On Saturday all roads lead to Deby for the Midlands North District Council and the clebrations of the 11th Anniversary of the MDC.

A spokesman said the venue for both activities is Alvaston Community Junior School, Elvaston Lane, Alvaston, Derby, Derbyshire, DE24 0PU. Directions

The Council Meeting for Midlands North will start at 12noon promptly and finish at 2pm in time for the celebrations to start, with all other districts invited.

District chairman, Tonderai Samanyanga, said he expected reports from all organs in the branches, which would form the agenda of the meeting. Midlands North UK chairman, Tonderai Samanyanga

"Matters arising from those will then be deliberated on and recommendations, and if branches have already deliberated and have resolutions to bring to council this is also the right time," he said.

On the 11th anniversary, he said it marks eleven years of the existence of a democratic force in Zimbabwean politics. All Zimbabweans and their friends are invited for food, fun and celebration.

"The formation of the Movement for Democratic Change on the 11th of September 1999 provided the masses of Zimbabwe an opportunity to work together to bring about meaningful change from a government that turned against its own people. This makes it a day to remember."

MDC UK and Ireland External Assembly members and friends will gather in Derby, to commemorate the birth of the MDC, celebrate gains achieved since 1999 and to remember compatriots who fell along the way.

Some few members have turned their backs on this project, but the struggle remains relentless in spite of these challenges. Many have scattered around the world but remain determined cadres.

"We regrouped and continued our fight for democratic change," said Samanyanga.

An important challenge at this time, he said, is for the external assembly to reposition itself as we prepare for final victory in the next elections.

"Let us continue to uphold our party’s democratic values and support our leadership in building a party of excellence capable of bringing about real change to our people’s lives."