In order to ensure that ZDFG remain non-partisan and apolitical, the member organisations agreed that political parties will only have an observer status. The Chairperson, Lucia Dube, and the Secretariat were elected by member organisations.
With a realisation that all sections of the Zimbabwean Diaspora need adequate representation, ZDFG is organised into 11 + 1 portfolios. Each portfolio lead is elected by member organisations in that portfolio to co-ordinate consultations and to represent the portfolio in meetings with stakeholders including HMG.
Zimbabweans are consulted widely and exhaustively through the portfolios.
All minutes of ZDFG meetings are distributed to all Zimbabweans in a transparent manner, including meetings with HMG.
The ZDFG is the most inclusive umbrella forum available to genuinely represent Zimbabweans in the UK.
Each new member organisation is encouraged to identify and join the portfolio that best suits its main constitutional objectives. Seminars and consultative conferences, and action plans are organised according to portfolios as follows:
1. Community Link in the UK – Lead ZCG (Owen Muganda)
2. Charities benefiting Zim Lead Na Ncube (TGB)
3. Youth – Lead – Positive Youth (Shirley Michaels)
4. Women – Lead – Zimbabwe Women Network (Silva Hove)
5. Business Community – Lead was ZG Club (Kevin Pawadyira)
6. Human Rights – Lead Human Rights NGO Forum (Liz Bishop)
MAGGEMM (Mpho Ncube)
7. Faith and Religious Groups – Lead CZCLUK (Qobo Mayisa)
8. Arts & Culture – Lead Ngonyama (Million Songanga Moyo)
9. Immigration & Asylum – Lead Zimbabwe Association (Patson Muzuwa)
10. Think Tanks, Academics – Lead – Beacon Mbiba/Esinath Ndiweni
11. Media – Lead AZJ in UK (Clayton Peel)/ Michelle Hakata
12. Observer Political Parties.
Meetings envisaged on a quarterly basis but can be called ad-hoc if necessary.
Role
To help facilitate discussions between Her Majestys Government (HMG), the Zimbabwean Diaspora in the UK and the Government of Zimbabwe on policy issues.
To act as the primary link between HMG and the Zimbabwean Diaspora on issues to be discussed.
To work in a constructive manner to facilitate understanding and solutions that offer mutual benefits.
HMG to seek and discuss Diaspora focus group views and advice on potential policy issues. These could include, but are not limited to, migration, human rights, development, education, health.
Diaspora representatives to seek to present co-ordinated Diaspora views on HMG migration policy from their constituent groups. This may include differences of opinion but the forum should remain non-partisan.
Diaspora representatives to disseminate results of Diaspora Focus Group meetings to their constituents and seek feedback as appropriate. HMG to provide core scripts/information sheets as requested.
Diaspora representatives to advise HMG on prioritisation of suitable media outlets for outreach work HMG can undertake with Zimbabweans in the UK.
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