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By Joyce Mukucha
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) in partnership with civil society organisations (CSOs) is playing a crucial role in proclaiming and urging citizens to live with peace and unity towards national development.
Celebrating the CSOs Week in Harare on the 26th of January 2022, representatives of various organisations highlighted that the commemorations were aimed at bringing about and appreciating the great work that the CSOs in the region are doing and working towards building social, economic, political, and environmental justice as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
They emphasised that they will continue to make concerted efforts in doing numerous works for the wellbeing of different communities they operate in and the nation at large through building active citizenship roles by motivating civic engagement at the local level and engagement with local, regional, and national governance.
Young Women’s Christian Association, Health Foundation, Harare Residents Trust, Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, Caritas, and Shamwari Yemwanasikana among others were some of the CSOs that attended and participated in the event.
In her opening remarks, ZCC Acting Secretary-General, Maria Dendere highlighted that CSOs are always at the forefront of creating positive narratives through success stories as agencies of change to promote inclusivity, equality, transparency, and diversity.
She said it was of paramount importance for CSOs to reflect and appreciate the great work they do every day for the greater good of the nation so that they continue to positively use the opportunity they have to extend help to those who need it the most.
“This is the time for us to look back and reflect on the work that we have been doing as CSOs. In most cases, if we do not give ourselves such time, it’s very difficult to appreciate the kind of work that we are doing, the value that we are adding to the nation the people that we assist, and those we are reaching out to. As we celebrate, let’s come together and reflect on our work so that we appreciate the services we provide so that we continue to render unwavering support especially to vulnerable communities,” she said.
CSOs play a pivotal role in complementing government efforts in providing services across various sectors in the country.
“CSOs facilitate community interactions in services, influence, policy development and contribute to resource mobilisation both domestically and internationally. The development community recognises CSOs as critical implementors and advocates for accountability, participatory planning, and effective priority setting at the national, sub-national, and community level. This is the work that we are doing and this is recognised internationally and also locally even through our own government.”
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations Senior Programs Officer, Enerst Nyimai said as CSOs remain committed to giving as much support as possible to different communities, it was imperative for the government to work closely with the civil society in coordinating processes that ensure that citizens’ needs are met.
Nyimai stressed that there are quite a number of gaps which include economic, social, and political where civil society plays a crucial role to compliment the government through capacity building in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Without the support from the civil society, it would be difficult for the government to achieve gender equality and equity among other important areas. We need to see equitably sustainable development in the country thus the need for CSOs to continue working tirelessly to make sure that a number of goals are achieved especially the SDGs. I urge CSOs to continue tracking and demanding accountability and I also encourage everyone to amplify the critical role the civil society is playing so that we continue lobbying, influencing and coming up with key positions and results for the greater growth of the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Reverend Vushebwashe Mhaka, Bishop of the Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe reiterated that it was important for organisations, government, and the people, in general, to come together as a nation with unity of purpose.
In his closing, ZCC Programs Team Leader Dr. Tinashe Gumbo urged the CSOs to continue working tirelessly to provide both immediate relief and longer-term transformative change by defending collective interests and increasing accountability; providing solidarity mechanisms and promoting participation; influencing decision making; directly engaging in service delivery, and challenging prejudice.
He also commended members of the media for continuing to play their critical role in society as sources of information, watchdogs, and whistleblowers as he urged them to remain dedicated to helping members of the society to make the best possible decisions about their lives and their communities.