John Makumbe lauds ZDDTs adherence to democratic values
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – Sustained upholding and imparting of democratic values is essential for the continued success of ZDDT’s work with local community leaders and residents.
This was said by Professor John Makumbe, Chairman of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. He was speaking during a tour of the Ward. 13 Mabuthweni Park at which a tree-planting demonstration had recently been held. Cllr. Lot Siziba presides over the Ward.
Prof. Makumbe, lecturer in Law at the University of Zimbabwe, has become renowned over the past decade, for his consistent stance in the push for democratic processes in this troubled Southern African nation.
Surveying a vast swathe of parkland resplendent with newly planted saplings, Prof. Makumbe commented on how impressed he was with ZDDT’s hands-on and people orientated approach in its community restoration initiatives, currently running in several urban settings throughout the country.
He somehow managed to marry the Trust’s Urban Greening Campaign, (of which the tree-planting demonstration was a part) and the intricate dynamics of democracy.
“By consulting and involving local Councillors and communities in your initiatives, you are furthering and upholding the principals and values of democratic processes. In this manner your work is bound to succeed.”
Although due to prior commitments, Cllr. Siziba was unable to host the tour, the Ward’s Community Action Team (CAT) Chairman, Mr. Forgiven Ndlovu kindly obliged.
ZDDT was represented by Simon Spooner, National Development Officer, Bruce Mtengwa, Bulawayo Provincial Officer and Lewis Jones, Regional Coordinator & Field Correspondent.