ZSF

A network of progressive South African civil society&labour movements. Aiming to cultivate& deepen a culture of people to people solidarity with Zimbabweans.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

#Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum Statement on the 1st edition of the Zimbabwe Global Solidarity Day
https://t.co/MO5PQ6Y1jZ

@SADC_News @DIRCO_ZA @zhrc365 @HeraldZimbabwe @NewsDayZimbabwe @ACTIONSupportCe

[ACTION Support Centre @ACTIONSupportCe]

Join us today on Zoom for our #AfricaDay engagement themed: Pan Africanism in the time of COVID-19.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

2/2 @InfoMinZW @HeraldZimbabwe @NewsDayZimbabwe @SADC_News @DrTaxs @ZLHRLawyers @zhrc365 @ACTIONSupportCe @ZimRights1 @mhofu1 @DIRCO_ZA

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum Statement on the Violent Response to Democratic Participation. 1/2

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Furthermore, attention should be invested towards pushing for electoral reforms that will allow the diaspora to exercise their right to vote. #Zimbabwe

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

The Zimbabwe Civic Society community has been implored to mobilise for consensus on the national question of demilitarisation of the state and democratisation.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

- Use of social media as a tool for the diaspora to mobilise towards the reform agenda.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Suggested strategies on how the diaspora can contribute towards the Zim democratic agenda:
- Harness influence exercised over remittances/financial clout to compel the Government to reform.
-Use of international forums as platforms to articulate issues on Zim.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

An interesting point raised was that Zimbabwean professionals with formal jobs are not immune from some of the challenges highlighted. Despite having proper paperwork and qualifications they face serious discrimination in their workplaces. #Zimbabwe

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

The lived day to day realities of Zim diasporans as expressed by the participants include violent crimes (murders, hijackings, burglary) xenophobia (perpetrated by the authorities) lack of access to documentation. #Zimbabwe

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

In addition, the influence of the SADC in the Zimbabwean issue cannot be underestimated. Any intervention that could be taken should be done in due consideration of SADC and its Organ of Politics, Defence and Security. #Zimbabwe

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Some of participants highlight that part of the strategy formulation exercise should consider the existing power dynamics within Zimbabwe's political environment. Since 2017, there exists a reality whereby only a few military individuals are the ones making decisions #Zimbabwe

[Teldah Mawarire @teldah]

That is true. Many households are sustained mostly and often entirely and by Diaspora remittances.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Other problems being identified involve the divisions that exist within the diaspora community itself. There is polarisation along tribal lines which makes it difficult to act in solidarity towards one common agenda. #Zimbabwe

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Pensions have been eroded to such an extent that the diaspora has now become the default pension system through remittances. #Zimbabwe

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Some participants have opined that diasporans are divorced from the situation in Zimbabwe because they are living a comfortable life and therefore are not motivated to do anything about things in Zimbabwe.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Others however think that diasporans cannot ignore the Zim situation because they are in a position where they have to constantly sustain families back home.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

The situation is even worse for families that do not have family members working in the diaspora.

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Participant are highlighting what they believe are the problems facing Zimbabwe, from personal experiences. One has indicated that as a parent he is struggling to pay fees, and even if he does manage to raise the money, the fees gets hiked mid-term. #Zimbabwe

[ZSF @ZSolidaritForum]

Munjodzi Mutandiri @mhofu1 indicates that the Building Hope Diaspora project aims to develop strategies that will contribute towards positive change for the Zimbabwe democracy project. #Zimbabwe