Commitment for Life in Zimbabwe: The bigger picture
Linda Mead, who coordinates the Commitment for Life Programme, reflects on the way projects in Zimbabwe link up with broader issues of justice and unity.
Following a day travelling from Bulawayo to Harare we received a warm welcome at Mbare United Presbyterian Church of South Africa at their morning service. Monday saw us set off to visit a different type of partner than we had met before. Today was much more about the bigger picture.
Christian Aid partner, the Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association (ZELA) research human rights and environmental issues.
Their work comes under the governance and accountability strand of Christian Aid’s strategy. ZELA have been in partnership with Christian Aid since 2012 and are concerned about the disregard for human rights and health and safety in the mineral extraction industry in the Great Dyke area of Zimbabwe.
Much of their time is spent lobbying government officials. They have been asked to help draft laws that can benefit the miners. So, they see themselves as working from global to local. They create and help local groups to monitor the effect of mining and will help with any litigation. Their views are often not popular so they walk a fine line between diplomacy and the need for justice.
ZELA feel the extractive industry will be a key player in next year’s elections. They are producing an online platform of information on all formal mining in the country. Most of this information has been collected by local people who, at present, come into their centre to record their information. It is hoped, in future, this can be achieved using mobile phones.
One of their biggest successes is their exchange programme where workers see how the 10% levy suggested by the government to aid a community, is translated into concrete examples. These vary tremendously across the country.
From ZELA we travelled across town to meet the General Secretary of the Zimbabwean Council of Churches (ZCC). With 80% of the country professing to be Christian, faith leaders shape lives on issues such as the way men treat women, women treat children and employees treat their staff.
ZCC is seeking to encourage Christian unity as society becomes highly fragmented. There is a lack of understanding about the constitution and the country is moving towards a General Election. They offer theological reflection and resources on these issues.
Their recent gender policy has been well received internationally. They are working with local church leaders to strengthen this policy in local churches. Training in leadership in churches, social and economic justice and peace building has helped women gain confidence; so much so that a few want to stand at the next elections.
This blog was originally published by Commitment for Life, the world development programme of the United Reformed Church which has been supporting Christian Aid and Global Justice Now for 25 years.
