All is set for a conference to explore ways of democratising Zimbabwe as well as reinforcing re-engagement with the global community for reform and reconstruction of the country.
BY EVERSON MUSHAVA
The conference, which opens today and ends tomorrow, was organised by local think-tank Sapes Trust, the British Royal Institute of International Affairs, commonly known as Chatham House, a United States democracy organisation, National Endowment for Democracy, and a local human rights and democracy lobby group, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition.
To be held under the theme Zimbabwe Transition, Reform and Reconstruction, the conference will cover a wide range of issues relating to reform and reconstruction in the transition of the country.
Sapes Trust boss Ibbo Mandaza yesterday said the conference would be officially opened by Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa.
He said the event would be graced by the likes of National People’s Party leader Joice Mujuru, MDC-T vice-president Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti, the president for People’s Democratic Party.
Others speakers will include Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo, MDC leader Welshman Ncube, Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa and Simba Makoni, the leader of Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn, among others.
“Everyone has arrived for the conference and all is set for the event,” Mandaza said.
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“Admission to the event is free. Everyone who wishes to attend can come.”
The conference is a follow-up to the 2014 one which discussed the reform agenda after the 2013 general elections. The 2014 conference was held under the theme Zimbabwe Going Forward, Consolidating the Democratisation Process and Reinforcing Re-engagement with the Global Community.
Mandaza said it was prudent to review the progress made in the past three years after the 2014 conference in order to evaluate whether there was need for fresh thoughts going forward.
He said the two-day event had been made possible after thorough consultations with all stakeholders that included government, Parliament, political parties, civil society and the diplomatic community.
