Zimbabwe is a country in transition!

The signing of the SADC facilitated Global Political Agreement by the two formations of the MDC and Zanu PF on 15 September 2008 and the formation of an inclusive government in February 2009 provides new hope for ending the challenges facing the people of Zimbabwe. Resolving the humanitarian and economic crises characterised by severe food shortages and a country wide cholera outbreak are key priorities in the context of collapsed health delivery, 95% unemployment, and collapsed reticulation services amongst a plethora of other challenges.

In this transitional period, political players and civil society need to build consensus in addressing the root causes of the crisis that has unfolded to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe. Building a new democratic constitution is a key part of the democratistion process.

It is on the basis of the need to shape and develop the progressive policy agenda, and to build consensus around social democratic principles, that the Zimbabwe Institute was established. We strive to forge a new political culture based on a progressive policy agenda that contains the innovative and practical solutions necessary to build a sustainable, socially cohesive and prosperous Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Institute facilitated a study tour of South Africa for the Co-chairs of the Parliamentary Select Committee to learn from that country's experience in the making of a new constitution. The Co-chairs met various leaders who were involved in the process of the making of a constitution in South Africa.

Pictured in the front row Paul Mangwana(Co-chair Zanu PF), Gladys Dube(Deputy Co-chair, MDC T), Douglas Mwonzora(MDC T Co-chair), David Coltart(MDC M Co-chair) and Flora Buka(Zanu PF Deputy Co-chair).(Absent from picture Edward Mkhosi MDC M Deputy Co-chair).

Back row: Margeret Chiduku(Perm Sec Min. Constitutional Affairs, Choice Damiso(Parliament) Thandiwe Nkiwane(facilitator) Roelf Meyer (facilitator) Pravin Gordan(SA Finance Minister) Josiah Nyanda(Parliament) Isaac Maposa(ZI Director), Nkanyiso Maqeda(ZI) and Nozipho Ndebele(ZI).