Diaspora inclusion policy: the jangling discords

There is a danger in over expecting from the current system of government. There is also a danger in arguing for things that the powers that be do not simply want to happen. It makes sense when we all dream up inclusion in all sectors of our nation; political, economic and civic. It all comes down to what it means to the survival of the political parties. There is still a lot that remains untouched as to protect civil liberties, property rights and a fair justice and electoral system. So, whatever can be put in motion now for the inclusion of the diasporans will not be safe. The Unity government itself has still not fully been formed. Let us all do a force field analysis and we will realise that political positioning is stopping some economic inclusion, economic/financial positioning is stopping some political reforms. Systems need to be made right, some even defeated; lest the Diasporans see some of their investments in whatever form go down the drain.

Of course Jeff, you got it right. They still speak the same language as that of PM in London; that Diasporas are dispensable tools/implements which can be used or dumped as and when need arises. But, to avoid being ridiculed, they now have to say something which they don’t really mean. That’s why the talk sublimes soon after their flights take-off UK runways.

Chinamasa and the Supreme Court will tell you that the Constitution has no provision for that which is why your case was thrown out. But, how far has the current hype on Constitutional reforms gone in Diaspora-engagement?

Wouldn’t one expect to find at least one new section that would empower the Electoral Act to engage the Diaspora in any form of referendum?

The message is clear: we are Zimbabweans when it’s time to build the Zim-financial-base but, o0o0ps; we suddenly don’t qualify when it’s time to be heard for decisions that make our country’s identity and future.

The right to vote, (the extent to which a Government avoids curtailing it) and engagement of all classes/sections of citizens in decisions are inalienable human rights, and indeed PRACTICAL democracy. This is unpardonable hypocrisy of the Unity Govt; all of them.

Some colonial morons in Zimbabwe once proposed that in order to qualify to vote one should have passed at least ‘5 O-Levels.’ Today ‘surrogates’ say ‘in order to qualify to vote one must be generating national income from within the borders.’ What is ‘majority rule’ if that majority has been selected? What is the difference with the ideologies of the Smith Regime?

I actually agree that 32 ministries is too many. 12 is all a country the size of Zimbabwe needs, especially if responsibilities and budgets are delegated to local councils.

A minister of diaspora is a huge leap of faith. Ministers are failing to deliver at home on the ground and yet another ministry will simply not gurantee a successful outcome. The prudent and modest approach would be to look at countries with high migrant labour capital in the developing world; Pakistan, India, Phillipines etc and observe how they micro manage their diaspora base. I am sure there are so many other countries (latin america) with a much higher share in migrant labour capital and have succesfully resourced their diaspora without the need of a minister. Zimm is in a unique opportunity to really take it easy and learn from the success and mistakes of others. we are not the first african country to experience economic collapse; neither are we the only nation with its children scattered across the globe. The diamond deposits should give us a renewed focus and confidence to apply ourselves especially knowing that we have the means and resources to make it through! Minister for diaspora? No! The good thing is at least we are now having a conversation about it! lets talk more and act only when sure!

Mp for Diaspora is a joke..this is the duty and responsibilty of Ambassodors only if we had such for zimbos with zimbas at heart.but those who have been to an embassy in their respective countries would confess the nightmare and dis-order at these places from ques to those serving u vanongozvida nekuzvinzwa.Machinga mbune is like a mini Mugabe -in accessible .ques ques is their middle names.its pathetic we sustained Zimbabwe for yonks but now dual citizenship is like equping MDC not zimbos in Diaspora .This myopic thinking is what the diasporans are being burnt for.u are only considered as far as u can sent yo mama some cash /buy a house ie oil the economy.

Madzingo I disagree with your suggestion for a diaspora minister. The argument for some sort of representation for those of us overseas in the Zim govt is sound but lets not beat our chests by trying to make the diaspora more important than those on the ground. The current ministries of foreign affairs and finance should be able to sit down and formulate a proper business case for diaspora engagement. They should then set up a body that covers the diaspora element whilst recognising that their primary mandate is to serve the people of Zimbabwe with those on the ground being their primary focus. There is way too much waste in African governments zvekuti kuvapa imwe mikana yekupanana maBenz nemaCherokee should not be encouraged. 32 useless and pointless ministries iwe woti pamhidzai? Dude get real.

Let’s stop pontificating and come up with a structured proposal yeinclusion. Imi majournalists nemapolitico arimuexile isai masuggestions toisawo maideas tozviendesa mberi toona zvinobuda. Such issues need wide publicity and should include opinions from zims all over the world do it does not just become UK-centric. We’ve bleated on and on for years nezvemapassports/dual citizenship etc but hapana zvachinja. Let’s make it clear tichitaura as the entire diaspora kuti no support will be forthcoming unless a fully inclusive policy is introduced etc etc

No need for the Dispora Ministry – not at all necessary for a country like zimbabwe.