The Inclusive Government (IG) was installed against a backdrop of multi-dimensional socio-economic and political challenges and its formation generated considerable enthusiasm and even euphoria among the public in Zimbabwe, in the region and internationally. Opinion surveys conducted soon after the coalition government confirmed robust public support for the joint government and that Zimbabweans had great expectations about their future. As of March 2010, the IG had gone past twelve months of operation, historically a period too short to reach definitive conclusions about performance. Nevertheless, there is evidence of policy innovation and socio-economic gains e.g. the taming of hyper-inflation and expansion in economic production, improvements in social services, improved relations with the donor community etc. But there is also evidence of backsliding, stalling and disillusionment, the latest being manifested in the strike action by the country’s civil service between February and March 2010. The constitution-making process is also characterized by a “stop-go” pattern while the process of national healing and reconciliation appears stalled.

The Conference seeks to discuss and engage in dialogue as to the extent to which hopes have been fulfilled or dashed? How does Zimbabwe in early 2009 compare with Zimbabwe in early 2010? What have been the areas of progress and/or regression in various facets/sectors of Zimbabweans’ life? What is the way forward for the country? Further, the conference seeks to take an audit of the performance of the inclusive government in the past twelve months. But it also seeks to go beyond diagnosis. More crucially, the conference seeks to critically and objectively discuss feasible solutions/prescriptions that can address the profound problems that Zimbabwe still faces. The conference is motivated by the observation that critical and open-minded discourse is one of the missing links in the debate about the state of Zimbabwe today and where it should go and how. The conference aims to contribute to closing this gap.

The Conference will focus on the economy, rule of law, social services, media reform, and national healing and reconciliation.

WEDNESDAY 5th MAY 2010

SESSION 1: OPENING CEREMONY

08:00-08:30
Registration of Participants

08:30-09:00
Welcome, Introductions and Forum Background

• Rejoice Ngwenya, Facilitator
• Helga Rothfritz, KAS-Director
• His Excellency Ambassador of Germany Albrecht Conze
• Professor Eldred Masunungure, MPOI Director

SESSION 2: RESTORATION OF ECONOMIC STABILITY AND GROWTH

09:00-09:20
Presentation on Restoration of Economic Stability and Growth- Government Perspective
Dr. Desire Sibanda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion

09:20-09:40
Presentation on Restoration of Economic Stability and Growth-Civic Society Perspective
John Robertson, Economist and Consultant
Speech | Powerpoint-Presentation

0940-0955
Discussant
Luckson Zembe, Economist and Consultant

09:55-10:30
Plenary and Discussion
Rejoice Ngwenya

SESSION 3: MEDIA AND MEDIA REFORMS IN ZIMBABWE

10:45-11:05
Presentation on the Media: Progress, Setbacks and Way Forward- Government Perspective
Hon. Jameson Timba, Dep Min. Media, Information & Publicity

11:05-11:25
Presentation on the Media: Progress, Setbacks and Way Forward- Civic Society Perspective
Mr. Nhlanhla Ngwenya, Director, MISA-Zimbabwe
Speech

12:05-12:20
Discussant
Mrs. Nqobile Nyathi, Deputy Chairperson, Zimbabwe Media Commission

12:20-12:45
Plenary and Discussion
Rejoice Ngwenya

SESSION 4: SOCIAL SERVICES SECTOR; INFRASTRUCTURE RESUSCITATION AND REHABILITATION OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH SERVICES

14:20-14:40
Presentation on Social Services Sector (Education): Progress, Setbacks and Way Forward - Government Perspective
2nd Presentation from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee (Education)-Parliamentary Committee Perspective
Hon. David Coltart, Minister of Education, Sport, Arts & Culture
Hon. Dorothy Mangami, Chairperson, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education
Speech

15:00-15:20
Presentation on Social Services Sector (Health): Progress, Setbacks and Way Forward- Government Perspective
Presentation on Social Services Sector (Health): Progress, Setbacks and Way Forward- Parliamentary Committee Perspective
Hon. Henry Madzorera, Minister of Health & Child Welfare
Hon. Fani Munengami, Deputy Chairperson, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health
Speech

15:20-15:40
Discussant
Dr. Fay Chung
Speech

15:40–16:15
Plenary and Discussion
Rejoice Ngwenya

THURSDAY 6th MAY 2010

SESSION 5: RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER LAWS

08:30–08:50
Presentation on Rule of Law, Respect for the Constitution and Other Laws- Government Perspective
Hon. Jessie Majome, Deputy Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs
Speech

08:50-09:10
Presentation on Rule of Law, Respect for the Constitution and Other Laws- Civic Society Perspective
Mr. Edward Mapara, Executive Secretary, Law Society of Zimbabwe
Speech

09:10-09:25
Discussant
Sarudzai Njerere

09:25-10:00
Plenary and Discussion
Rejoice Ngwenya

SESSION 6: PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY

10:30-10:50
Presentation on Promotion of Equality, National Healing, Cohesion and Unity- Government Perspective
Hon. Sakai M. Holland, Core Chairperson, Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration
Speech

10:50-11:10
Presentation on Promotion of Equality, National Healing, Cohesion and Unity- Civic Society Perspective
Father David Harold Barry, Silveira House
Speech

11:10-11:25
Discussant
Dr. David Kaulemu
Speech

11:25-12:00
Plenary, Discussion
Rejoice Ngwenya

12:00-12:15
Consolidated way forward
Rejoice Ngwenya

12:15-12:30
Vote of Thanks
Professor Eldred Masunungure