Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe (ROHR Zimbabwe) Central London Branch: Raising Awareness through volunteering

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe (ROHR Zimbabwe) Central London Branch: Raising Awareness through volunteering Report 27^th June 2017

                          

ROHR Zimbabwe Central London, has embarked on a project to volunteer their skills & talents to the local community.

The branch has identified the Church of England, Schools, Shops such as the British Heart Foundation, as the organisations to work with as they embark on the project, "Activism Done Differently."

The aim is to make ROHR Zimbabwe a part of the community. By engaging and contributing to the local community ROHR Zimbabwe will be able to raise its profile creating opportunities for members to raise an awareness of the Human Rights Violations, Zimbabweans are going through in their own country at the hands of the ZANU PF government.

On the 27th of June 2017, Lynette Chivizhe and George Shambela (members of the ROHR Zimbabwe Central London Branch) visited the Church of England in Trafalgar Square and also a local school to present a letter signed by ROHR Zimbabwe Board Members. The letter accompanied by their branch promotional flyer stated the willingness to volunteer skills and talents of the Central London Branch Members on a regular basis.

Mr Shambela stated, "the response received from these two premises visited today has been extremely positive, we have to wait for their reply in writing."

The branch chairperson, Mary Muteyerwa stated, "We have to use all avenues available to us in order to raise an awareness of the human rights abuses that are happening in Zimbabwe, by volunteering our skills and talents we become part of the community which will give us the chance to further educate people through casual discussions about what is going on in Zimbabwe. One of my talents is playing the African traditional drum, I would love to teach children and even adults to play it."

"Activism can be done differently but we need all our members to get involved," stated Lynette Chivizhe.

For more information about ROHR Zimbabwe visit: www.rohrzim.org

Written By

Farai Nhakaniso

Information and Publicity Officer U.K. Chapter

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe

ROHR ZIMBABWE UK CENTRAL LONDON BRANCH MEETING

EVENT:ROHR ZIMBABWE UK CENTRAL LONDON BRANCH MEETING

DATE: SATURDAY 1st JULY 2017

TIME: 12:30PM - 4.00PM

VENUE: ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, BELVEDERE ROAD,
SOUTH BANK, LONDON, SE1 8XX

❖ Two members of the Board of Trustees and possibly a third one will be present and will address the meeting, give important updates and answer any questions.

❖ We have invited the leadership and members of Zimbabwe Christian Peace Movement (ZCPM) to the meeting. They will speak about how we can get involved in their campaign:
‘My Right to Vote, Not Your Right to Rape’.

❖ The executive branch committees for Manchester/Liverpool and
Midlands branches have been invited.

❖ All members of ROHR Zimbabwe in the UK and those wishing to join or simply to witness are most welcome. The meeting will also be attended by members of the steering Committee and
Advocacy Committee of the UK Chapter. Come, mingle with other activists, get updates, exchange ideas and enjoy the day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MARY MUTEYERWA 07931453232, MARGARET TANDI 07882718439, PYTHIAS MAKONESE 07534038908, PARADZAI MAPFUMO 07429654465, GEORGE SHAMBELA 07450148702

Zimbabwean Citizens Protest #DiasporaVoteMyRight

ROHR Midlands Branch and UK Human Rights Organisations Protest During Refugee Week 17 June 2017

On Saturday 17th June 2017, Zimbabwean and friends of Zimbabwe activists based in the United Kingdom came together, to speak in one voice against the injustice and misrule by Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF led Zimbabwean government. This was another event, amongst many that have increased over the years, as Human Right Activists gather together all over the globe creating campaigns and forums on how to get the message across to the international committee of Mugabe’s Human Right violations. 

One such campaign called #Take2Zimbabwe, birthed by Zimbabwe Human Right Organisation (ZHRO) saw them partnering with Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe (ROHR Zimbabwe), Zimbabwe Citizen's Initiative (ZCI)  and other such organisations in an event in Leicester on 17 June 2017. Previous events have been held in London, Birmingham (see video posted by BhanditiTV 

The event took place in the Jubilee Square and brought Zimbabweans from all over UK. It was managed by the ROHR Midlands Branch and began with several public relations initiatives. 

The first was a discussion on Nakai Media on the 15th of June, a social media channel, which saw ZHRO, ROHR Zimbabwe, ZCI, ZAPU and Build Zimbabwe Alliance (BZA) represented in the discussion. (see Part One of the discussion video: https://www.facebook.com/www.nakaimedia.org/videos/277381246066454/)

Nakai Media is owned by the Grace Mupfurutsa, popularly known as Tete Rasta, who is also an activist in her own right and a founder member of ROHR Zimbabwe. 

The panel saw big wigs within human rights and also representation from Zimbabwe political parties, all who were expressing their revolt against the unconstitutional human rights violations in Zimbabwe.

On Saturday the 17th of June 2017, Zimbabweans congregated in the Jubilee Square for a peaceful protest to express that: 

• It was time for regime change in Zimbabwe
• Diasporas should be allowed to vote in the 2018 elections as it is their constitutional right to do so
• The election process, including voter registration, should involve all parties to ensure transparency

The same day also marked the beginning of refugee week and Red Cross, a major partner for refugees across the world then invited the Zimbabwean group to join in their celebration in front of the Leicester town Hall. There was song and dance and the Red Cross brought refugees from different countries in a celebration of love and life.

The event caught the attention of many support organisations and individuals, with BBC Radio Leicester inviting the organisers, represented by Olive Ruvimbo Ruzvidzo, accompanied by Shelton Mhlanga to speak on their African Caribbean segment on Sunday night the 18th  June 2017. 

They elaborated on why Zimbabweans in the diaspora felt the need to vote even though they were not in the country.

The highlight of the interview was that more than a third of Zimbabweans are outside Zimbabwe and they contribute to the bulk of the economy through money sent to families and relatives back home. They therefore, should be allowed a say in how their money is used, above the fact that it is every Zimbabwean's constitutional right. Electronic voting has been on the table as an option for a while despite Justice Makarau's (ZEC) insistence that country cannot afford it. 

The event saw support from the council who cleared Jubilee Square, Leicester Members of Parliament; Keith Vaz, Liz Kendall and Jon Ashworth who have opened their doors for future dialogue on how Zimbabweans can be assisted, The Red Cross, who work closely with Zimbabwe Action in Solidarity (a drop-in centre for Zimbabwean refugees and asylum seekers) and Zimbabwe Association, a country wide refugee support organisation in the United Kingdom

Refugee Week & Day of the African Child

ROHR Zimbabwe Manchester/Liverpool Branch Meeting Saturday 10th June, 2017 (Report)

ROHR Zimbabwe Manchester/Liverpool Branch Meeting Saturday 10th June, 2017 (Report)

Attendance Register:

Present:
Isheanesu Mutyambizi, Robert Chilowa, Primrose Ngwenya, Mary Chabvamuperu, Farai Nhakaniso, Masline Xavier, Magadeline Moyo, Deborah Jandles, Thobekile Gumbo, Shelton Mhlanga

Apologies:
Karen Nhakaniso, Delina Mutyambizi, Silvanos Mudzvova, Lorraine Mudjgiwa, Panyika Karimanzira, Tabeth Mabiza-Nhakaniso

Meeting Started at: 14:11hrs

Agenda of meeting:

1. Discuss and plan for upcoming protest
2. Discuss how we can work together with the organisation: Women for Justice Arise
3. Travel arrangements to Leicester for “Take2Zimbabwe Protest”
4. Zimbabwe Opposition Political Party Invitations to our ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter events

Issues Discussed

1. Farai Nhakaniso (acting Chairperson for the meeting) welcomed everyone, with a special mention to the two representatives from WOJA (Women for Justice Arise).
2. Deborah Jandles of WOJA presented on the aims and objectives of WOJA and how it was founded. She also highlighted on their accomplishments to date and also touched on their plans going forward.
3. Shelton Mhlanga expressed the need for people to come in numbers to the demonstration (protest) organised by Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe Midlands Branch & Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation being held in Leicester. The protest was coinciding with Refugee Week which was also being hosted in Leicester on the 17/06/2017.
4. Farai Nhakaniso led the discussion on how we as a branch can invite Zimbabwe Opposition Political Parties to our events and even to our Branch Meetings.

Action Points:

1. To work more with WOJA and invite them to every event we take part as we are of the same cause
2. Farai Nhakaniso to arrange travelling arrangements with those departing from Manchester and Shelton Mhlanga to arrange travel arrangements with those travelling from Leeds – all going to the Leicester event on the 17/06/2017.

Meeting adjourned at 15:55 hrs.

To view pictures taken at the event follow link below:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157683073901591

Compiled by:
Shelton Mhlanga 
Secretary ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Manchester/Liverpool Branch

Cover Picture:-  https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/35432179156/in/album-72157683073901591/

ROHR Zimbabwe Central London Monthly Branch Meeting 03rd June 2017

ROHR Zimbabwe Central London Monthly Branch Meeting Saturday 3rd June 2017 Report. The branch meeting was held at: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XX. 

ATTENDANCE:

Register:

Burke John (ZHRO Founder); Bvungidzire Sibongile; (Fundraiser); Chivizhe Lynette; (Member); Jambawo Kingstone (Vice Information & Publicity); Makonese Pythias (Information & Publicity); Muteyerwa Mary (Chairperson); Ncube Sibongukusa (Member); Kahiye Tsungirirai; (Chairperson ROHR Midlands Branch); Shambela George (Secretary); Sithole Angela Namatirai (Member); Tandi Margret (Organizing Secretary).

APOLOGIES:
Chipinde Linda (Member); Mupotsa Bridget (Fundraiser); Nhau Morella (Treasurer); Nkiwane Salome (Member)

Meeting commenced at 12:33hrs

Meeting chaired by Margaret Tandi

OPENING PRAYER: - Pythias Makonese.

INTRODUCTIONS: - Self-introductions were made.

PREVIOUS MINUTES: -

Mr Kingstone Jambawo highlighted major items of the previous minutes and corrections were made especially members’ spelling names. After which, Angela Namatirai Sithole proposed that the minutes be passed as a correct record. Lynette Chivizhe seconded.

MATTERS ARISING: -

The following points were highlighted by the chairperson, Mary Muteyerwa, with the assistance of the Secretary, George Shambela, as matters arising.

    a) Reading Books Project: - The chairperson updated members that a drum to pack the books has been purchased and another one donated by Delina Mutyambizi is ready for collection. Proposals on how the books are to be shipped to Zimbabwe will be discussed later in conjunction with Mr Paradzai Mapfumo.
    b) Flyer: - Information on the flyer for membership recruitment was now at an advanced stage and now looking forward to the design and printing stage/quotations. Examples of quotations highlighted by John Burke and Lynette Chivizhe were as follows respectively - £130.00 for 5 000 copies and £6.00 for 1000 copies [as an exclusive offer by Vistaprint]. More quotations are to be considered.
    c) Banner: - A need for a branch Banner was discussed and proposals for a Pull-Up Banner was brought forward by John as they are the most versatile and portable kind. Quotations from other types such as Vinyl, Mesh, Bow and Fabric should be looked into. The meeting recommended that Mr Panyika A. Karimanzira, Mr Paradzai Mapfumo and Grace Mupfurutsa be contacted on the wording and design of the banner.
     d) Website Status: - Work was still in progress for the main ROHR website. Suggestions were forwarded that it's best to pressurise people who are doing it as it is inconveniencing many stakeholders.

Lynette highlighted that she spoke to the US Ambassador as our potential donor who needs more information about ROHR from its Website but cannot be accessed since it is non-operational.

TODAY’S BUSINESS: -

Executive Roles: -There was need to review the executive roles as some of the members are not doing their duties.

The chairperson’s concern was in the area of the vice chairperson, vice organising secretary and vice secretary. After some discussion, the meeting resolved that the members with respective posts be contacted so that if they cannot carry out their duties could be replaced with those members who are committed.
Minutes Layout: - Mr Makonese was asked to write the day’s minutes to illustrate the layout proposed.
Website Report: - The chairperson made it clear that website reports shall be made by Farai Nhakaniso using submitted minutes. Events media reports are to be made by the Information and Publicity Department which is led by Farai Nhakaniso.

PROPOSED WALK: -

Mr John Burke was asked to outline on the proposed walk as preparations are underway. He highlighted the following points:-

a) Confirmed Dates are 18th to 19th August 2017.
b) The Route would be from Brighton Pier to Kempton Park racecourse - a distance of 65.8 miles/105 km.
c) Training for this event is very essential and should start now so as to build muscles around the knees, hips and ankles as they need to be strengthened.
d) Standard Letter to obtain free Gym membership and training was available and has been successfully used already.
e) Training Guidelines to be provided such as a manual - T-shirts and other necessary walking attire like boots, pants etc. were also recommended.  
f) Sports Material customised T Shirt will be available to purchase at a nominal fee for walkers and £25 for non-Zimbabweans, and those in paid employment.
g) Registration Forms were given out for those interested to join the programme
h) Funds Raised Last Year – was £3000.00 through this event.
i) ROHR Share: - Those walking on behalf of ROHR can raise money for that Organisation this year.

A.O.B: -

a) Karimanzira Condolences: - The chairperson informed members that £60.00 from fundraising coffers was used for Mr Karimanzira’s wife who passed away on the 9th May 2017 in Zimbabwe.
b) Voluntary Outreach: - Lynette Chivizhe requested for a cover letter from ROHR organization on a letterhead to be submitted to the Bishop of Church of England so that the church can offer cleaning voluntary service in the church as our outreach programme. This could be the same to St Clement’s Day School.
c) Choir: - Members were reminded of the newly formed choir which has 7 members by now and meet once every month after each meeting for rehearsals. The choir will work hand in hand with the Fundraising Team. Uniforms such as skirts were suggested.
d) Fund Raising: -  Sibongile Bvungidzire announced to the members her current fundraising balance as £42.00. In addition Lynette Chivizhe proposed that shopping bags she purchased need to be printed with ROHR Logo for campaigning and membership recruitment purposes.

REFUGEE WEEK: - A reminder to all those who are free to attend as from 18th to 25th June at South Bank.

DATE FOR NEXT MEETING: - was announced as 1st July 2017.

CLOSING PRAYER: -

There being no other business the chairing person, Tandi Margaret, closed the meeting at 15:47 with a prayer from Sibongile Bvungidzire.

To view pictures taken at the event follow link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157683319142850/with/35431746136/

Minutes taken by: Pythias Makonese

Information & Publicity Officer ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Central London Branch

Cover Picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/35431746136/in/album-72157683319142850/