Save Zimbabwe Campaign New Zealand hails the political parties in Zimbabwe for agreeing to turn weapons of political violence into ploughshares and work on mechanisms to rebuild over 18 months.

We particularly respect the depth of the new Prime Minister’s acceptance speech as he showed the commitment and clear grasp of the gravity of what lies ahead.

We also applaud the SADC chairman’s (President Thabo Mbeki) call to immediately help Zimbabwe mobilise resources to salvage this year’s agriculture season which begins end of October. The need for seed, fertiliser, draught power and fuel cannot be over emphasised if Zimbabweans are to farm and feed themselves.

While not impressed by a bloated cabinet of 31, we do note that in a compromise arrangement, this becomes a necessary evil.

Save Zimbabwe Campaign NZ calls upon all Zimbabweans at home and away to engage in the necessary political processes and help rebuild and restore democracy. The Constitutional process is one such window among many that will require everyone’s input.

The compromise deal cannot stand on its own as it is a statement of intent. It will require goodwill from all parties, a robust media that will keep the citizenry informed and most importantly international capital.

We do hope the international community will not fail the people of Zimbabwe on this great window of opportunity and need.

16 September 2008