INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY – 2025

 14^th June 2025

Yesterday, Friday 13^th June 2025 was International Albinism Awareness Day.

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious genetic condition present from birth. It occurs when both parents carry the gene responsible for the condition, even if they do not show any signs of albinism themselves. Albinism affects individuals of all genders and ethnic backgrounds and is found worldwide.

The condition is characterised by a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. This deficiency leads to extreme sensitivity to sunlight and bright light, resulting in visual impairment for nearly all individuals with albinism. It also increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Currently, there is no cure for the absence of melanin that defines albinism.

In North America and Europe, albinism affects approximately 1 in 17,000 to 20,000 people. In contrast, it is significantly more common in sub-Saharan Africa, where in countries like Tanzania, the rate is about 1 in 1,400. In certain communities in Zimbabwe and other Southern African ethnic groups, prevalence can be as high as 1 in 1,000.

ROHR Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with people with albinism under the theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”

In Zimbabwe and across Africa, individuals with albinism face discrimination, violence, and deadly neglect. We call on the government and communities to uphold their rights, ensure access to healthcare – including sunscreen – and end the harmful myths that threaten their lives.

Human rights are not negotiable.

On this occasion, Phylis Melody Magejo said; - “Individuals living with albinism have the right to equal
opportunities with everyone else. Societies should foster inclusivity and fairness for people with albinism. Remove barriers that hinder them from participating or contributing their skills and talents in communities. We say “NO” to discrimination and stigma.”

Indeed, it is very common for people with albinism to be excluded from many things in life. They face insurmountable barriers imposed by society and governments that hinder them from reaching their full potential. 

Some even die prematurely for want of such basics as sunscreen and lotions that would otherwise help prevent diseases like skin cancer. 

Petronella Mahachi said: - “Happy International Albinism Awareness Day. I amplify the voices of people with albinism and encourage all Teachers in Zimbabwe to be mindful of the needs of children with albinism and allow them to sit at the front of the class due to challenges they may face with eyesight.
#UnitedInMakingOurVoiceHeard.

Summary by:-

Information & Publicity Team
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe
Email: humanrights@rohr-zimbabwe.org

Shrinking the Democratic Space: The Dictator, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Is at It Again - By Panyika Karimanzira

30^th May 2025

This week, kleptocrat and dictator Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled the Zimbabwe Media Policy.

Cloaked in colourful language and lofty rhetoric, the policy might appear progressive at first glance. But a closer, more critical examination reveals a different reality.

To the discerning citizen, this policy is yet another addition to the regime’s ever-expanding arsenal of repressive tools. Far from promoting transparency or freedom of expression, it resurrects the spirit of the long-repealed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). It now joins the ranks of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act of 2023—infamously dubbed the “Patriotic Act”—and the Cyber and Data Protection Act. Collectively, these laws constitute a systematic erosion of Zimbabwe’s democratic space.

The Zimbabwe Media Policy is a framework designed to curtail free speech and media independence. It grants the state sweeping powers—not only over traditional media but also over social media—thus extending its surveillance and control into the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

Central to this policy is a requirement for licensing under a centralised, government-controlled system. In the hands of a dictator, such a mechanism becomes a potent weapon. Media outlets and journalists operate at the mercy of the state. Those who refuse to conform, or who dare to expose corruption and abuses of power, face harsh reprisals.

Journalists are particularly vulnerable. Recent pre-trial detention cases—such as that of Blessing Mhlanga and, before him, Hopewell Chin’ono—demonstrate the real consequences of exposing the corruption and shenanigans of the ruling elite, as well as speaking truth to power. Under this policy, reporters who shine a light on government failures or corruption risk imprisonment.

Foreign journalists are also targeted. They must obtain security clearance from the intelligence services, pay hefty fees, and surrender copies of any documentaries produced during their stay in Zimbabwe. This not only discourages external scrutiny but also tightens the regime’s grip on its international image.

Clause 4.8 (Page 31) of the policy outlines a chilling array of penalties: loss of licenses or accreditation, forced content removal or blocking, mandatory apologies and corrections, disqualification from media awards, and potential legal action.

Big Brother is not just watching us —he is silencing us.

About the author

Panyika Anselm Karimanzira is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a board member of and spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at anselm.karimanzira@yahoo.ie OR panyika.karimanzira@rohr-zimbabwe.org 

ROHR ZIMBABWE COMES TO THE AID OF BLESSED MHLANGA’S FAMILY DURING HIS INCARCERATION

By Information & Publicity Team 

18^th April 2025

In a typical case of lawfare by the regime in Harare, Blessed Mhlanga, a journalist with privately owned Heart and Soul Television, a part of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), was detained on 24^th February 2025 on incitement charges. His “crime” was to interview Blessed Geza, the war veteran who popularly called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.

Arbitrary arrest and detention are a violation of Article 9 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which reads, “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile”.

Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) further states that anyone arrested has the right to be brought promptly before a judge and should be released pending trial, unless there are good reasons to keep them in custody.

Also, according to Section 50(1)(d) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, bail is a constitutional right. Denial of bail should not be used to punish or pre-judge an accused, yet, 53 days after his detention and counting, Blessed Mhlanga has been denied bail thrice.

When a person is in Blessed Mhlanga’s predicament, they not only suffer physically and psychologically, but their finances are exhausted quickly, they lose earnings, and their families suffer big time as a result.

The UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe decided to mobilise funds to help Blessed Mhlanga’s family. It appealed for donations/contributions from its members. This evolved from a resolution passed in the Zoom meeting of the UK Chapter on 29^th March 2025.

The appeal went out on 29/03/2025 via WhatsApp, and £530 had been raised by 08/04/2025, thanks to the generosity of ROHR Zimbabwe members. 

We sent the £530 to Mrs Florence Mhlanga via Western Union on 08/04/2025. This was converted to USD 678.00, which she collected on 12/04/2025.

We invited Mrs Mhlanga to a bespoke WhatsApp group for only those who contributed on Monday, 14/04/2025, and we were able to interact with her before excusing her on 17/04/2025.

We shared the Western Union transfer details (MTCN) on the bespoke WhatsApp group.
For transparency purposes, we also shared the list of contributors with Mrs Mhlanga.

The following is the list of the ROHR Zimbabwe human rights activists who contributed to this fund;-

BLESSED MHLANGA CONTRIBUTIONS UPDATE - As of 09:00 hrs Tuesday 08/04/2025.

Vongayi Mufara  £20
Panyika Karimanzira  £25
Paradzai Mapfumo  £25
Charles Kanyimo  £10
Angeline Huni  £10
Nolanga E Ndlovu  £20
Tafadzwa Chivaura  £50
Mollin Muteto £10
Godfrey Mandibaya  £10
Xolisani Masuku  £10
Lilie Khanye  £20
Olivia Chamboko  £10
Lilian Nleya £10
Silvanos Mudzvova £25
Lorraine Zakeyo  £10
Paul Mukweza  £20
Harriet Ndlovu  £10
Marian Mangani  £20
Sandra S Chidemo £10
Weston Mupfururirwa £15
Farisai Kapepa £10
Delina Mutyambizi £15
Dickson Chikwizo £10
Michelle Mpofu £5
Vengai Mutsawu £5
Edineth Mtengwa  £20
Romancia Chiomba  £5
Prince Maisiri £5
Dulcie Munjeri £10
Memory Kishindo £5
Linda Mafu £10
Velisiwe Ndlovu £5
Mellisa Mbavarira £5
Shingirayi Kandi £5
Thenjiwe Ndlovu £10
Alvina Chibhamu £20
Phylis Magejo £5
Phyllis Chibanguza £10
Emily Mafuwe £20
Grace Makoni £10

Total = £530
Sent to Florence Mhlanga (to receive USD 678.00) via Western Union on Tuesday, 08/04/2025.

One of our members, Tawanda Matangambiri, contributed USD 10.00 via an ongoing GoFundMe, which is a separate initiative.

Message from Blessed Mhlanga and Family

“In my darkest hour, in the worst of times, you have stood with me and my family. My wife has made me aware of your selfless sacrifices and compassion.
It is these efforts from you that made me a journalist to speak for others and help build a selfless nation.
Being in prison is expensive, not only financially but emotionally and to family support.
Your contributions have lessened the burden on us.
To all those who contributed, may God bless you, and thank you for the solidarity and advocacy.

You are our family.

With love
Blessed and Florence Mhlanga and family”

We appreciate that this appeal was done on short notice due to the urgency of the matter.

Therefore, we extended the appeal to 30th April 2025 to give everyone a chance.

If anyone wants to contribute, please transfer to the ROHR Account details as follows;-

ROHR ZIMBABWE BANK DETAILS:-
Account Name: RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ZIMBABWE
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 46330349

Parallel to the fundraising effort, we advocated for Blessed Mhlanga's release via our social media platforms.

Below are some of the links to our posts;-

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BkgDpsirb/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15vcgGLXrw/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DgudeW6wR/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15kFTkXfEK/
https://x.com/ROHRZimbabweorg/status/1911340133099397616?t=nO9XiApt41wzvAyH4Kb6nQ&s=19
https://x.com/rohrzimbabweorg/status/1912793686418522471?s=48

The following is the list of the ROHR Zimbabwe human rights activists who contributed to round 2 of 2 of this fund;-

Maruwiza Nkhambala £10
Tsitsi Margaret Nkosi £20
Renee Brenda Langa £10
Panyika Anselm Karimanzira £10
Frazor Muzondo £15
Henry Makambe £5
Weston Mupfururirwa £10
Mollin Muteto £10
Romancia Chiomba £5
Omega Mpofu Kadengu £10
Dickson Chikwizo £5
Harriet Ndlovu £10
Lorraine Zakeyo £5
Lilie Khanye £20
Shingirayi Kandi £5
Praisego M Moyo £10
Tatenda Mupfururirwa £10

Round 2 of 2 Total = £245.00
Sent it to Mrs Florence Mhlanga (Received USD 305.00) via Western Union on Thursday, 15 May 2025.

All in all, in rounds 1 and 2 combined, we contributed and sent £775 (USD 983.00).

We invited Blessed Mhlanga to our bespoke WhatsApp group after his release from prison, where all those who contributed towards this fund had an opportunity to interact with him.

He is a genuinely inspiring personality.

Inserted by;-
Information & Publicity Department
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe
Email: - humanrights@rohr-zimbabwe.org
Mobile: - +447538534375

Are the General Zimbabweans Independent?

By Vongayi Mufara

18^th April 2025

Today, 18^th April 2025, marks Zimbabwe's 45^th Independence Day—a moment to honour the hard-won freedom from colonial rule in 1980. Yet, decades later, we must ask: are ordinary Zimbabweans truly independent?

Independence is not just the lowering of a colonial flag. It is the right to live with dignity, access opportunities, speak freely, and be governed justly. For many Zimbabweans today, these rights remain a distant dream. Rampant corruption by ZANU-PF elites, the erosion of judicial independence, systemic unemployment, a collapsing healthcare system, and the brutal silencing of dissent paint a grim picture of a nation held hostage by its leadership.

So while Zimbabwe may be free on paper, the people are not truly free. Real independence means freedom from fear, hunger, and oppression—not just from foreign rulers, but from ZANU-PF tyranny as well. Until then, this day serves more as a reminder of the promises broken than of the freedom achieved by those who fought for it.

About the author
Vongayi Mufara is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Chairperson of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe and Organising Secretary of the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at vongayi.mufara@rohr-zimbabwe.org