ROHR Zimbabwe National General Meeting 15 July 2017 Report

15th July 2017

ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter National General Meeting Saturday 15th July 2017, Report

On Saturday 15th July 2017, Zimbabwean Human Rights activists who are members of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, converged at 330 Aikman Avenue, Leicester, LE3 9PW for the ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter National General Meeting.

Meeting Started: 14:00hrs

 

Tsungirirayi Kahiya (ROHR Zimbabwe Midlands Branch Chairperson) opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to Leicester, in the Midlands, she then gave the floor to George Shambela (ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Steering Committee Chairperson).

George Shambela greeted the activists and advised that Farai Nhakaniso (ROHR Zimbabwe Information & Publicity Officer UK Chapter) would be announcing the agenda and chairing the General Meeting. Before handing the meeting over to Farai Nhakaniso, George made an announcement reference the outstanding balance that was still requiring to be cleared for the ROHR Zimbabwe website to be in operation, he stated that those who are still willing to contribute – should do so, as the website has been disconnected until the balance is cleared. George also called upon Mary Muteyerwa (ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Central London Branch Chairperson)  to highlight a major project they have been working on as a branch. Mary Muteyerwa explained that, Lynette Chivhizhe and George Shambela have been raising awareness by visiting schools and churches in Trafalgar, London and handing out flyers letting people know about ROHR Zimbabwe and its aims & objectives. As a branch, they are also working on their own ROHR branch banner. They also have a drum that they are trying to fill with donated books and pencils which they plan to send to Zimbabwe.

Following Mary Muteyerwa, FaraI Nhakaniso then requested for Panyika Karimanzira (ROHR Zimbabwe Board of Trustee Member) to give an introduction of ROHR Zimbabwe, explaining its Aims & Objectives to the benefit all new members and visitors in attendance. Mr Panyika Karimanzira welcomed new ROHR members and gave the history and background ROHR Zimbabwe. He also indicated that ROHR Zimbabwe networks with other organizations like Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation, Zimbabwean Citizens Initiative, MaZimbabweans Yes We Can, Women of Justice Arise amongst many others.

Farai Nhakaniso introduced the next part of the agenda on what it means to be an activist calling on Silvanos Mudzvova, Lorraine Mudjgwa and Lynette Chivhizhe to cover this topic. Silvanos Mudzvova (a prominent Tajamuka activist and also Organising Secretary for ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Manchester Branch) indicated that he uses theatre as a way of showcasing the message of activism. He is mentioned the use of the internet using social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp. Silvanos Mudzvova mentioned that he and two other activists Farai Nhakaniso and Agnes Magumbe have started posting videos (BhanditiTV) as a way of spreading the message of the atrocities committed by Zanu PF in Zimbabwe, the videos are going viral on Facebook and Whatsapp. Zimbabwean Youths in Zimbabwe and the diaspora who are aged between 18 and 35 are being reached via social media – so ROHR Zimbabwe we should be doing our part to create the awareness and encourage action from Zimbabweans to ensure 2018 the Elections bring a change of government. He indicated that doing the same thing repeatedly will get people used to seeing your message and he gave an example of how the Labour party here in the UK did very well in the elections by using social media effectively. He also highlighted that those people gifted in writing can contribute with articles. Silvanos proposed that as an organisation we should do a 2-day exhibition in London where we can put photos of people who have been captured and tortured and invite politicians, the press and amnesty international to this event.

Lorraine Mudjgwa from the Manchester-Liverpool branch spoke about the importance of attending meetings and demonstrations. Attending to meetings and demonstrations indicate that you are an activist. Lynette Chivhizhe from the Central London branch spoke about being active as an activist to the level that raises awareness of who we are (ROHR Zimbabwe) as an organisation.

Delina Mutyambizi (Organising Secretary of the ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Steering Committee) contributed to the agenda topic by stating, “We really need to be involved in the fight for Zimbabwe because it belongs to us.” She spoke about the importance of coming out on the streets in our numbers as Zimbabweans and gave an example of the Romanians who came out on the streets in their thousands. She indicated that we can’t just use social media but we need to come out on the streets so that people see how serious we are. She also encouraged people to be involved in the new strategies that the Zimbabwe Citizens Initiative had come up with (Ziso/Ilihlo  www.zisoilihlo.com)

Farai Nhakaniso, then called upon Paradzai Mapfumo (Board of Trustee Member and National Coordinator ROHR Zimbabwe) to give an update of what has been happening on the ground in Zimbabwe. Mr Paradzai Mapfumo, thanked everyone for attending the meeting and their contribution towards our continued struggle against the Zanu PF government who constantly violate the Human Rights of its citizens. Due to the safety of ROHR Zimbabwe Members based in Zimbabwe, the report of on the ground activities cannot be presented in this report in detail. However, Mr Mapfumo advised the charitable works that ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter are doing on the ground in Zimbabwe is most cases is being hindered by transport logistics and accommodation of getting donated goods to the areas around the country of most need.

Following Paradzai Mapfumo, Farai Nhakaniso was informed by George Shambela that those in attendance had managed to raise the balance that was outstanding for the website to be re-activated. Farai Nhakaniso thanked everyone for contributing towards the website, before the meeting the branches at contributed as below:

Midlands Branch £120,

Manchester Branch £100

Central London Branch £70

Farai Nhakaniso, then requested for Karen Nhakaniso (Chairperson for ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Manchester Branch) to give an update of what they have been working on as a branch. Karen Nhakaniso spoke about getting the youth involved. She also spoke about the different approach that they were taking in encouraging people to sit down together and engaging in discussions. She also spoke about the importance of having demonstrations to raise awareness and highlighted the #Take2Zimbabwe demonstration on the 3rd of May 2017 held in Manchester City Centre at the Wellington Statue in Piccadilly Gardens (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157682520777033). Karen Nhakaniso, highlighted as a branch they are working on securing a fixed venue for the future demonstrations, also another project they are looking into involves running a youth programme for children who were born in the U.K. and those that came to the U.K. at a very young age. This Youth Programme will involve cultural lessons for these children so they grow up knowing their cultural heritage.

Tsungirayi Kahiya (Chairperson for ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Midlands Branch) spoke about the drive to get all the members involved within her branch. She also spoke about the importance of holding demonstrations, as pointed out by Karen Nhakaniso, highlighting the successful demonstration held in Leicester on the 17th of June 2017, which coincided with Refugee Week (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157685279354156https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157685279354156).  She spoke about getting inspiration from the Central London branch to do a flyer for their Midlands Branch, this will then be marketed across the midlands – taking ROHR Zimbabwe to the community. She spoke about the branch’s desire to do projects back in Zimbabwe and also to come up with strategy to put ROHR Zimbabwe on the map.

Farai Nhakaniso then called upon Kingstone Jambawo abd John Winder of the Zimbabwean Citizen’s Initiative to provide information about ZISO/ILIHLO (www.zisoilihlo.com).. It was explained as a platform were citizens observe and report any acts of violence in Zimbabwe. This is done by sending a text message, a whatsapp message or directly logging onto the website. Once the incident is reported there is a pin on the map of where the incident occurred and once it is confirmed it is available for everyone anywhere in the world to view it. Farai Nhakaniso advised he will share the ZISO/ILIHLO link on all the ROHR Zimbabwe whatsapp groups. Farai Nhakaniso also added that its very important that we share the link of this software to all our family & friends who are in Zimbabwe. As they will be the main users of this Application. Mr Panyika Karimanzira also added that before ZISO/ILIHLO people could be murdered without anyone knowing but with this application every citizen is watching and we might witness less cases of torture and violence. He also urged everyone to share this app with all their friends and relatives.

Farai Nhakaniso added that ZISO/ILIHLO is linked to Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers and it was brought to Zimbabwe by Zimbabwe Citizens Initiative working with Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum. Organisations that are linked to the United Nations and the European Union also have access to this platform as funding was sourced from these organisations.

Delina Mutyambizi also added that we should let our family and friends in Zimbabwe that reporting incidents of violence and torture on this application is anonymous.

Farai Nhakaniso then handed the floor back to George Shambela to bring the meeting to a close.

Register of attendance.

The following people entered their details in the register of attendance;-

Nicolate Gwati, Lorraine Mudjgiwa, Isheanesu Mutyambizi, Rufaro Zondesa, Artwell Pfende, Weston Mupfururirwa, Gift Gibson, Emile Mazhale, Kingston Jambawo, Farai Nhakaniso, Tabeth Mabiza Nhakaniso, Anastasia Mboneli, Shelton Mhlanga, Tsungirirayi Kahiya, Marian Mangani, Lynette Chivizhe, Silvanos Mudzvova, Panyika Karimanzira, Pythias Makonese, George Shambela, Delina Mutyambizi, Mary Muteyerwa, Chinofunga Ndoga, Sanny Goronga, Reuben Goronga, Blessing Goronga, Evelyn Chibanda, Pardon Tapfumaneyi, Karen Nhakaniso, Kelvin Besa, John Winder, Gregory Volentine, Shamiso Moyo, Lenny Banda, Zvidzai Makamure, Judith Phiri, Gamuchirai M Phiri, Thobekile Gumbo, Paradzai Mapfumo, Olivia Chamboko, Grayson Petros, Sibonile Mlotshwa, Malvern Tirivanhu

A number of others opted not to register, citing security related reasons.

The meeting ended at 16.30 hrs.

To view pictures taken at the event follow link below.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157683917215931/with/35601258110/

Compiled by:

Nicolate Gwati

Secretary ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Midlands Branch

Cover Picture:-  https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/35601258110/in/album-72157683917215931/

ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter National Meeting

ROHR Zimbabwe Manchester/Liverpool Monthly Branch Meeting 08th July 2017 Report.

The branch meeting was held at: Welcome Centre, 18 -32 Brentfield Avenue, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 0TW.

Opening
The general meeting of ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Manchester Branch was called to order at 14:10 by Branch Organising Secretary, Silvanos Mudzvova.

Members Present
Delina Mutyambizi, Rufaro Zondesa, Lorraine Mudjgiwa, Billy Kahari, Ndumiso Mtsholi, Fortunate Sibanda, Silvanos Mudzvova, Farai Nhakaniso and Caroline Madondo.

Apologies
Karen Nhakaniso, Kelly Mutasa, Shelton Mhlanga, Tabeth Mabiza-Nhakaniso and Kudakwashe Utshwaya

Silvanos Mudzvova

• Started processions with an opening prayer from Delina Mutyambizi
• An introduction of all members present
• First agenda, an overview of ROHR Zimbabwe as an organisation
• Over to first speaker, Delina Mutyambizi

Overview of ROHR Zimbabwe

Delina Mutyambizi:

• A non-profit organisation started on 30 August 2007 in Harare
• Amendment made to notarial deed in July 2011 after Ephraim Tapa was expelled on grounds of corruption
• Most board members based in Zimbabwe with Mr Ronald Mureverwi as the chairperson
• Mr Mapfumo and Mr Karimanzira are board members based in the UK
• A human rights organisation without affiliations to any political party, which stands for human rights with any government in Zimbabwe

 Main objectives of ROHR Zimbabwe are as follows;

1.promote and protect human rights in Zimbabwe
2.educate and advocate for the highest political and socio-economic freedom standards
3.encourage participation of members of the public in governance issues including the constitutional rights
4.name and shame overzealous individuals and institutions that commit human rights crimes with impunity to citizenry
5.unveil special programmes and workshops targeted at unlocking fear in Zimbabweans and empower citizens to act in processes that aim at their rights and freedoms
6.network with other civic organisations that share the same values regionally, nationally, and internationally.

• Other organisations which ROHR works with include Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO), Amnesty International, Human rights lawyers, Tajamuka, This flag movement etc.
• Activists now are going through tortures and abductions and abuses in Zimbabwe 
• Participated in NERA issues, though not successful
• Fighting for electoral reforms in Zimbabwe

Silvanos Mudzvova

• Next agenda, Fundraising
• As an organisation, we need to fundraise to facilitate projects here in the UK and in Zimbabwe
• Over to the second speaker, Caroline Madondo

Fundraising
Caroline Madondo:

• New to the committee but currently initiatives include selling of snacks such as crisps at meetings
• Delina to give more insight on what is on the ground

Delina Mutyambizi:

• Plans are still being put in place such as selling food during branch and national meetings

Farai Nhakaniso:

• Currently Manchester branch has managed to raise £42.75 from selling of peanuts
• Need to continue fundraising as we need to have our own branch banner
• Long term vision to assist people who struggle with travelling to events and meetings
• Printing of our own leaflets and posters with necessary contact details in order to market our branch to all within the Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds areas. 

Caroline Madondo:

• Suggested sponsored walks are a good way to raise funds

Silvanos Mudzvova

• Next agenda ROHR website
• The information department to give a brief on the website and how we are going to be using social media to push our programmes forward
• Over to third speaker, Farai Nhakaniso

Information Department Briefing
Farai Nhakaniso:

• As ROHR Zimbabwe international and UK Chapter, we have our own website
• This gives an overview of who we are, what we stand for, our plans and events and historical information of what we have done such as videos and censuses
• The website is run externally and professionally, as a reliable one
• The website is up to date with details of the demonstration held in Leeds
• The bill for our completed website is currently outstanding at £350.00
• As ROHR Zimbabwe, the bill has been let out to everybody to chip in as it helps everyone, and the website is important to everyone. It is an avenue for creating awareness and showing casing what Zimbabweans in the diaspora and on the ground, are doing to fight the Mugabe Regime which as a very poor Human Rights record.
• The website is currently suspended as the bill is outstanding
• Manchester and Liverpool branch has currently contributed £110.00 to date and other branches have made their contributions as well
• Donations are needed to help with sustaining the website as well as maintaining it
• Everyone is encouraged to donate what they can to help sustain the website

Silvanos Mudzvova

• Next agenda, Leicester general meeting
• The meeting is to be held in Leicester on the 15th of July 2017, starting at 13.00hrs and a social fundraising event (gochi-gochi) afterwards 
• Members to confirm who is attending for transport arrangements
• 6 members from Manchester have confirmed
• 2 members from Leeds have confirmed
• Commended the Leeds group for their consistent attendance 
• Lorraine Mudjgwa from Leeds expressed gratitude and explained it is for the need of a better Zimbabwe
• Messages to be passed onto the various messaging platforms about the meeting, Silvanos Mudzvova nominated as the branch organising secretary and accepted to make the announcement

Farai Nhakaniso:

• Members to invite friends and family to come along to the meeting
• Each member to invite at least one guest and try and get more people to join the organisation

Silvanos Mudzvova

• Next agenda ZISO, ILIHLO
• We are working with Zimbabwe Citizens Initiative (ZCI), an organisation that subscribes to ROHR Zimbabwe’s ideas
• ZCI has launched a new brand ZISO, ILIHLO network
• Over to fourth speaker

ZISO, ILIHLO 

Farai Nhakaniso:

•  ZCI is a group that has come together from all over the world with a common goal to tackle problems faced in Zimbabwe
• ZCI has members across  many different civic organisations inclusive of ROHR, Tajamuka etc
• Delina Mutyambizi wearing the ZISO,ILIHLO t-shirt with the slogan an injury to one an injury to all, see it and report it
• Inspired by Kenya’s Ushahidi during the violence over one election period
• It is an application that can be downloaded on then apple app store and google play store, and one can then report a crime as it happens in real time
• The app is one where if one sees a crime or violation happening, one just needs to login and report from wherever the crime is taking place or send a text message
• Reporting is anonymous, and they are uploaded to the cloud where different organisations such as amnesty international, UN, Red Cross etc can then access this information
• ZCI together with Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum, after getting rights and a licence from Ushahidi in Kenya, ZISO,ILIHLO successfully launched in Zimbabwe last Monday
• Every Zimbabwean to spread the message on the existence of this application
• There are verifiers across Zimbabwe who will then confirm any uploaded incidents to avoid hoaxes
• The information from the application can then be used to support any human rights abuse cases lodged with the courts and any unlawfulness in Zimbabwe

Delina Mutyambizi:

• A very good idea whose success depends on the sharing of this application
• ZANU-PF are prepared to kill come 2018 elections and following Ushahidi’s success in Kenya, ZISO/ILIHLO will work if Zimbabwean people know about it
• All should inform relatives and friends and make use of ZISO/ILIHLO

Silvanos Mudzvova

• All items on the agenda have been addressed

Any Other Business

Silvanos Mudzvova:

• As organising secretary a request to open a branch in Scotland to Mr Kahari

Billy Kahari:
It is possible and we are willing to have a branch of ROHR Zimbabwe

• Need to clarify the ROHR Zimbabwe and Ephraim Tapa’s ROHR for the sake of the public

Delina Mutyambizi:

• Word from the directors has it that a national interview will be given by ROHR Zimbabwe spokesperson to clarify on the matter and expose the truth 

Silvanos Mudzvova:

• The matter is to be taken to the national executive and protect the name of the organisation

Closing prayer from Billy Kahari 15:08

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 15:10 by Silvanos Mudzvova. The next general meeting will be at 13:00 on 15 July 2017, in Leicester.
To view pictures taken at the event follow link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157683340608153

LOVE FOR MONEY, SEX AND GREED KILLING SPIRIT OF ACTIVISM IN THE UK by Silvanos Mudzvova

LOVE FOR MONEY, SEX AND GREED KILLING SPIRIT OF ACTIVISM IN THE UK.

By Silvanos Mudzvova

My article published earlier this year on the 16th of May titled, “Lack of participation in national politics by U.K. Zimbabweans,” received a lot of feedback from you the readers. Most Zimbabweans raised valid points of why they don’t want to get involved. I must admit to some extent, I was wrong and today I will tackle the issues they raised.

On the 18th of April 2017 (Zimbabwe Independence Day) after a demonstration at the Zimbabwean Embassy in London, I was confronted by a very angry lady. She interrogated me, mainly with the question of, “Why I was ungrateful to the extent of failing just to say thank you.”

I couldn’t understand her at all, to say the least I was speechless as I couldn’t figure out why such a public outburst was warranted. Hiding my anger towards her actions, I politely asked, “Why are you so angry?”

Her answer through me back, I was shocked.

 She said, “I donated £40.00 towards your hospital fees and so did many others. We raised in total £327.00. The least you can do is say, Thank you!” She went on to explain what happened during the period I was in hospital back in Zimbabwe, as a result of the torture I endured at the hands of the ZANU PF regime. She went on stating that during the 17th of September 2016 Vigil at the Zimbabwean Embassy in London, Zimbabweans contributed towards my hospital fees.

In my horror, I couldn’t get my head round the fact that, I was in hospital in so much pain and my family was struggling to find alternative accommodation. The hospital bill was being covered by a local NGO, yet someone was pocketing £327.00 raised in my name.

Straight away, I asked who collected it and the name Ephraim Tapa and Rose Benton come up. I HAD NEVER MET OR SPOKEN WITH THESE TWO CHARACTERS AT THE TIME OF THIS DISCUSSION WITH THIS LADY. I asked for their numbers from those at the demonstration and called Ephraim Tapa immediately and advised him he was on a loud speaker. I asked him on 18th April 2017 at 1530hrs about the issues and he didn’t have a response. Tapa promised to get back to me within 30 minutes and that was the end. I tried calling him and Rose to clear this issue as predicted their phones were switched off and they have never returned my calls.

It opened a can of worms, the amount of times people have contributed to assist the struggle by supporting activists back in Zimbabwe, yet the donations end up in the pockets of a few leaders. This is a major contributing factor leading to the reason why Zimbabwean’s have lost interest in participating in demonstrations that promote democracy and human rights for Zimbabwe. Now it's just simply assumed that most Zimbabweans participate in activism in order address their immigration issues and once sorted its good bye until its renewal time, all resulting from the experiences that these Zimbabweans have had to endure at the hands of these corrupt leaders.

Leaders of political parties and civic society organisations are demanding money in order to support genuine activists get papers and as long as one has money their cases are supported. Let's not forget, whilst these people are going through the immigration process they are forbidden from working, so relatives and friends assist in raising these funds.

“Who is pocketing these monies ranging from £300 to £1300 being paid to these leaders?”

I bet my last dollar this money is not reaching political parties and receipts are not issued. This is killing activism and participation in political parties’ organised demonstrations and meetings. The leaders have become so greedy building mansions back in Zimbabwe at the expense of suffering Zimbabweans.

Most female activists who can’t afford these high “fees” end up giving their bodies to these good for nothing morons in return for a letter and their testimony in courts as they deserve since they genuinely participated in demonstrations etc. Most Zimbabwean political parties and civic society leaders in the UK have become mini-gods who are being worshipped just to facilitate a letter and testimony. They have destroyed families by demanding sexual favours to facilitate for a letter the female activists is in titled to for standing up to the ZANU PF regime.

One Zimbabwean said to me, “My money will get me papers without going to demonstrations!.”

“Surely, Mugabe wacho anoenda sei?” I ask myself.

Most activist leaders in the UK are worse than Mugabe. “Whats the difference between them and ZANU PF, I wonder?,” They are as greedy as ZANU PF or even worse.

I need make this very clear, “I am speaking from an informed point of view kana pane ane nharo ngaati nyo tione.”

It should be noted that the struggle to free Zimbabwe is not owned by individuals as is portrayed by what has become of the Saturday Vigil held outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in London.

Ephraim Tapa and Rose Benton stop lying to uninformed desperate Zimbabweans,  you are manipulating. You don’t own the vigil.  It’s history of Free Zimbabwe vigil can be traced back to 1978 being fronted by people like Didymus Mutasa, muri vana please sit down.

That vigil of yours is destroying the spirit of activism and Zimbabwean oneness required to fight for a free Zimbabwe by those in the diaspora. I am shocked you are even talking of a coalition by the political opposition parties back home yet a few Zimbabweans in the UK  cannot exist and do demonstrations together because of your love for money.

Leaders of opposition political parties and civic society stop this nonsense. Your love for money and sex with desperate Zimbabweans is killing our push for a change in Zimbabwe.

As I sign off I need my donated £327 sent to activists doing amazing work in very difficult conditions in Zimbabwe. To all those who condone corruption and want to see a free Zimbabwe don’t pay them a penny. If they refuse to sign your papers demanding money and sexual favours, I am willing to help you expose them .

We want Mugabe gone not the enrichment of individuals, yamakadya yakwana.

ROHR ZIMBABWE CENTRAL LONDON BRANCH MEETING JULY 2017

ROHR ZIMBABWE CENTRAL LONDON BRANCH MEETING JULY 2017

VENUE:   Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XX. 
 
DATE:  1st JUL 2017

TIME:   12:30pm -  4pm 

ATTENDANCE:-

Chivizhe Lynette ( Member); Diza Flemming  ( Member); Kamhunga Chipo ( Member ); Katsonga Jane ( Member); Jambawo Kingstone (Vice Information & Publicity); Jandles Deborah (Guest Speaker); Makonese Pythias ( Information & Publicity);Mupotsa Bridget (Fundraising Committee member ); Muteyerwa Mary (Chairperson); Nhau Morella  (Treasurer); Nkiwane Salome ( Committee); Shambela George (Secretary); Sithole Namatirai Angela (Member)

APOLOGIES:-
Burke John ( Member); Bvungidzire Sibongile  ( Fundraising committee); Chingozha Patricia ( Member); Mapfumo Paradzai  ( National Coordinator);Tandi  Margaret (Organizing  Secretary)

MEETING AGENDA:-

01) Opening Prayer

02) Introductions

03) Previous Minutes

04) Matters Arising

1. Website Status
2. Banner/Flayer
3. Shipping Equipment
4. Member’ Roles
5. Voluntary Outreach

05) TODAY’S BUSINESS:-

1. Guest Speaker
2. Fundraising & Financial Report
3. Funeral Contributions

06) A.O.B.

07) CLOSING PRAYER:-

(1)  OPENING PRAYER: -

  Opening prayer was given by guest speaker, Pastor Deborah Jandles.

(2)  INTRODUCTIONS:- 
The chairperson, Mary Muteyerwa, called the house to order and self-introductions were made at 12:30

(3) Previous Minutes:-  Minutes of the 3th June 2017 were read by the chairperson. As there were no corrections Kingstone Jambawo proposed that the minutes be passed as a correct record, and was seconded by George Shambela. 

(4)  MATTERS ARISING: - 

(a) Website Status:-  The Secretary informed members that the website was now  running and ready for use. However contributions were going to be made to cover the website costs. 

(b) Banner/ Flyers - The old (ROHR) banner was exhibited so that members could decide changes they would want to see on our new Central London Branch Banner. Pythias Makonese suggested that we keep everything on the banner and add Branch name. Printing of the branch flyer was approved pending the cheapest tender.

(c) Shipping Containers: - The Secretary updated members regarding the purchase of the drum to pack books and pencils to Zimbabwe. This drum is now ready. 
Shipment of reading books and stationery will soon commence when all packaging is ready. 

(d)  Members’ Roles:-
The chairperson outlined the purposes of commitment and full participation especially of members with posts. She also hinted on the issue of absenteeism by executive members and the impact this is causing to the smooth running of the branch activities.

Mr Makonese suggested a combined register so as to monitor and take proper action through its use. He volunteered to compile a draft proposal as soon as he gets all attendance registers from January up to date. This would reflect how members attend their meetings and appropriate action can be taken as this would allow the chairperson and the rest of the executive to use their discretion when and where necessary. 

(e)  Voluntary Outreach: - This project, brain child of Lynette Chivizhe, is aimed at involving our members for voluntary services as they can offer into their local communities and at the same time raising awareness of ROHR’s aims and objectives.

This could include identifying premises that welcomes voluntary services in their workplaces. 

Our aims are

• Promoting ROHR brand while raising human rights awareness at the same time.
• Prove our worth by giving something good to the community we live through the experiences we've.
• Gain a sense of recognition from the local communities we live.

Examples were given such as charity shops, schools, churches and the British Heart Foundation. 
Toolkit such as flyers promoting ROHR brand and a signed letter are always used in this campaign. 

LIST OF LONDON BRANCH VOLUNTARY TEAM:
01	George Shambela	05	Namatirai Angela Sithole
02	Flemming Diza	06	Pythias Makonese
03	Mary Muteyerwa	07	Salome Nkiwane
04	Kingstone Jambawo	08	Jane Katsonga

5. TODAY'S BUSINESS 

(a) Guest Speaker: - Pastor Deborah Jandles, of Zimbabwe Church of Progressive Movement (ZCPM), from Stoke-on-Trent representing ZCPM, is pushing for women's participation in the mainstream society. 

The aims of ZCPM are to empower women and give them right to vote and stand up against sexual abuse, dubbed, "my right to vote, # is not your right to rape".
The speaker then, exhibited her pull-up banners which speak volume of ZCPM raising awareness against women abuse during the psych of Zimbabwe election. 

Mentioned in the speech was the likelihood of ZCPM partnering with ROHR in peace building initiative and awareness campaign. 

Pastor Deborah Jandles answered members’ questions at the end of her well received address. She called for close ties with ROHR and said to liaise with the chairperson. 

(b) Fundraising Committee  -  consist of two dedicated members, Sibongile Bvungidzire and Bridget Mupotsa.

They work to raise money for non-profit, often bringing with them make shift canteen selling foodstuffs and refreshments. 

The petty cash raised here, is then invested as assets set aside for the branch's specific purposes. 

(Actions)  In addition to help fundraising Lynette Chivizhe identified another potential source, e.g. the sale of handmade carrier bags. 
Lynette Chivizhe highlighted that she is still working on the design of her bags. 

Sample of this will be shown at the next meeting. 

(c) Financial Report - The report was made by the Treasurer, Morella Nhau tabled and explained a summary of receipts and expenditure and balance sheet for the year from January to end of June 2017. 
  

FUND RAISING FINANCIAL STANDINGS
01	Total income to date	£ 167.35
02	Expenditure  -	£ 120.00
03	Balance brought down.	£ 47. 35
04	Pledges	£ 28. 00
05	Total Balance	£75. 35

                                                   

Afterwards, the treasurer, Morella Nhau announced that she was stepping from her treasurer post citing personal problems as the reason. 

Further resignation notices were earlier received from the following members:
Plaxedes Damiso - former vice chairperson and Patricia Chingozha - former organising secretary. 


(d) Funeral Contributions - The chairperson’s concern was in the area of funeral covers as they bring about unanticipated expenses and how this could be funded. 

We were in consensus of opinions, dissatisfaction on how this should be distributed.
Finally, the meeting agreed to a formality of providing the sum of £60, per funeral cover. 
It was generally agreed that this is drawn from our culture embodiment.  
However, mentioned was the entitlement to this type of funeral covers?
The meeting unanimously agreed that only committed members and their next of kin (spouses) must qualify for this type of funeral cover.

(6) A. O. B. The following were discussed under AOB:-

(a) Country Guidance.
(b) Leicester Refugee Week
(c) Leeds- Right to vote demo.

(d) Announcements

the Secretary reminded the meeting with regard to changes in the new country guidance which among other things features active media utilised mainly by grassroots activities. 

It's noted that (active media) is considered by Home Office in appeal cases.  

Pointed out was the need for members to keep up their activism fight without let up.

(b) Leicester refugee day   - Kingston Jambawo gave update on this. 

(c) Leeds right to vote demo    was updated by Mary Muteyerwa. 


(d) ANNOUNCEMENT: - 

 Next outreach event date is scheduled for Saturday 15th July.
Events agenda will be shortly announced afterwards. 

(7) CLOSING PRAYER:-

There being no other business the chairperson closed the meeting with a prayer from Bridget Mupotsa at15:45pm. 


Minutes prepared by George Shambela.

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