Great
Zimbabwean Diaspora Power
( G.Z.D.P)
PREVIEW STATEMENTWe believe that the solution to difficulties in Zimbabwe lies with the people of Zimbabwe. It has to be home grown. Our sisters and brothers throughout the world want to walk with us. We need to show them where we want to go and advise them on how together we can walk that journey. Zimbabweans in Diaspora and the Church in Zimbabwe, The Political Parties of Zimbabwe and the General Public in Zimbabwe have the potential to assist with the building of bridges within Zimbabwe and help our nation to once again connect with the rest of the world. The Church can also help explain our situation or play an advocacy role outside Zimbabwe.
At the dawn of independence in 1980, a nation was born out of a protracted armed struggle. The ideals of the liberation war, of one person one vote and the yearning for freedom: freedom from oppression, freedom from racism, freedom from human indignity and violation, freedom from poverty and hunger, ignorance and disease coupled with the urgent and pressing need for the recovery and restoration of the land were the driving force behind the fight for liberation. In all these years and through the protracted liberation struggle and the challenges of independence, many young people left the country for other nations in Africa and beyond.The Diaspora has been part of the unfolding national landscape, many times unseen and unnoticed as it contributed to national development through supporting families ,schools, hospitals, humanitarian programs and care for the orphans, widows and the disadvantaged back home.
It is well to remember that the Independence in Zimbabwe did not automatically deliver genuine participatory democracy..............
Our Vision.
Our vision of the Zimbabwe we want is that of a sovereign, inviolable and unitary member state of the international community; a nation that is democratic and characterized by good governance as reflected in all its structures, institutions and operations at all levels; a nation united in its diversity, free, tolerant, peaceful, and prosperous; a nation that respects the rights of all its citizens regardless of creed, gender, age, race and ethnicity as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and with a leadership that puts the interests of the people of Zimbabwe above all personal gains; a nation where all citizens enjoy equal protection of the law and have equal opportunity to compete and prosper; and above all a nation that is God- fearing.
In defining the Zimbabwe We Want, our view of democracy therefore seeks to include rather than exclude. This requires the deliberate choice by leaders of different social, economic, political and religious persuasions to initiate and sustain a process of national reconciliation, reconstruction, peace building and nation building.
Global DIASPORA OUTREACH AND MOBILISATION
The Global/International Community and Organization such as Zimbabwean Diaspora forum, Zimbabwe Exiles Forum, Zimbabwe Diaspora Development Chamber and Faith Based organisations and many other Zimbabwean non-political groups will be able to contribute through working with the interim-government and the Political Parties in Zimbabwe
An advisory board to comprise of the International/Local Leaders of repute in Zimbabwe and, from the African nations and from the International community. That will act as an adhesive in the whole structure.
The government of Zimbabwe, and the Authorities of the countries where Zimbabweans are living in now (Diaspora) will consult and give indemnity for Zimbabweans ( G.Z.D.P Members) for the period of 5 years to able to assist the recovery of Zimbabwe.(Subject to a vetting system) as some Zimbabweans will repatriate to Zimbabwe. This will assist Zimbabwean Diaspora Host Countries where Zimbabweans live to curb crime as now through the project we can keep track of our people.
Great Zimbabwean Power (GZDP) will mobilize and coordinate Zimbabweans in the Diaspora worldwide for a period of 5 years. It has become evident that the burden of poverty, disease and massive unemployment in Zimbabwe, and Africa, will not be solved by the foreign investors alone, but by us. Zimbabwean Diaspora must rise up, to the challenge of developing themselves. Nobody was born with money. Money is how people organize ourselves, generation after another.
We now need to launch the programs by outreaching Zimbabweans in the Diaspora - in the mines, farms, villages, shack settlements, townships, factories, universities etc, to fast track economic processes which took many years to build. Let us start now because as long as Zimbabwe remains challenged, it affects everyone, wherever they are in the world, whatever they are doing, whether they have changed citizenship or not. We can not afford to be the “pain” of Africa and laden our fellow man with our challenges as more of our young people leave the country, yet we are so capable. We need not follow the over trodden paths , Rather we should go where no man has been to , create new paths , that the coming generations will follow.
G.Z.P Orgernisational Structure
LOGICAL FRAMEWORK – DIASPORA OUTREACH PROJECT.
Problem Synopsis:
1. Zimbabwe’s economy plummeted due to political factors. A young Diaspora is called upon to support the reconstruction, with skills and funding, as part of efforts towards reconstruction and democracy.
2. The majority of Zimbabwean Diaspora are amid unemployment and challenges related to displacement and living foreign countries, with 90% so poor that they may can not support the economic recovery of Zimbabwe.
3. The levels of skills in the Diaspora are unknown, making it difficult to plan the reconstruction of Zimbabwe.
Solution:
An outreach program to the Zimbabwean Diaspora, to explain how our young Diaspora can fast track themselves to support the economic recovery of Zimbabwe and how to handle the problems they face in their respective host countries .
Overview:
1. Intervention logic
2. Verifiable indicators of achievement
3. Assumptions
Overall Objective
1. To reach out to Zimbabweans in the Diaspora.
2. Facilitate a democratic space through supporting political parties in Zimbabwe in their endeavors to attain a level political landscape, that will avail equal Democratic participation by all Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe and in the Diaspora . in the resuscitation of the economy and freedom of choice.
3. Soliciting Donor Funds from the International community and the Zimbabweans Diaspora financial resources to cover the cost for the relevant interventions.
4. Cultivating willingness by all Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe and the Diaspora to work on a common vision.
Specific Objectives:
1. Engage Political parties and All relevant bodies, in developing a common vision. And source relevant funding for the necessary support for such interventions.
Expected Results:
1. Securing relevant Initial donor funding and technical ability.
2. Commitment to Political and Democratic tolerance In Zimbabwe by All political parties In Zimbabwe.
3. A computerized database of all Zimbabweans in Diaspora and developing a skill Diaspora to enable effective participation on repatriation.
4. Development of economic resuscitation program.
5. Launch of new formal remittances platforms.
6. Developing an Ability to continue with the projects from own resources( self sustainability).
Activities
1. Prepare project launch
2. Information Dissemination
3. Implement project –hold Public meetings/Consultation forums , GZP Business training,
4. Launch mass formal remittances platform.
5. Database of Diaspora in UK, South Africa/SADC,USA.
6. Project review and reports.
A period of 10 months
is required, with 8 months for direct implementation and 2 months for reports.
Cost
R8.23 million
10 months budgetary support required.
Risks
1. Lack of donor funding to start the project
2. Possible lack of interest by Zimbabwean Diaspora community - for fear of exposing their nationality in view of xenophobia or other reasons.
3. Negative forces which may distract the efforts e.g. political developments
Project Team
Chair Man Dictator Nceku Maphosa
Vice Chairman Ndabezinhle Mdlongwa.
Secretary Nestaiyi Musarurwa
Vice-Secretary To be identified
Treasurer Moses Ncube
Vice-Treasurer To be Identified
Project Director To be Identified
Administration Director To be Identified
Media, Communications Director Dictator Nceku Maphosa
Finance Director To be Identified
Legal and Human rights Officer To be Identified
Women mobilization Officer To be Identified
Training Manager To be Identified
Ass Training Manager To be Identified
Trainers Officers X 20 To be Identified
Mobilization officers X 10 To be Identified
Mobilization Officers - Churches X 50 To be Identified
Technical support, Database manager To be Identified
Accountant to be Identified
Diaspora :OUTREACH PROJECT DETAILS
INTRODUCTION.
Great Zimbabwean Diaspora Power (GZDP)
Great Zimbabwean Diaspora Power (Zimbabwe) which started in 2010. The concept of Great Zimbabwean Power is an assertion that a Zimbabwean Diaspora will be a global player, with head office registered in Zimbabwe and in 8 regions - Australasia, USA, Canada, UK, Central Europe, South Africa, SADC(outside SA) and Africa. The main purpose for Great Zimbabwean Diaspora Power is to coordinate Zimbabwean Diaspora to direct their energies into development issues - through business training and organizing finance and putting people into manufacturing, to harness and retain vital skills, as we prepare to return with capacity to re-build.
Great Zimbabwean Diaspora Power and its economic arm, Great Zimbabwean Diaspora Power Development Chamber(GZPDC) are not owned by an individual but by the general public. Office bearers are elected in accordance with the procedures and systems in the organizations’ constitution. All people are free to participate in economic development programs, whether you are in civil society or not, and above politics or ethnicity.
Communications with All relevant Governments.
Great Zimbabwean Diaspora Power will approach the Presidency of all Governments concerned to inform and establish a platform for communicating with the governments about our programs.
THE FOUR PROJECTS.
Great Zimbabwean Diaspora Power, Zimbabwe will have 4 projects as follows:
1.Political Parties Support
The Great Zimbabwean Power will solicit funds from the International community to support political parties in Zimbabwe, in their endeavors cultivating political tolerance and democratic space conducive for holding free and fair election . to availing a fund that can ONLY be accessed by the parties on adhering to ( D N Maphosa to compile this ). New and existing parties will receive each a total of say £250K
2. Remittances
The project is to set up a remittances platform anchored in Zimbabwe, to increase the level of Diaspora remittances into Zimbabwe from the current levels of about £250 million to £1 billion a year. A complete business plan is available, with FICA motivation, procedure manual and FSB application.
Great Zimbabwean Power Diaspora Development Chamber
The project is to create a Development Fund, along the lines how the World Bank was formed, to use the fund to finance self-sustaining manufacturing projects by Zimbabwe Diaspora community. The aim is to reduce poverty by increasing production. A complete business plan, procedure manual, lending procedure, Great Zimbabwean Diaspora Power Training Course and its examination to be made available.
The process starts in UK & South Africa with a long term view to create new jobs and reduce job contestations which trigger xenophobia with South Africans/UK /USA and other Global citizens.
Diaspora Skills and Database Survey
In collaboration with Mass Public Opinion Institute, a business plan has been prepared, to conduct a detailed census of the Zimbabwean Diaspora. However, this project will be included during mobilization, and run concurrently.
DIASPORA MOBILIZATION
Outreach
The 4 projects above start with an outreach project - to reach out to people who came from Zimbabwe in the mines, farms, villages, shack settlement areas, townships, factories, universities etc globally. The outreach campaigns should start in UK followed by South Africa which holds the majority of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora. The aim is to launch the 4 development strategies in view of the Global Political Agreement(GPA). Zimbabweans have mixed feelings about politics, and require training and motivation to accommodate various mindsets.
As part of Diaspora mobilization and coordination. The launch of the programs require some cash flow, R8.23 million to reach out to Zimbabweans in all walks of life, in the civil society and the general public not in civil society in USA/ UK and Southern Africa..
If the millions of Zimbabweans out there are not aware that the launch has started and are not given a chance to be involved, nothing will work. An outreach program is vital, therefore, as a starting point, that we go out to the Zimbabwean public and groupings in USA/UK and South Africa, to get them to engage the main economic programs. Without an outreach program these economic processes will not happen. Outreach is key to create level 2 and level 3 structures, which are capable of delivering development of the size and impact to carry a country forward.
Definition
The Diaspora is everywhere outside Zimbabwe. This includes UK and South Africa as the main hub and SADC. The work in this project is outreach to Zimbabweans in UK and South Africa, to launch the development programs, as part of Diaspora coordination. GZP UK has to have the structures to mobilize such a project UK and South Africa have the largest population of Zimbabweans outside Zimbabwe.
The outreach messages, will contain some topics found in Great Zimbabwean Power Business Training Course.
Estimates of Diaspora in South Africa
There were many surveys conducted by various organisations, to try to determine how many Zimbabweans are in the USA/UK and Southern Africa. GZDP will commission a study, Current findings are that migrants cited political and economic reasons for leaving Zimbabwe. About 5000 000 Zimbabwean adults are currently in Southern Africa and #### are in the UK/USA. This extrapolates to ### million now. That research also indicated that the Diaspora has potential to send up to £500 million every year into Zimbabwe. The number of Zimbabweans in South Africa and the UK/USA has grown to ##000 000 adults. A further 5 million adults are in SADC and other parts of the world.
Stages
There will be 4 stages in the mobilization –
1. United Kingdom – operations based in London
2. Nine Provinces of South-Africa- Durban, New Castle, Secunda, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Tohoyandou, Rustenburg, Mafikeng, Klerksdorp, Kimberly, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, based and rest of country in all the provinces of South Africa. Port Elizabeth, East London.
3. SADC – Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia.
4. World – Geneva, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
London – United Kingdom operations
This project covers the first stage in UK, to reach 500 000 people. The office will be secured and available to cover a wide area of: United Kingdom.
Project period
The first stage of the project is expected to be 8 months, with an extra two month for project post assessment and report.
Sustainability
We have to succeed first time as there will be no second chance if we fail or
it takes longer to secure the 100 000.
Ten percent of the £150 contribution by each member will be applied to cover continued operating costs. The 90% will be deposited into GZPDDC trust account to be administered by the two trustees under the provisions of the trust deed.
Ten percent is £150. On a critical mass of 100 000 participants, the ten percent amounts to £1.5 million. This means that after initial donor funding the mobilization process will continue as a self funded program.
Funding
To initiate the outreach or Diaspora mobilization an amount of R8.23 million is required to cover expenses for a period of 10 months. GZDP and its structures, operating outside Zimbabwe, have not been able to secure donor funding so far, but we have hope. The work which has been done over the last 5 years to the present position has been funded from contributions by the executive committee members, but falls far short of the amount required to roll out the economic program.
Mission
The aim is to transform the Diaspora into an engine of development, a partner in Zimbabwe’s Development, able to train and finance Zimbabweans into manufacturing business. Participants would receive GZDP Business Course, training which teaches how to enter into manufacturing businesses. During this process a GZPDDC questionnaire will be filled in by all participants to start the database of Zimbabweans whom we come into contact with. After three to five years, the process will culminate into a database of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, their skills and profiling.
Objectives
The objective is to launch one outreach project to achieve (3) three goals.
To create awareness of an easier and cheaper way of sending formal remittances to Zimbabwe, urging people to use it thereby boosting remittances to Zimbabwe, to reach £1 billion a year and beyond.
To enrol the critical mass of 100 000 members who sign up to contribute £1 50 each, to kick-start Diaspora Development Fund. Hundred thousand will contribute £150 million(US$10 million). Thereafter continue to work, to reach one million participants in 5 years. One million participants will contribute £1.5 billion In ten years the fund will exceed £50 billion as per abridged cashflow below.
Abridged Projected Global Zimbabwean Diaspora Power Development Fund Growth
Yr4 Yr8 Yr12 Yr 16 Yr 20 Yr 24
Equity 30% 1.5 bn 5.0 bn 16.7 bn 55.7 bn 185.7 bn 610.0 bn
Syndicated Loans 70% 3.5 bn 11.7 bn 39.0 bn 110.0 bn 433.3 bn 1 453.3 tri
--------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ------------- --------------
Funds available for projects 5.0 bn 16.7 bn 55.7 bn 185.7 bn 619.0 bn 2 063.3 tri
This cashflow can be double. To cover ongoing research and running costs 1% is levied on all disbursements.
To create a database of Diaspora. It is mandatory to fill in GZPDDC form or questionnaire, as they are invited to participate in the economic empowerment and development programs.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSED
Global Political Agreement(GPA)
Issue - The GPA was negotiated by 3 political parties, as a SADC effort to resolve the Zimbabwe question. But in Zimbabwe, the GPA is explained in 3 different ways by the 3 parties involved, dividing the people further. Zimbabweans who left the country for various political and economic reasons, still have many questions. The key issues now are political stability, economic development, human rights, freedom from violence, freedom of expression, freedom of association, Diaspora vote, dual citizenship and property rights. So, what is the political future of Zimbabwe?.
Way forward – Even if it succeeds, this GPA does not solve most of our problems. We must continue to engage the issues, as listed above especially economic development. Diaspora structures, like GZDP and ZDDC, are focusing on economic empowerment and are calling on every Zimbabwean to participate, to fight poverty among ourselves. Democracy is not for the poor. There are no investors or donors who will come to solve your problems, to get you out of poverty. It is what we do collectively which will solve our problems.
Return of Zimbabweans
Issue -The GPA encourages Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to return home, especially the skilled Zimbabweans, so that they help develop the country. Skills required are found on website www.zimbabwehumancapital.org.zw.
There is no program in place yet for mass return.
Way forward - GZDP advise that each one must evaluate the situation in Zimbabwe, through what you read from the media and the Zimbabwe embassy. You can also ask questions from GZDP office in Zimbabwe , USA,London and Johannesburg where trained people will explain the situation in Zimbabwe with regard to security, jobs etc. From your enquiries you must assess and make a personal decision as to your safety and other prospects. Those who want to return home can return on their own or they can come to register at GZDP offices so that they can be linked to International Organization for Migration(IOM) and other agencies to organize their return. Programs for their return will be organized.
Economic outlook
Issue – For a country to pull in sufficient foreign direct investments(FDI) it must have an attractive international rating. Ratings measure a country’s level of governance and economic climate. Zimbabwe lost its ratings and may take 10 to 15 years of democracy to regain them. Therefore, Zimbabwe will not pull sufficient resources to marshal development. Further Zimbabwe also lost its skilled labour to other countries.
Way forward - The best positioning to steer Zimbabwe into development is by the Zimbabwean Diaspora community. One does not have to be in Zimbabwe to help with the re-construction of Zimbabwe. The Diaspora can then help create a new set of goals for development, without political or ethnic bias. Therefore let us all embrace development, by debating ideas and plans below.
What causes poverty
Issue - As with the rest of Africa, the cause of misery and poverty is low productivity. Nations with high production have better livelihoods. Production means factories to produce goods we use in our daily lives, from napkins for our kids, to towels, soap, books, food, clothes, spoons, all the goods in our supermarkets. Without factories there is not enough job creation, not enough products for local consumption (to fill the supermarkets) and or for export.
Without enough exports foreign currency shortages occur limiting imports of necessities such as raw materials, spare parts, medicines etc. Without vibrant foreign trade, balance of payments deteriorate. Government also collects less taxes, not enough to finance quality health, education, water, roads, housing etc, leading to budget deficits and huge loans raised to finance the deficits. These are the issues which cause currency depreciation and inflation, and upset all macro and micro fundamentals. Just changing the currency is not enough.
Way forward – We must increase production by going into business to manufacture the things we use everyday. This creates jobs and development at the same time. We are as good as China or Japan, if we resolve the challenges in our way. History has shown that economies are created by organized social movements - dreamers, visionaries who can create LARGE goals, embracing everybody, above political and racial boundaries. GZDP and GZDPDC will developed programs which starts in the Diaspora, then move to Zimbabwe later. More details below.
Capacity and Structures to Develop
Issue - The argument is that it is not only poor governance that sets Africa backwards, but the capacity of the citizens to imagine, to dream, to plan and execute big vision. To develop we need structures to mobilize capital, technology training and to plan. There are 3 levels of planning structures.
Level 1 planning is subsistence planning - to look after your family or extended families, sending children to school, buying a car, house, investing in shares, houses and for retirement, sole proprietors etc. Level 1 does not spearhead massive development. Most Zimbabweans operate at level 1 planning.
Level 2 planning are Community structures - area security, policing, civil society, sports bodies, savings clubs, political parties, street committees, companies, business, etc.
Level 3 planning are super structures - like FIFA, WHO, World Bank, AU, SADC, UN, political parties, conglomerates, listed public companies etc
Development is enhanced at level 2 and 3, when people come out of their homes to deal with their surroundings and contribute as a group.
Way forward - We must re-trace the vision and skills of our forefathers who build stone shrines found at Masvingo, Khami, Nyanga, Mapungubwe etc ”. The Diaspora must create the development structures, goals and capacity to develop. We must plan the Zimbabwe we want and how to get there. In the last 5 years the Diaspora has been creating these structures – GZDP. These are level 3 development structures, ready for everyone to come on board.
Xenophobia and Host Fellow Citizen Tolerance
Issue – Xenophobia is a stigma and occurs where people are poor. Majority of xenophobic attacks are a tug of war for meagre resources. The South African government has been clear that xenophobia is not tolerated. However, as long as Zimbabwe remains challenged it will affect you, wherever you are in the world, whatever you are doing, whether you changed nationality or not.
Way forward - Report xenophobic tendencies to the police or local councillors as soon as you feel threatened. You are protected under the laws of South Africa. You also have to handle yourself properly where you live, so that there is no friction. You must do something, such as these development programs, to show your contribution towards efforts to reduce poverty in the community.
New Remittances Platform
Issue - From around Mid 2010, after approvals by the South UK Government, there will be a new system to send money formally to Zimbabwe, easier and cheaper(10%). GZPDDC will negotiate with the UK and South African Treasury to relax certain FICA requirements. There is worry that if one sends money to Zimbabwe it will be taken by the governor of the Reserve Bank. We have assurances that no money will be lost on the way. Zimbabwe has changed the rules governing the Reserve Bank, and we are negotiating an agreement which includes an guarantee insurance. Money will go via the Reserve Bank to the Post office and the Post office will courier the money in any of the 3 currencies - GBP£,US$, Rands or Euro - to the nearest Post Office of your beneficiary, all in less than 3 days.
The World Bank supports this process and will help wherever necessary.
Way forward – We encourage you to send money to your families in Zimbabwe, through the new GZDPC remittances platform called Africa Diaspora Exchange (ADE). The political system in Zimbabwe thrives on poor, hungry, desperate people who are easy to force to vote, for food. Strengthen them by sending money. Also the GPA must be seen to succeed to avoid going back to olden days. Help the country out of the doldrums by sending money through the formal channel as formal remittances strengthen the economy of the country.
Diaspora Development Fund
Issue - The whole of Africa is waiting for investors to start factories and we line up to look for jobs. This approach will never work because there is no stock of investors somewhere. A nation cannot develop if everybody is looking for a job. When Europe had destroyed itself after the second world war, they found themselves in the same situation as ours – no money, no development, poverty, no jobs. Out came the World Bank. They contributed the initial capital. We can follow the same route and end up with huge resources, estimated at more than US$70 billion in 15 to 20 years. The fund remains anchored in USA/UK and South Africa, with its good rating. Then we will move it to Zimbabwe, as things improve.
Way forward – Let’s start the Diaspora Development Fund. The Chamber decided that each one should contribute R1 500 now, but only once in life. You can pay in full or by installments of say R100 per month. You will get a statement showing your payments and the balance. The money is kept in a GZDPDC Trust account. It will be used to finance your projects in UK and South Africa – each one of you will be financed or you get jobs from early projects until your own project is ready.
