Diaspora Can Play Bigger Political Role: DBIC

Pendry in an exclusive interview with Radio VOP also indicated the need to incorporate creative expression in the democratic struggle as it allowed more room for openness compared to direct political expression.

Bhekilizwe Ndlovu a director of the Drama For Life-Zimbabwe Social Justice Project in agreement with Pendry on the importance of creative expression said “drama is a powerful communication tool in that it engages people both at intellectual and at emotional level.

“Unlike a novel or newspaper which is normally read by one person, drama can only be watched by a community. So it has the other benefit of building communities by making them do something collectively like watching drama”.

Munjodzi Mutandiri of the National Constitutional Assembly speaking to Radio VOP at the close of a three day workshop said “the group reiterated the importance of diaspora vote and also escalation of discussion of tribalism, one of the postponed problems Zimbabwe is facing”.

Tafadzwa Maguchu, Programmes Assistant of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition added that “his coalition supported community dialogue as between Zimbabweans and South Africans and Zimbabweans among themselves especially on issues that are seldom avoided but crucial like tribalism”.

Vito Jeketere, a Zimbabwean national but studying law with University of South Africa said the three day workshop that ended Sunday afternoon helped quell some stereotypes existing between South Africans and Zimbabweans as two nations were represented in the workshop.

A group from Duduza-Soweto South of Johannesburg acted a drama on xenophobia that sought to assist countries that still treat foreigners with suspicion and hate.

Bongani Nyathi an educator and human rights activist praised the Living Together Institute, Drama For Life-Zimbabwe Social Justice Project, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and National Constitutional Assembly for bringing such initiatives to the younger age that were the main target of the workshop.

“The target group was strategic as it has people with viral potential to influence community in changing negative perceptions about Zimbabweans in South Africa and the nature of the Zimbabwean crisis”.

Nyathi added that most of South Africans thought Zimbabweans were in their country in search of greener pastures when the real issue is that they ran away from political persecution.

Lumour Makua a facilitator with Living Together Institute projects lamented the absence of women in Zimbabwe political struggles and said it was unfortunate as they only appeared as victims.