B r i t a i n  Z i m b a b w e  S o c i e t y

BRITAIN ZIMBABWE SOCIETY

in association with

Zimbabwe Association
Int. Liaison Office, Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
Zimbabwe Futures · WOZA Solidarity UK
WEZIMBABWE · Canon Collins Trust
Progressio · Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA
End the Silence
Centre of African Studies, University of London
Royal Africa Society

Present a Report on

THE OPEN FORUM 2006

ZIMBABWE:   SKILLS AND RECONSTRUCTION

held on

Saturday 16 th September 2006, 2pm – 6pm,
ULU, University of London Union
Malet Street, London WC1

INTRODUCTION

Executive Summary
This Report describes an event aimed at facilitating open debate amongst the Zimbabwean Diaspora in the UK and others concerned about the continuing crisis in Zimbabwe, its regional and international implications, and the role of civil society in the struggle for democratic governance, human rights, and justice.

The Open Forum 2006 was the third in a popular series of events organized by the Britain Zimbabwe Society with a number of associated organisations. It was conceived as an inclusive, non-partisan, non-governmental forum and took place at University of London Union on September 16, 2006. The event focussed on the skills profile of the Zimbabwean Diaspora (especially but not only in the UK) and their role in Zimbabwe's future economic, social and constitutional reconstruction, with particular, but not exclusive, emphasis on the sectors of health and education.

The Forum was attended by over 200 people. Interventions by both UK and Zimbabwean authorities prevented the attendance of one key speaker, Raymond Majongwe (PTUZ) whose prepared paper is reproduced in Appendix II. Nevertheless, s timulated by strong presentations from all the speakers on two panels, and by the very recent assault and arrest of trade unionists in Zimbabwe, participants conducted a lively debate which highlighted the inseparability of the current political and economic crisis from any consideration of the drainage of skills and resources from Zimbabwe. This informed an animated discussion of the role that the Diaspora might play in transferring skills back to Zimbabwe and participating in its reconstruction. A significant part of the discussion focused on the number of organizations representing Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, with many welcoming this diversity and others decrying it as confusing. However, clear consensus developed around the need for these organizations in the Diaspora to work together in more effective coalition, and to build much stronger links to civil society organizations within Zimbabwe, enabling the Diaspora to be more responsive and accountable to events in Zimbabwe. Discussion highlighted the value of links between organizations in the Diaspora and Trade Union and skills-based groups in the UK and internationally. The development of sector-based networks through professional associations was repeatedly recommended as a means of facilitating the transfer of skills and information between the Diaspora and Zimbabwe, and of initiating a structure (both virtual and real) through which to optimize the transfer of skills and resources for reconstruction.

This report is compiled from the detailed notes of rapporteurs. It provides a full account of the presentations and discussion and includes the following appendices: (I) Biographical notes on the speakers (II) Presentation on education prepared by Raymond Majongwe (III) Press releases relating to the Forum and surrounding events (iv) Organisational details of the Forum, including membership of the planning group, funding, the reporting team, and contact details of the organisations associated with the Open Forum 2006.

Report Contents:
[1]  Concept & Themes; Programme; On the Day  
[2]  Panel One – Dr Stephen Munjanja & Thabitha Khumalo
[3]  Discussion Following Panel One
[4]  Panel Two – Rev Nicholas Mkaronda & Others
[5]  Discussion Following Panel Two; Action Points
[6]  Appendix I – Biographical Notes on Speakers
[7]  Appendix II – Majongwe Presentation on Education
[8]  Appendix III – Press Releases
[9] Appendix IV – Organization of the Open Forum

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