The Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) have announced their approval of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mr Robert Mugabe and the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) faction leaders Prof. Arthur Mutanbara.and Morgan Tsvangirai.
This is a giant first step towards ending the years of economic crisis, political instability and violence that has been plaguing the Zimbabwean people. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is a watershed event which presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to redefine itself.
Details of the commitments made in the Memorandum included a dedication to ending polarization , divisions, conflict and intolerance; The building of a society based on justice, fairness, transparency, equality and dignity; The determination to build a society free of violence, intimidation, fear, hate, patronage and corruption.
A passage from the open letter written by Mr Morgan Tsvangirai reads;
I know that in signing this Memorandum of Understanding, I represent the hopes and aspirations of millions of Zimbabweans to end this crisis as soon as possible. Honest, hardworking Zimbabweans who want nothing more than a life that offers peace, security, economic opportunity, democracy and social and personal development. This is a responsibility that the Movement for Democratic Change and I take with the utmost seriousness.
BUSA furthermore welcomes the time horizon that has been agreed to, in particular the commitment to finalise discussions around the establishment of an inclusive government in two weeks. BUSA is pleased that the MOU also commits the parties to the formulation of a new Constitution which protects civil liberties and democratic rights.
Tsvangirai also went on to bid for the Zimbabwean people to embrace the ‘ideals of democracy’ and to ‘live in a spirit of tolerence’
BUSA also approved of the two week time period agreed between President Mugabe, Prof. Arthur Mutambara and Morgan Tsvangirai where further negotiations will be established.
Acting as the voice of business in South Africa BUSA has committed itself to supporting and working with the Zimbabwean parties in the bid to restore economic stability and growth. BUSA also wishes for the Dialogue process to be expanded to include other key stakeholders, such as business and civil society groups. |