Press Releases
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MDC Leader endorses Zimbabwe Democracy and Development Foundation (ZDDF)
August 19, 2007
Des Moines, Iowa USA.
Speaking to ZDDF co-founders through intermediaries and tight security in early August, Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe, gave an insight of his view of a future, truly democratic Zimbabwe.
“Civil society organizations like ZDDF are fundamental to keeping all Zimbabweans engaged in a free and transparent democratic process for the benefit and the future of Zimbabwe.
ZDDF represents the kind of organization that is part of our vision for the future of Zimbabwe, encouraging democracy, transparency, good governance and economic growth”
The Movement for Democratic Change (www.mdczimbabwe.org) is Zimbabwe's official opposition party reaching a broad cross section of Zimbabweans. Founded in September 1999, it has roots in Zimbabwe's labour movement. MDC is now backed by business, church, women's organisations, students, human rights and civic groups, the impoverished rural population and the urban poor.
The Zimbabwe Democracy and Development Foundation (ZDDF) founded by a former Zimbabwean agri-business manager, and a former Zimbabwean senior civil servant, now a political refugee in the US, works to ensure the long term preservation of democracy and sustainable economic growth in Zimbabwe. The organization works with stakeholders in Zimbabwe, the US, and elsewhere, to facilitate and provide technical support that enhances plans already being developed by opposition parties, donors, civil society groups, and the private sector.
Whilst ZDDF has direct access to the leadership of the MDC, it is committed to engaging all political, civil, cultural and religious organizations, which are willing to uphold democratic principles, in dialogue and in plans to re-build the Zimbabwe.
A volunteer run organization, with 501(c)3 status in process, ZDDF relies on funding and donations from private individuals, concerned organizations, donors, as well as income from its technical support services.
"It is time to take action on plans for re-building. We have no time to lose"
Des Moines, Iowa July 29, 2007
Speaking at the inaugural meetings of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Development Foundation (ZDDF), co-founders agreed that whilst it is important to re-establish the rule of law, return to democracy, and promote broad and transparent dialogue in Zimbabwe, it is critical that detailed action plans are developed and put in place immediately for the re-building of the nation, post democratic change.
With Zimbabwe's economy in free fall, triple digit inflation, and raging poverty and hunger, ZDDF is taking action to represent Zimbabwe's needs, and plan for the future of Zimbabwe today. The organization will work with all stakeholders in Zimbabwe, the US, and elsewhere, to facilitate and provide technical support that enhances plans already being developed by opposition parties, such as the MDC, as well as donors, civil society groups, and the private sector.
ZDDF was recently formed by a former Zimbabwean agri-business manager, and a former Zimbabwean senior civil servant, now a political refugee in the US. The organization will work to ensure the long term preservation of democracy and sustainable economic growth in Zimbabwe. Whilst ZDDF has direct access to the leadership of the MDC, it is committed to engaging all political, civil, cultural and religious organizations, that are willing to uphold democratic principles, in dialogue and in plans to re-build the nation. The organization will also represent and promote future Zimbabwe development, trade and investment, and facilitate dialogue with US and State governments on behalf of all Zimbabwean stakeholders. It will work to ensure that Zimbabwe is able to fully leverage and capitalize on US support programs such as AGOA and MCC.
A volunteer run organization with 501(c)3 status in process, ZDDF will initially rely on funding and donations from private individuals, concerned organizations, donors, as well as income from its technical support services. The organization does not disburse finances directly to any political parties or to individuals, but plans to utilize support it raises to facilitate capacity building, discussion and strategic planning with political parties that are willing to engage in open and transparent dialogue, and agree with the principles of a return to democracy and sustainable economic growth.