THE Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI) has launched Zim-Agora, a new public sphere initiative aimed at revitalising critical political economy discourse in Zimbabwe.
The platform seeks to provide a space for the exchange of ideas, problem-solving and the development of locally-driven solutions to the country’s challenges.
ZDI principal researcher Bekezela Gumbo explained to the Zimbabwe Independent that the platform will delve into the complexities of Zimbabwe’s political economy, offering fresh perspectives and actionable solutions.
“In an era where critical political economy discourses were waning, we recognised the urgent need for a platform that fosters intellectual debates, shapes the Zimbabwean narrative, and cultivates home-grown solutions,” Gumbo said.
“Inspired by the rich legacies of the Dariro public sphere and the Greek Agora, we have crafted a unique modus operandi that facilitates cross-fertilisation of ideas, narratives, and problem identification from the grassroots to the national level.
“Our mission is to redefine the Zimbabwean problem and offer actionable, locally-driven solutions, through Zim-Agora, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where diverse perspectives converge, and innovative thinking emerges.”
The new platform comes at a time when the government has unleashed a crackdown on human rights activists and anyone critical of the government ahead of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) summit set for August 17.
On June 16, 79 Citizens Coalition for Change members, including interim party head, Jameson Timba, were arrested during a gathering at the party leader’s home to commemorate International Day of the African Child.
- PVOs Bill will worsen poverty: ZDI
- Govt failing us: Zec
- ‘Delimitation report serves ruling party interests’
- Zanu PF tightens grip on rural strongholds
Keep Reading
They were accused of plotting protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the Sadc summit and have been remanded in custody.
Human rights watchdogs have condemned the government’s crackdown on dissenting voices, stating that arbitrary arrests of human rights activists must end immediately.
Last week, four local pro-democracy activists were removed from a Victoria Falls-bound plane at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and allegedly tortured.
They have been remanded in custody on charges of disorderly conduct.
