MISSION STATEMENT

ZICOCHA seeks to achieve the following:

(i)        To build an organization that is non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-religious, and transcends all personal and egocentric interests. ZICOCHA stresses that the Sovereign National Convention must uphold the interest of Zimbabwe first and supreme.

(ii)        To create a forum that will allow input from all individuals affected by Zimbabwe.s crisis. The conference must consist of representatives from various backgrounds and locations, including the 3 million Diaspora residing outside the country, and enable a dialogue on the economic, social and political issues facing Zimbabwe, in order to reach a consensus on how to resolve them.

(iii)        To enable both civil society and political groups to participate in a democratic forum. We note with respect the efforts by all political parties of their attempts to mend their differences, especially through the recently flopped South Africa mediated talks. Yet civil society groups were banned from participating in these talks, and thus a crucial .citizen voice. was lost. Civil society groups, such as NCA, WOZA and ZCTU have made tremendous contributions and sacrifices in the pursuit of democracy for Zimbabwe, and it is critical that we recognize their efforts. Their involvement will bring a lasting deal for peace. .Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.. Proverbs 11:14.

(iv)       We stress that the Sovereign National Convention must be led first and foremost by Zimbabweans. It is to be a conference for Zimbabweans facilitated by Zimbabweans with the help of some African patriots and experts whose credentials in similar exercises are impeccable.

We believe that Zimbabweans in the Diaspora represent the best hope of spearheading the organization of a National Sovereign Convention. Being far removed from the rough and tumble of the domestic situation, they can see things more clearly and are less likely to have strong partisan affiliations. As the African proverb instructs, "The one cutting the path through the bush does not see how crooked the path is. Only the one standing far can see it".