ROHR ZIMBABWE UK CHAPTER NORTHERN BRANCH CHRISTMAS MEETING PROGRAMME

16 December 2017

ROHR ZIMBABWE UK CHAPTER

NORTHERN BRANCH

CHRISTMAS MEETING PROGRAMME

OPENING

1. OPENING

1.Welcome

2. Housekeeping

3. Handover to chair to start meeting

2. AGENDA 1

Introduction of ROHR Zimbabwe and a summary of what has been achieved in 2017.

-invite comments from representatives of the different branches

I. Northern branch 

II. Midlands branch 

III. London branch

3. AGENDA 2

Announcement  on the Bail for Detention (lawyers)

••To give all the information gathered on free solicitors and services unavailable to members of ROHR

4.  AGENDA 4

Letter to your MP  campaign presentation

1. Which MPs have been presented with the letter
2. Comments from MP’s
3. Way  forward
4. 
   

5. AOB & CLOSING

1. Prayer and give directions for the party venue

ROHR Zimbabwe Meet your MP Join us on 16 Dec in Manchester

Meet Your MP Campaign: Meeting with Keith Vaz MP Leicester East

Meet Your MP Campaign: Meeting with Keith Vaz MP Leicester East

Report by Vincent Mwase

On Friday the 08^th of December, Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe UK Chapter Midlands Branch members Vincent Mwase, Kauza Mugarisanwa, Tsungi Kahiya, Lenny Banda met MP Keith Vaz. The meeting was organised as part of the ROHR Zimbabwe; “Meet Your MP Campaign”

Keith Vaz is the Member of Parliament for Leicester East. He is a Labour Party politician and is the British Parliament’s longest-serving British Asian MP.

I met my local MP Keith Vaz at his offices with my fellow Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe members.

In the meeting with Keith Vaz MP, we discussed the current political situation in Zimbabwe and the way forward for a free, just and democratic Zimbabwe. Keith Vaz MP agreed the situation in Zimbabwe needs international intervention which he has and will continue to bring up in parliament.

In our presence, Keith Vaz MP wrote a letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Boris Johnson and attached my Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe letter. He promised to keep myself and colleagues updated with any correspondence he will receive from the foreign office.

The meeting was concluded with Keith Vaz posing for pictures with us.

To view more ‘Meet Your MP Campaign pictures follow link below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157666203400169

Report Written by: Vincent Mwase

Member ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Midlands Branch 

Get the issue of Human Rights in Zimbabwe back in Westminster -Meet your MP

Gallery Click here

Meet Your MP Campaign: Meeting with Jack Brereton MP Stoke-on-Trent South Report by Zanele Ncube

Meet Your MP Campaign: Meeting with Jack Brereton MP Stoke-on-Trent South

Report by Zanele Ncube

On Friday the 01^st of December, Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) UK Chapter Manchester/Liverpool Branch member Zanele Ncube met MP Jack Brereton. The meeting was organised as part of the ROHR Zimbabwe; “Meet Your MP Campaign”

Jack Brereton is the Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent South. He is  a Conservative party member. 

I met my local MP Jack Brereton at this offices and was very pleased by how welcoming he was. “Would I get this sort of welcoming, if I requested to meet a politician in Zimbabwe?” I wondered.

In the meeting, I elaborated on the contents of my Restoration of Human Rights letter that outlines the reason why myself and other Human Right Activists are clearly upset and requesting immediate action be taken by the UK government against Her Majesty’s Ambassador (HMA) to Zimbabwe – Catriona Laing.

Jack Brereton MP, was shocked and did not shy away at expressing his concerns towards the facts that were put forward in the letter about HMA Catriona Laing and how this had gone undetected by the international media.

We also discussed the “coup that was not a coup” and the new President Mnangagwa. Jack Brereton MP made it clear that from this point of view, it’s far to early for Zimbabweans and the world to celebrate the appointment of President Mnangagwa, as no-one really knows if he is going to be any different from Robert Mugabe. We agreed on this point, after I pointed out during Mugabe’s 37 years in power, his right-hand man was Mnangagwa, hence his hands are just as bloody as Robert Mugabe’s and simply put: the corrupt and abusive ZANUPF is still the party in power.

The meeting was concluded with Jack Brereton MP stating he will present my letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

To view more ‘Meet Your MP Campaign pictures follow link below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157666203400169

Report Written by: Zanele Ncube

Fundraising Committee Member ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Manchester/Liverpool Branch 

ROHR Zimbabwe #End Of Year National Meeting & Christmas Party

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe Central London Branch Christmas Party

Meet Your MP Campaign

Meet Your MP Campaign: Meeting with David Tredinnick MP Bosworth

Meet Your MP Campaign: Meeting with David Tredinnick MP Bosworth

Report by Olive Ruvimbo Ruzvidzo

On Friday the 17^th of November, Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) UK Chapter Midlands Branch members Grace Makoni and Olive Rivimbo Ruzvidzo met MP David Tredinnick. The meeting was organised as part of the ROHR Zimbabwe; “Meet Your MP Campaign”

David Tredinnick is the Member of Parliament for Bosworth in Leicestershire. He is  a Conservative and has been the MP for Bosworth since 1987. 

Upon arrival at his offices, he greeted us activists with great excitement, as he was eager to hear about the situation on the ground in Zimbabwe. There had been numerous events that had occurred in Zimbabwe between the appointment was confirmed to date of the actual appointment. (Let’s bear in mind, this meeting was held during the same week as the Army Generals in Zimbabwe had begun executing the ‘peaceful’ transition of power with the ZANU PF government (coup)).

MP David Tredinnick was very welcoming and we greeted him in Shona and we promised to teach him more Shona words at future meetings and gatherings. He was eager to help us, after he read our ROHR Zimbabwe letter handed to him by Grace Makoni, he wanted to know more about the initiative, ‘Meet YOUR MP CAMPAIGN.’

Letter handed over to MP David Tredinnick, was asking him to take our concerns to parliament which included the following:

·         The restoration of human rights in Zimbabwe

·         The assessment made by Her Majesty Ambassador (HMA) Catriona Laing that; ‘Zimbabwe is peaceful and she feels very safe,’ which was published in the state run newspaper, The Chronicle in 2015 at a time when the Human Rights Watch was publishing a report on the various Human Rights abuses occurring in the country, and Human Rights activists were being kidnapped, tortured and killed.

·         Even most recently in 2017 HMA Catriona Laing in her 2017 Queen’s Birthday Party in Harare, she blatantly avoided speaking on what the British government is doing to support the struggling and oppressed Zimbabweans, but her speech was filled with optimism and shed good light on the ZANU PF government.

In the discussion about our concerns with the way Her Majesty’s Ambassador handling of the situation in Zimbabwe, Grace Makoni and Olive Ruvimbo Ruzvidzo asked MP David Tredinnick to look into what actions the UK government can take in ensuring there is a free & fair election in Zimbabwe next year (2018). David is to follow this up in parliament on behalf of her constituent and ROHR Zimbabwe.

The meeting ended with a photoshoot and the handing over of a small parting gift of a DVD: Simon Wright directed documentary titled: “Robert Mugabe. What happened?”

Zimbabwe Situation: Foreign Secretary Addresses the House of Commons Of The United Kingdom

ROHR Zimbabwe Manchester/Liverpool Monthly Branch Meeting - Liverpool

11th November 2017

ROHR Zimbabwe Manchester/Liverpool Monthly Branch Meeting held on the 11th November 2017 Report.

The branch meeting was held at: Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW

Opening

The general meeting of ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Manchester Branch was called to order at 15:12 by Karen Nhakaniso, the branch chairperson.

Members Present

Karen Nhakaniso, Rufaro Zondesa, Farai Nhakaniso, Silvanos Mudzvova, Fortunate Sibanda, Petronella Mahachi, Gordon Changata, Weston Mupfururirwa, Thomas Machingauta and Sabelo Mpofu

ROHR Zimbabwe Meet Your Local MP Campaign

ROHR Zimbabwe Members meet Member of Parliament for Leigh; Jo Platt. As part of the campaign, "Meet Your Local MP," organised by Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe Manchester/Liverpool Branch).

The campaign is for each ROHR Zimbabwe Human Rights Activist to meet their MP, with the aim of hand delivering a letter requesting them along with their  Westminster colleagues to address the continued worrisome and contradictory comments being made by U.K. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, HMA Catriona Laing CB.

Who on several occasions since 2015 has been quoted supporting the ruling ZANU PF regime led by Mugabe, whilst the people of Zimbabwe suffer and have their human rights abused/violated ruthlessly.

www.rohrzim.org

www.rohrzim.org

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe www.rohrzim.org #LetsDoSomethingAboutIt

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe www.rohrzim.org

#homwe panze campaign

#LetsDoSomethingAboutIt

Manchester/ Liverpool Branch Members

ROHR Zimbabwe Manchester- Liverpool Branch Meeting 11 November 2017

ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Central London Branch Meeting 04 November 2017

ROHR Zimbabwe #LetsDoSomethingAboutIt Liverpool

ROHR Zimbabwe Midlands Monthly Branch Meeting - Nottingham

21st October 2017

ROHR Zimbabwe Midlands Monthly Branch Meeting held on the 21st October 2017 Report.

The branch meeting was held at: Monty Hind Youth Centre, Leen gate, Nottingham, NG7 2LX

Present: Nicolate Gwati, Tsungirirayi Kahiya, Grayson Petros, Lenny Banda, Kayza Mugarisanwa, Musawenkosi Dladla, Zanele Ncube, Kingdom Mvumi, Lilian Nleya, George Shambela, Ruvimbo Olive Ruzvidzo, Grace Makoni

Apologies: Chinofunga Ndoga

 Restoration of Zimbabwe Midlands Branch members started arriving at around 13:00hrs and we immediately got to work painting the living room at the lodge section of the Youth Centre. It was great working together as a team to accomplish the painting task and make the lodge beautiful for the youths who are accommodated here for various youth camps. Lisa Barker the manager of the youth centre was delighted and very appreciative of the work that we managed to accomplish as the painting was done to a great standard.

We took a break at about 14:30hrs and we shared a meal together and we took the opportunity to hold our monthly meeting. Tsungirirayi Kahiya, the Chairperson for the Midlands Branch of Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe (www.rohrzim.org) gave the notices and opened the floor for people to ask questions. Tsungirirayi Kahiya had been asked by the National Executive Committee to ask her committee and branch members if we wanted to host the ROHR Zimbabawe Christmas Party on the 16th of December 2017. There was a consensus among those who were present that we wanted to give other branches the opportunity to host a national event.

The branch chairperson also indicated that she had been approached by the Manchester/Liverpool Branch Chairperson, Karen Nhakaniso to join in in their ‘Meet your MP campaign’. All people interested in taking part were asked to submit their names to Tsungirirayi Kahiya and she would forward them to the National Executive Committee, so the MP Campaign letters would be written for them. These letters would then be handed over to the MP during the MP’s surgery they hold in their constituency.

It was also suggested that we should have a mini Christmas party on the 18th of November 2017, where we would also exchange gifts (Secret Santa) up to the value of £10. This suggestion was favourably received by those in attendance. Lenny Banda asked about the proposed demonstration in Birmingham that was being led by several organisations and she was advised that this demonstration had been postponed until further investigations could be made. Ruvimbo asked a question about Yvonne Bonde who passed away, asking what policy ROHR Zimbabwe had in terms of paying our respects as an organisation to the families of those deceased. Tsungirirayi indicated that she would find out from the National Executive Committeee on what ROHR Zimbabwe’s policy was on such matters.

After the meeting, we agreed that our break was over and we resumed painting which we completed by about 16:15hrs.  

To view pictures taken at the event follow link below:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157661792568738

Minutes typed by: Nicolate Gwati

Secretary for ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Midlands Branch

Cover Picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/37161167843/in/album-72157661792568738/

ROHR Zimbabwe Manchester/Liverpool Monthly Branch Meeting

ROHR Zimbabwe Manchester/Liverpool Monthly Branch Meeting 14th October 2017 Report. The branch meeting was held at: Nandos Restaurant, 152 – 154 Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6BR.

Opening

The meeting of ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Manchester/Liverpool Branch was called to order at 14:20 by chairperson, Karen Nhakaniso

Members Present

Karen Nhakaniso, Delina Mutyambizi, Rufaro Zondesa, Farai Nhakaniso, Zanele Ncube and Shelton Mhlanga.

Apologies

Lorraine Mudjgiwa, Silvanos Mudzvova and Caroline Madondo

Karen Nhakaniso

• Started with welcoming everyone to the meeting and thanked those who attended the demonstration.
• First agenda, Letter to the MP campaign.

Letter to the MP campaign

Karen Nhakaniso:

• This letter addresses contradictory comments by the UK ambassador to Zimbabwe, Catriona Laing about the situation in Zimbabwe.
• It is aimed at bringing back the discussion of Zimbabwe’s situation in the house of commons and on an international scale.
• The campaign was officially launched today (14th October 2017) and it is to be spread to other branches in the ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter.
• The letters have been completed, but they were not available to hand out to individuals as of the meeting. The letters are to be sent by post on Monday the 16th October and should have reached all branch members by Wednesday the 18th of October.
• All members to hand the letters to their local MPs and have pictures taken for the website.

Farai Nhakaniso:

• When presenting the letters, people are to go in their ROHR Zimbabwe T-Shirts.

Karen Nhakaniso

• Second item on the agenda, Committee Structure.

Committee

Karen Nhakaniso:

• We have four positions to fill up and these are as follows;

1. Treasurer
2. Vice secretary
3. Fundraiser
4. Committee member

• These are to be filled up via appointment and an election for the nominated members.
• Delina Mutyambizi nominated Zanele Ncube for fundraiser position.
• Seconded by Shelton Mhlanga.
• Put to a vote, 5 out of 6 elected Zanele Ncube to be our fundraiser.
• Zanele Ncube as of the meeting was duly elected fundraiser, and she accepted the position.
• The treasurer position is going to become vacant as we are making steps towards removing the current one for being inactive when it comes to performing the duties. She has been neglecting her duties and not turning up for meetings and several attempts have been made to rectify this but to no avail.

Delina Mutyambizi:

• Seconded the motion to replace the current treasurer and added that she has been holding the treasurers’ duties herself as there had been a neglect of duties.
• Explained that there had been attempts made to keep the current treasurer and that warnings of dismissal had been communicated to the current treasurer.
• Offered her support as an advisor and to work closely with Zanele Ncube.
• On behalf of the committee, and all in agreement, welcomed our fundraiser on board and to work closely with each other.

Shelton Mhlanga:

• Asked on the organisations constitution about committee members and if all the steps had been taken on a non-performing committee member.
• Added that if this has been done, the next process is to remove the treasurer and appoint someone who will carry out the duties as per appointment.

Karen Nhakaniso

• Welcomed the new fundraiser on board and shared contact details.
• To add Zanele Ncube to the branch WhatsApp leadership group.
• All items on the agenda have been addressed.
• Opened the floor for discussion.

Other matters arising

Farai Nhakaniso:

• The next demonstration and meeting to be held in Liverpool.
• The next meeting and demonstration needs to be advertised with flyers as early as possible.

Delina Mutyambizi:

• We need a petition addressed to Kate Hoey to support with our Letter to the MP Campaign.
• Suggested a demonstration in London to boost the campaign where we could post the letters in MPs letter boxes.

Karen Nhakaniso:

• Suggested we start an online petition on change.org and that way have a paper petition as well as one online.

Farai Nhakaniso:

• Flyers for the next meeting and demo to be done by next Monday 23rd of October 2017.
• Zanele Ncube to research on holding a demonstration in Stoke-on-Trent.

Shelton Mhlanga:

• Explained the process of securing the venue for the demonstration and offered to help with the process.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 15:30 by Karen Nhakaniso. The next general meeting will be in Liverpool on 11 November 2017.

To view pictures taken at the event follow link below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157689464977856/with/37457407260/

Minutes typed by: Rufaro Zondesa

Vice Chairperson ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Manchester/Liverpool Branch

Cover Pictures:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/37457407260/in/album-72157689464977856/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/37682852352/in/album-72157689464977856/