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Annual report

Annual Report 2004

Overall, the Zimbabwean economic performed relatively well in 2004 in comparison to 2003 and despite adverse conditions such as the sanctions, reduced official development assistance and other forms of support from the international community. Notwithstanding this positive factor, the level of poverty and vulnerability in Zimbabwe remains high mainly due to the high level of unemployment, the steadily rising cost of living, the negative effects of drought and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The political situation in Zimbabwe has remained unpredictable and uncertain. The new NGO legislation, together with the other pieces of legislation governing access to information and public meetings will have a significant impact on the operations of civil society organisations in Zimbabwe, including MS partners and local communities.

Although the uncertainty in the operating environment in 2004 presented a number of challenges for civil society in general, the level of motivation, openness in dialogue meetings and unity of purpose in the MS-Zimbabwe programme remained relatively high. The relatively stable and peaceful environment in most of the districts where MS partners are operating enabled MS partners and DWs to carry out their work effectively.

The MS-Zimbabwe programme provided support to 24 long-term partnerships in 2004 in four main thematic areas outlined in the policy paper 2000-2005. Of particular significance is the fact that partners in the civil society and rights sector have increasingly taken on visible roles in issues of advocacy on critical policy matters affecting the marginalized social groups in Zimbabwe. Partners and DWs in different sectors were able to participate in their respective sector meetings and share experiences on a number of policy issues.

Solidarity grants have proved to be an important tool for identifying potential partnerships and working with strategic partners on the key programme objectives. In 2004 the grants enabled MS-Zimbabwe to reach out to and interact with wider range of civil society organisations and communities in different sectors.

The new NGO legislation, together with the other pieces of legislation governing access to information and public meetings will have a significant impact on the operations of civil society organisations in Zimbabwe, including MS partners and local communities. It would compel these organisations to seriously reflect on their own identities, visions, values and strategies for supporting communities.

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