamic raises important questions about the value placed on the perspectives of diasporans, who possess unique insights into the challenges faced by Zimbabweans outside the country.
Exclusion from Policy Crafting
Critics have pointed out that Chamisa’s leadership often sidelines the diaspora in crucial discussions about policies affecting them. Instead of engaging with diasporans to understand their needs and aspirations, policy decisions appear to be made in isolation, with little input from those who are most affected. This top-down approach not only undermines the democratic ideals the CCC claims to uphold but also alienates a key constituency that could help drive reform.
For instance, policies regarding remittances, citizenship rights, and political participation are vital to the diaspora community. However, the lack of consultation and collaboration in these areas suggests a reluctance to genuinely integrate their voices into the political process. The perception that Chamisa is more interested in their financial contributions than their insights is a significant point of contention and breeds disillusionment among potential supporters.
A Call for Genuine Engagement
For Chamisa to build a truly representative movement, it is imperative that he re-evaluates his approach to the diaspora. Engaging diasporans in meaningful discussions about policy formulation is not only a matter of fairness; it is crucial for fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the political process. The diaspora's experiences and perspectives can provide valuable insights that enrich policy-making and ensure that the needs of all Zimbabweans are considered.By actively involving the diaspora in crafting policies, Chamisa can transform the relationship from one of mere fundraising to genuine partnership. This shift would not only enhance the credibility of the CCC but also signal a commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Conclusion
The relationship between Nelson Chamisa and the Zimbabwean diaspora is at a critical juncture. While the diaspora’s financial support is undeniably important for the CCC, their exclusion from meaningful policy discussions risks alienating a vital constituency. For Chamisa to lead effectively and garner the support needed for meaningful change, he must embrace a more inclusive approach that values the contributions and insights of all Zimbabweans, regardless of their location. Only through genuine engagement can the CCC hope to unite the nation and foster a truly democratic political landscape.
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- Written by: Henry Makambe and John Burke
- Category: Diaspora
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The Dual petition handover was a 'first' as organised by ZHRO and CCC Manchester, that injustice is happening in Zimbabwe across many aspects of everyday life - from delivering children to political freedoms - or lack thereof.
Dickson, Tendai, Model, Simbarasche, Greatman and Kelvin {see photo} delivered the 24 page written petition to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer at 13:30 Thursday 24th October 2024 {and an additional copy was e-mailed to Robert Ison on the Zimbabwe Desk round the corner at the FCDO}
The hand over of these two petitions is sending a strong message that things are problematic for the citizens in Zimbabwe {non Zanu PF citizens - as those get their medacl attention overseas - and they control all the legal aspects}.
The women's group later in the day {at 14:30} handed over a petition looking at the terrible situation with maternal mortality and childhood related fatalities. These were Melody, Josephine, Jane, Diana and helped by their Organiser Ronald {see the days write up below}.
Three of the lady petitioners have already provided feedback on how they felt the day within the gates of Downing Street had meant to them, more will follow.
Phillis Melody {CLICK HERE to read her reaction}
Josephine {CLICK HERE to read this report}
Jane Mundangepfupfu's reaction is within the body of the write up of the 24th October 2024, as is further writing from Josephine Jenje-Mudimbu.
That full report can be found at this link {CLICK HERE} from the petitions I should like to quote the following extracts and facts from the full written petition regarding the Constitutional and other Injustices within Zimbabwe -
Please read the items below in italics:"The Ongoing Constitutional Injustice in Zimbabwe".
"From all sides, both within and without Zimbabwe, the Zanu PF regime is failing. They are failing to act as a government. However, their self-obsession and desire to maintain power – makes them more akin to a Mafia! Its not just us, listen to ZAPU President Michael Nkomo below;"
"Michael Sibangilizwe Nkomo has written {23rd October 2024} on the ZAPU.ORG website a heart-felt & poignant message regarding the serious Maternal Death issues within Zimbabwe. {Michael is the son of the ZAPU leader at the time of Zimbawe's hard fought Indepence, Joshua Nkomo}.
“The disastrous reign of ZANU PF in Zimbabwe is now a regional crisis affecting the whole of SADC. Fearing peer review and the regional call for accountability, the rogue regime in Harare is now fomenting chaos by actively participating in the rigging of elections across the SADC region.”
“So ‘politically radioactive’ is ZANU PF that everything it touches turns to chaos.”
“A short while ago, SADC and the world witnessed ZANU PF members casting ballots for Mozambique's FRELIMO in broad daylight. Such blatant vote rigging and other glaring irregularities have sparked a wave of violent protests by opposition parties and their supporters in Mozambique.”
“Unsurprisingly, Zimbabwe the current SADC Chair, led by President Mnangagwa, has hurried to prematurely congratulate FRELIMO on its electoral victory while the country burns. Heavily armed soldiers in Mozambique have indiscriminately opened fire on protesters, killing some and wounding many.”
24 Oct 2024 After the Petitions Had Been Delivered
Every human being should be treated with unconditional kindness and respect regardless of any wrongs they have committed.
However Zimbabwe is ranked extremally poorly on the "Rule of Law index":
""WASHINGTON (Oct. 23, 2024) – For the seventh year in a row, the rule of law has declined globally, according to the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024, released today."
"""This year, the rule of law again weakened in a majority of countries surveyed (57%). However, Index data also suggests the global rule of law recession is slowing and that progress is possible."" Source: https://worldjusticeproject.org/news/wjp-rule-law-index-2024-global-press-release Zimbabwe Ranked 123rd Across 142 Countries, 2024
We did our part to raise our voice of the voiceless. In the future, may we improve our media platforms for more people to be on video for a wider audience publication.
In addition Chief Felix Ndiweni - who has been exiled out of Zimbabwe, had joined with us on the day and made a 9+ minute heart-felt speech to those gathered at the Dual Petition Event.
Please listen to his prophetic oratory here {Made 24th Oct 2024} https://flic.kr/p/2qpSqmeI will be attending further demonstrations and other event over the coming months, as the leaders of ZHRO, CCC, ZAPU, ROHR andother bring the vast problems within Zimbabwe {due to the Zanu PF regime and their failure to actually "govern" rather than loot and control}.
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