On the 6th of February 2010, Africa Heritage Human Rights Forum (AHHRF), an initiative of members of the Africa Heritage Society (AHS) www.africa-heritage.com hosted a cocktail function around the theme of rebuilding Zimbabwe through a broadly inclusive approach. Amongst the invited guests were Zimbabwe's Co-ministers of Home Affairs, Hon. K.Mohadi and Hon. J.Mutsekwa.

"The 6th of February has been designated by members of the Forum as Africa Heritage Zimbabwe Human Rights Day to celebrate and reflect on the critical importance of safety and security in nation building" said Mr. McKenzie Tafira, a spokesman of the Forum.

Mr. Tafira continued by saying: "We believe in the power of multi-stakeholder dialogues in resolving conflict and advancing African progress. Zimbabweans have opted for their own model of conflict resolution and must be applauded and supported by all progressive forces. The mere fact that we hosted two Ministers on the same podium representing one state is a cause for celebration. As members of AHS, we know the consequences of non-dialogue and the fruits of reasoning together to resolve what may appear to be intractable challenges.

In a well attended meeting of professional, businesspersons and the general public, there was consensus that without the respect of the rule of law, property and persons' rights, there can be no meaningful development. To this end, the experiences of Zimbabwe and the manner in which they have chosen to resolve their conflict was noted as work in progress.

To help celebrate the last 30 years of independence that was meant to usher a new era of freedom, justice, equality and a better life for all, it was appropriate that representatives of the government of Zimbabwe be invited to add their insights into the complex issues of transition management and post-conflict management.

Among the dignitaries from the South African government who graced the occasion was South Africa's Minister of Correctional Services, Hon. Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula who implored Zimbabweans to take ownership of the challenges confronting the country instead of relying on outsiders for salvation.

She expressed her concern regarding the sluggish process in reaching a workable agreement through the negotiation process. Her other concern was the lack of trust between citizens and government officials. It was her appeal for the Zimbabwe authorities to be honest in their commitments and consider the plight of the many Zimbabweans who had taken refugee in South Africa.

Despite his disagreement with the reason for the unprecedented migration of Zimbabweans, Hon. K.Mohadi openly invited those who wished to return home to feel free. He made assurances that Zimbabwe had conducive conditions for investment and opportunities abound for anyone to exploit. Minister Mohadi also advised that their ministry had embarked on a drive to deal with issues of specification and externalisation. He implored those who had been impacted by the dreaded law to cooperate with the investigators for a speedy resolution of their cases. He also encouraged the aggrieved parties not to fear to approach his ministry for a dialogue. One such individual with a long drawn specification, who was at the function, is Mutumwa Mawere.

Hon. J. Mutsekwa admitted that the inclusive government in Zimbabwe still had several challenges, most of them stemming from a few individuals who were trying to resist change. Such resistance had led to delays and frustrations in implementing policies and programs that were meant to restore confidence and revive the ailing economy. He assured the gathering that the three principals in the formation were in agreement with regards to the need for a unity government and they were determined to ensure that it works for the good of the country. The minister concurred with his compatriot regarding the need for a plan to tap into the resources of those in the Diaspora. He also advised that there was a review process of some of the laws that were found to be against the progressive development of Zimbabwe. He encouraged patience as the processes were underway.

Africa Heritage Human Rights Forum presented recognition awards to several individuals and organisations that were appreciated for their contribution in upholding human rights. The awards included three trophies that were given to the co-ministers and also Hon. K.S.Moyo, the Zimbabwe ambassador to South Africa. Other individuals and organisations that were proud recipients of the recognition awards include William T.Nyemba (formerly CEO of Trust Bank), James Makamba (Telecel shareholder exiled in the UK), John Moxon (Meikles Chairman), Red Cross - South Africa and Beryl Capital among others. Nyemba, Moxon and Makamba are still smarting from the impact of their respective specifications.

AHS is aware of the challenges of internal transformation that must be overcome before the international community steps in with some form of assistance. By engaging state actors, Zimbabwean citizens are giving voice to their concerns and challenging the government to pursue an inclusive agenda. Without improving Zimbabwe's safety and security record, restoring investor confidence would be an uphill task. Yet, when all is said and done Zimbabwe is a beautiful country requiring the support of its citizens in the Diaspora and the international community at large.africa-heritage-society

AHS is a non-profit and member-based organisation designed to create a platform for participants to share ideas, create professional contacts, engage in business transactions, lobby as a collective, and engage in nation building conversations among other initiatives. AHS cultivates an attitude of investing in the future we wish to see by taking an active role in all human processes, chief among them being citizen participation in the how they are governed.