Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
VETERAN Zimbabwean journalist, Mr Mkhululi Chimoio, who is based in South Africa has been appointed communication advisor to the Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD), Dr Louis-Georges Tin.
In his appointment letter, Dr Tin said the position is in accordance with Articles 1-5, of the SOAD constitution. He said Mr Chimoioโs mission is to represent SOAD, articulate its philosophy and implement its programmes under the Prime Ministerโs authority.
โWe do appreciate your experience and your determination for our cause. We trust you and we count on you to reinforce Africa through the diaspora, and the diaspora through Africa,โ wrote Dr Tin.
The SOAD is a unique institution established to bridge the gap between Africa and its diaspora. Its government was officially presented at the African Union Summit in July 2018, with the first Council of Ministers inaugurated in Abidjan in November 2018.
SOAD comprises two key institutions: the State Government, led by the Prime Minister, Dr Tin and the Parliament, which represents the regions of the African diaspora.
The organisation aims to strengthen Africa through its diaspora and vice versa, recognising the diaspora as a significant political, economic and cultural force. With about 350 million members, the African diaspora is considered the โSixth Regionโ of the African Union, symbolising its importance in the continentโs development.
The African diaspora stems from two major migration waves. The first is related to the slave trade, encompassing both the Eastern (7th to 20th century) and
Western (15th to 19th century) trades, resulting in African descendants living in countries like Yemen, Iraq, the United States and Brazil.
The second wave is related to economic migration, beginning in the 20th century, especially after 1945, this wave saw Africans migrating to Europe and other parts of the world.
Speaking from his base in South Africa, Mr Chimoio described his appointment as a tremendous honour and an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwean leadership on a global stage.
โAs a Zimbabwean, it represents a chance to showcase Zimbabwean leadership and expertise on a global platform, reflecting the nationโs ability to influence and shape the African narrative,โ said Mr Chimoio, originally from Mvundlana village in Tsholotsho.
His responsibilities include designing and implementing communication strategies to promote SOADโs vision, managing SOADโs public image through consistent messaging and effective crisis management and building and maintaining relationships with African states, diaspora communities and international organisations.
Mr Chimoio said SOAD strengthens ties between African states and the diaspora, fostering unity and collaborative efforts to address global African issues. It also amplifies the voice of Africa in international forums.
โThe diaspora is a significant source of remittances, investments and intellectual capital. SOAD facilitates economic integration, promotes trade and encourages knowledge exchange, contributing to the continentโs development and industrialisation.
โIt aims to bridge the gap between African states and the diaspora, creating a unified identity and leveraging diaspora resources for Africaโs growth,โ he said.
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