Diaspora key for rebuilding Zimbabwe

REVIVING the ailing Zimbabwean economy requires considerable input and co-operation from the millions of its citizens based abroad, particularly in South Africa, according to Joburgbased Zimbabwean entrepreneur and businessman Edwin Anderson.

“I would like to say to my fellow countrymen, let us remember our roots,” he said at an awards ceremony attended by representatives of the Zimbabwe embassy in South Africa, academia, and musicians on Saturday night.

“For Zimbabwe to be the Zimbabwe we want, we have to be the Zimbabweans that are agents of change. I’m not talking about regime change, but I’m saying Zimbabwe can never reach its full potential unless we nurture it, or contribute financially and with our skills,” Anderson said at the event in Sandton.

“We are here in South Africa to learn, so that whatever we have learnt, we can replicate, improving on it and put Zimbabwe on the world map. We do not want to bring Zimbabwe to its former glory, but to make it a global leader.”

Anderson’s Zororo-Phumulani company is a leading funeral insurance products and repatriation service provider across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

On Saturday, Zimbabwe’s ambassador in South Africa David Hamadziripi said the new government headed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa embraced the role being played by the diaspora in the developmental trajectory of the country.

“Back home, the government recognises that you, as the Zimbabwe diaspora, have a significant role to play in the development of the country. An organised and co-ordinated diaspora is a much more effective partner in the desired engagement and dialogue that government wants to have with you,” Hamadziripi said.

“Let us not wait for occasions like tonight to demonstrate our oneness. Let us come together in whatever associations or groups we prefer and through them make more impactful contributions here and back home.”

Hamadziripi emphasised that in focusing on developing their home country, Zimbabweans in South Africa should not negate playing positive roles within their host nation.

“We are aware that many among you are doing tremendous work and making critical contributions to the general development of this country (South Africa). We are proud of you…,” he said.

Hamadziripi appealed to the Zimbabweans in South Africa to get proper documentation through the consulates in Joburg and Cape Town.

The ambassador was accompanied by his deputy Mietani Chauke and Joburg consul-general Henry Mukonoweshuro.