MDC invites Zimbabweans in the diaspora to contribute to party’s new policy

By Tererai Karimakwenda

27 December 2005

The so-called brain drain that has hit Zimbabwe in the last few years has taken away most of the country’s skilled professionals and left a vacuum that has had devastating effects on all sectors. The MDC has decided to address this problem, with the aim of stopping it, or at least reduce its effects on Zimbabwe. The party is therefore extending an invitation to all Zimbabweans in the diaspora to send in their views on policy and ideology. A Policy and Ideology Review committee chaired by Mai Sekai Holland has been set up to tackle this project.

Mai Holland told us Wednesday that the MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai felt strongly that Zimbabweans outside the country be included in this political process. She said they want opinions from all Zimbabweans in and outside the country regarding their strengths and weaknesses, their successes and failures, and ideas for the way forward. Mai Holland said the ongoing traumatic events in the party forced them to spearhead an inclusive review process as they work towards the March 2006 party Congress.

As for the ongoing divisions that created the pro-senate camp, Mai Holland said the opposition in Zimbabwe has a history of exploding midstream and at the wrong time. She believes the MDC has been hit from all angles by the ruling party whose efforts to destroy it from within have failed. She reassured those in the diaspora that they have support on the ground that is solid on the provincial level. She also explained how the courts have recognized their side as the legitimate MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai. She said the congress in March would reaffirm this.

Mai Holland also appealed to Zimbabweans to ask themselves if the crimes allegedly committed by Tsvangirai warranted such an intense outpouring of anger and vigor as is being shown by the pro-senate leaders of the party.

Her last words were that Zimbabweans should keep a cool head, keep their eyes on the ball and their eggs in one basket. She believes Zimbabweans are very talented people who are doing wonders with very little at home. She said forgiveness and unity would create a healthy way forward.

Speaking to Tererai, she explained how the party wants reconciliation, forgiveness and unity in the New Year.

Fellow Zimbabweans

Compliments of the Season wherever You are located!

The Movement for Democratic Change National Council set up 6 Congress Preparatory Committees. These in alphabetical order and their chairpersons

are:

Communication Committee: Chaired by: Nelson Chamisa

Constitutional Review: Tendai Biti

Institutional Review: Eddie Cross

International Relations: Paulina

Mpariwa

Logistics and Fundraising: Thokozani Khupe

Policy and Ideology Review: Sekai Holland