Celebrating Tawanda Muchehiwa - by Nontokozo Malaba Ncube

 

Celebrating Silvanos (Bhanditi) Mudzvova - by Anonymous ROHR Zimbabwe

 

Celebrating Morgan Richard Tsvangirai - by Vengai Mutsawu

 

Celebrating Joanna Mamombe, Cecillia Chimbiri & Netsai Marova - by Karen Nhakaniso

 

ROHR Zimbabwe North Branch Zoom Meeting Saturday 17 October 2020 Report

18^th October 2020

On Saturday 17^th of October 2020, the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights(ROHR) Zimbabwe held a meeting via Zoom Platform. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that the branch observes lockdown guidelines and minimise face to face gatherings, hence the use of the Zoom platform. The meeting was chaired by Branch Vice-Chairman Vengai Mutsawu.

 

Register of Attendance

Vengai Mutsawu (Vice Chairperson - North Branch), Delina Mutyambizi (North Branch), Estery Dhliwayo (Treasurer - North Branch), Panyika Karimanzira (North Branch), Nontokozo Malaba Ncube(Committee Member-North Branch), Magadaline Moyo (Fundraiser - North Branch), Harriet Ndlovu (Scotland Branch), Vongayi Mufara (Scotland Branch), Alvina Chibhamu (Scotland Branch), Lindah Chenyama (Scotland Branch), Nicolate Gwati (Chairperson -  UK Chapter) Blessing Goronga (Midlands Branch), Grace Makoni(Treasurer -  UK Chapter), Mpho Kimberly Ndhlovu – North Branch)

Apologies: Farai Nhakaniso (Chairperson - North Branch), Karen Nhakaniso (Secretary  - North Branch)

Minutes were taken by Estery Dhliwayo

 

Agenda:

1.        Update on Zimbabwe Situation

2.        ROHR UK National Campaigns

3.        AOB 

Mr Vengai Mutsawu commenced the meeting at 1400hrs with salutations and introductions. Visiting members were asked to introduce themselves and their respective branches.

 

1. Update on Zimbabwe Situation

Panyika Karimanzira gave a rundown of current human rights violation cases in Zimbabwe.

 

Vengai Mutsawu started by giving an update on the current situation in Zimbabwe. The human rights situation continues to deteriorate; police brutality is on the rise. He gave an account of a recent case whereby the police in Harare stopped a bus carrying children, women and elderly passengers (it is still unclear why it was stopped) and throwing tear gas canisters into the bus with passengers onboard, resulting in the vulnerable passengers jumping out through the windows for their own safety. Seven police officers are reported to have been arrested after this incident.

 

Nontokozo Malaba Ncube spoke about the water situation in Bulawayo, which is a health hazard; the water is dirty and untreated. There are reports of deaths from waterborne diseases as a result. The situation is ongoing and there are fears of more people going to die as a result.

The new Health Minister who is also the Vice President of Zimbabwe is believed to be targeting human rights organisations who are protesting the appalling water and health situation.

 

Nicolate Gwati concurred. She went on to cite other water sanitation concerns in Harare and an increase in water borne diseases in the capital. She also mentioned the unlawful arrest ofstudent union activist Tafadzwa Ngadziore who was only released from prison after 30 days. She also mentioned the plight of children not receiving education due to teachers being on strike because of poor remuneration.

 

Delina Mutyambizi spoke about doctors who were humiliated by the Vice President cum Minister of Health and were made to apologise after going on strike for poor working conditions. She bemoaned the dilapidated state of the health sector. She also mentioned the students who went to protest at the Impala Car Rental following revelations that Impala Car Rental vehicles were being used in the abductions of human rights activists. The students are said to have been arrested following the demonstration. Members were tasked to look into the possibility of starting a campaign for the release of the students.

Vengai suggested that, as an organisation we need to put more effort in the ongoing mobilisation of resources to help those who cannot afford bail fees and legal representation.

There are so many violations of human rights, citizens are being deprived from freedom of even to travel. Terrence Manjengwa, a political activist was arrested, is still in prison and has been refused bail. Joana Mamombe is another example of mental health human rights violations, she was sent to maximum prison with no adequate treatment.

Action

The North branch is to look into raising funds to drill boreholes in Zimbabwe in support of water and sanitation programmes. This fundraising initiative will also help people in the UK who are struggling to make ends meet by providing food parcels and clothing. It was suggested that we can fundraise through social media and also by appealing directly to identified potential donors.

 

2. Campaigns

There is an ongoing campaign (#JusticeForTapiwaMakore) recently started by the Scotland branch that all members were urged to participate in until justice is served. Vongayi Mufara mentioned another child that was has been reported missing in Murehwa for a month. DNA results of another child who was murdered for ritual purposes are still pending.  It is believed that more of such rituals are happening in Zvishavane in particular in the rest of Zimbabwe in general.

Action

The North branch has been tasked to make a follow up of this case, report any updates and find more information on the ritual killings so that we can take further action, including initiatives to bring the cases to the limelight.  We need to find out what the government is doing about it and how this barbaric practice can be brought to an end.

 

ROHR Zimbabwe to write a letter to the Information Minister asking him to take steps to make sure the ritual killings are publicised.

 

Members were urged to promote the current ongoing ROHR Zimbabwe campaigns namely the #BlackHistoryMonth campaign, #MeetYourMP campaign etc., which aim to put pressure on the Zimbabwean Government to uphold human rights.  Scotland branch is doing very well with the campaigns and North branch has been encouraged to follow suit.

3. Any other Business

Members were reminded to update their subscriptions.

 

All agenda items and any other business having been exhausted, Vengai Mutsawu concluded the meeting and declared it closed at 1550hrs.

 

To view pictures taken at the event, follow the link below; -

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157716508920422

 

By: Information & Publicity Department

 

Celebrating Hopewell Chin'ono - by Delina Mutyambizi

 

Celebrating Itai Dzamara - by Nicolate Gwati

 

ROHR ZIMBABWE MAKES ANOTHER DONATION OF GROCERIES TOWARDS EPWORTH KIDS BREAKFAST INITIATIVE –21st OCTOBER 2020

22^nd October 2020

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to unfold in Zimbabwe, the citizenry also continues to suffer. This is made worse by the corruption of the President of Zimbabwe, his family, other members of the ruling elite and the politically connected members of society. Zimbabweans are suffering the consequences of serious flaws in the management of the covid-19 pandemic with the government failing to cater for vulnerable groups which include

children, homeless people, the elderly and single mothers.

 

The failure by the government has begun to manifest itself in the form of a number of social ills. These include the recent spike in adolescent pregnancies.

ROHR Zimbabwe applauds the efforts of Caroline Bushu and Sandra Chikwama as they continue to work tirelessly feeding hundreds of children on a daily basis thereby averting starvation among children in the deprived neighbourhood of Epworth, Zimbabwe. 

 

Touched by the plight of children who are having to survive on food handouts and following a first donation to the kitchen on 4^th July2020, ROHR Zimbabwe pledged to continue fundraising for the Breakfast kitchen.  

 

On Wednesday 21^st October 2020 ROHR Zimbabwe made another donation of groceries to the Epworth Kids Breakfast initiative. 

This second donation was made possible courtesy of the collective efforts of the following individuals who contributed financially and in raised a total tof £295 which was then remitted to Zimbabwe and used to buy the much needed groceries.

The top fundraiser was ROHR Zimbabwe’s Scotland Branch Secretary- Alvina Chibhamu who raised and donated £140.  Other members of ROHR Zimbabwe who donated were Harriet Ndlovu- £20, Vongayi Mufara- £30, Lindah Chenyama- £10, Olivia Chamboko- £10, Abigail Wadzanayi Chidavayenzi- £40, Panyika Karimanzira- £10, Paradza Mapfumo- £20, Delina Mutyambizi- £10 and Lillian Nleya- £5.

These funds purchased, upon request; 5x cases of Sugar(100kgs), 3x boxes of Cooking oil (72Litres), 7 x Cases of Peanut Butter (375g x 84 bottles), 1 x pack Sunlight (750ml x 6)

ROHR Zimbabwe pledges to continue supporting and complimenting Caroline Bushu and Sandra Chikwama the two strong women who are the brains behind the Breakfast Kitchen initiative.

On a daily basis, they are currently using around 140kgs of mealie meal broken down as follows; -Around 40 kg in the morning, about 60 kg in the afternoon and 40 kg in the evening.  

Among other challenges, they are experiencing water shortages. They need water storage tanks and gas for cooking. The approaching rainy season also means a need for bigger shelter. They also need food containers to serve the ever-increasing numbers of children. ROHR Zimbabwe, therefore, urges the entire ROHR community as well as the UK general public to assist in this ongoing support for the Kid’s Breakfast initiative.

To make your donation, please contact any one of the ROHR Zimbabwe’s Scotland Branch or use the banking details found on www.rohr-zimbabwe.org 

 

To view pictures and videos taken at the second donation event of 21^st October 2020 please click on the following hyperlink;-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157716657267036

 

 

By Information & Publicity Department

ROHR Zimbabwe Human Rights Violations (HRV) Monitoring Committee Zoom meeting of Sunday 25th October 2020 - Report

28^th October 2020

The meeting started at 18:00 hrs

Attendance: - Lilian Nleya, Nicolate Gwati, Alvina Chibhamu, Karen Nhakaniso, Vongayi Mufara, Vengai  Mutsawu, Delina Mutyambizi

Nicolate Gwati chaired the meeting. She opened by welcoming everyone and commended everyone for their punctuality.  We had all been paired up and mandated to research human violations in Zimbabwe.  She started by suggesting if each pair could give at least 3 incidents of Human rights violations in their allocated period.

Vongayi Mufara and Alvina Chibhamu – They gave the feedback that the period leading to 31st July 2020  was volatile due to the planned protests and Covid-19 rules.

¾      Reported a host of Human rights violations including arrests, unlawful detention and arrests, denied bails, delayed bail outs, tortures (including the cases of Hopewell Chin’ono, Jacob Ngarivhume, Obert Masaraure etc)

¾      Three MDC members arrested protesting and charged (Ostensibly for Covid-19 Law transgressions).

¾      Constitutional amendments that would have eroded the freedom in the Judiciary system.

Karen Nhakaniso and Vengai Mutsawu - Reported a few incidents between 11^th August 2020 and 31^st August 2020. They are;-

¾      Job Sikhala was arrested and denied bail.

¾      MDC Alliance members arrested on 24^th August when they went to Court in solidarity with Job Sikhala.

¾      15 Villagers who were vendors and who attended an MDC alliance rally were arrested in Murehwa and for disrupting free flow of traffic (Ostensibly for Covid-19 Law transgressions).

Lilian Nleya and Shingirayi Kandi –   reported the following incidents; -

¾      Nhamo Five was arrested on 18^th of September ostensibly for insulting the President of Zimbabwe. He had complained about the $12 transport fare from Chitungwiza to Harare CBD being exorbitant. He had cited the mismanagement of the economy by Zanu-PF led government in general and President Emmerson Mnangagwa in particular as the main cause of the price hikes.

¾      3 Harare residence were unlawfully detained and remanded in custody for solidarity protest and for following MDC Alliance MP for Zengeza West Job Sikhala.

¾      Takudzwa Ngadziore (22), ZINASU President was arrested for protesting at Impala car rental following the use of their cars in cases of abductions of citizens by state agencies.

Nicolate Gwati and Nontokozo Malaba Ncube reported as follows; -

¾      Simasimpe Reeds Tshuma (25), a member of the Zimbabwe People Power Movement (ZPPM) was arrested and charged, allegedly for undermining the State after he was found in Dete asking residents to sign a petition calling for international intervention in the Zimbabwean crisis.

¾      Agnes Gurunhe (35) of Mucheke who is living with albinism was barred entry into the Pick n Pay Supermarket in Masvingo after she allegedly asked to wash her hands with soap instead of sanitizers that affect her skin.

¾      Hopely Residence in the south of Harare have been reduced to digging up wells near the Granville Graveyard so as to get drinking water.

Nicolate Gwati observed that citizens of other African countries (e.g. Nigeria and Ghana) have hyped up condemnation of human rights violations in their countries through sustained peaceful demonstrations. Youths from the Nigeria and Ghana have been in contact on Twitter to discuss the way forward regarding these violations. We can also get them and activists from other African countries to support our #ZimbabweanLivesMatter campaign and Human Rights Violations Dossier.

Delina Mutyambizi agreed that it was a good idea to collaborate with human rights organizations from other countries. She went on to suggest that ROHR Zimbabwe issues a statement regarding the #ENDSARS Campaign in support of the Nigerian Citizens against Human Rights Violations in Nigeria.

Alvina Chibhamu concurred with the idea to collaborate with human rights activists from other African countries in campaigns against human rights violations. She also gave feedback on the Scotland #ENDSARS campaign event which ROHR Scotland Branch members went to support.

Lilian Nleya suggested a sustained a daily routine of  monitoring  and recording of Human Rights violations in Zimbabwe so that we avoid a backlog?

Nikki- Suggested if we can have rotations with the current pairs in monitoring daily Human Rights Violations e.g. Lilian and Shingi records for December and the following month the next pair monitors HRV for that month.

Alvina suggested that if this can be done at an organizational level so that the workload can be shared. Each member will keep a tab of the violations and report on the monthly meetings.

Delina drew the committee’s attention to the case of Tapiwa Makore, the Murehwa 7-year-old boy who was murdered and dismembered for ritual purposes, allegedly by his uncle and their herd boy employee. She noted interesting feedback from members in Zimbabwe. She pointed out the possibility of this murder having been politically motivated as it is reportedly believed that Tapiwa Makore’s father is an MDC Alliance chairperson or executive in the area.  She urged  ROHR Zimbabwe to continue supporting the #JusticeForTapiwaMakore campaign, kick-started by ROHR Scotland branch.

She suggested we engage popular social media platforms e.g. Tilda Live, Sis Melly, Vuka Zimbabwe etc to have a video campaign featured on these platforms to highlight the Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe.

Further Action Points

¾      All research findings to be typed up and emailed  to Nicolate by Wednesday 28^th October 2020.

¾      Next meeting is scheduled for 01/11/2020 @6pm

¾      Information& Publicity Department to liaise with different social media platforms regarding #JusticeForTapiwaMakore Campaign.

Nicolate declared the meeting closed at 1900hrs after all agenda items were exhausted.

Celebrating Takudzwa Ngadziore - by Olivia Chamboko (#BlackHistoryMonth2020)

 

Celebrating Namatai Kwekweza - by Alvina Chibhamu (#BlackHistoryMonth2020)

 

Celebrating Beatrice Mtetwa - by Vongayi Mufara (#BlackHistoryMonth2020)

 

ROHR UK Chapter Branch Chairs & Secretaries Zoom meeting – Sunday 11.10.2020 Report

12^th October 2020

 

On Sunday 11^th October 2020, a meeting of the Chairpersons and Secretaries of ROHR Zimbabwe’s UK Chapter’s structures was held via Zoom. The meeting was chaired by National Chairperson, Nicolate Gwati.

Register of Attendance

Olivia Chamboko, Alvina Chibhamu, Nicolate Gwati, Nomagugu Sibanda, Delina Mutyambizi, Billie Nedie

No apologies were received from non-attending members.

Agenda

1. Non-attendance/participation at Branch level

2. Problems within ROHR

3. Solution

3. AOB

 

Meeting started at 17:00hrs

 

Nikki asked the chairs to suggest what to do for non-attending members

 

Scotland Branch

·       Olivia Chamboko cited problems with members not doing their duties, excuses being no experience sometimes, or short notice. She noted that some people seem to just want to collect information without participating and it is weighing heavily on the few members that had to carry the burden of making things work. She had raised the matter with the Board of Trustees and had been advised to remove any non-committed member from the Branch Committee provided she followed due process and that the Branch Executive Committee has passed a resolution to remove such members. Olivia stated that the Scotland Branch Executive Committee had held a meeting yesterday, 10^th October 2020 and had resolved, among other things, to give non-committed members a month’s notice to either pull up their  socks or be risk being stripped of their portfolios.

·        Alvina Chibhamu stated that they had raised this matter recurrently and that they had now reached the end of their tethers, hence the notice to non-committed members. Only a few people seemed to toil for the branch. The others seemed content with just piggybacking on the few despite everyone knowing what their role entails. Even when they have been fed with ideas, deadlines are still missed and they have to be chased up.

What has been working?

·         Alvina, Vongayi and Olivia are doing all the work and carrying the branch and this has become too taxing.

North Branch

Nicolate Gwati cited non activity from the North Branch for a while. Karen responded by saying they have revamped the committee but still face the same problems as before where only a handful of people do all the work. This is hugely discouraging as usually one person ends up taking up multiple roles to make the branch work.

There was need to address this as a (new) committee, but even when the meeting was called to try and re-strategize-only three people attended.

 

Midlands Branch

Nicolate also stated that members are also not active.  Only the same three people in the Branch Executive Committee tend to participate

Nomagugu Sibanda also noted that not many people seem committed.  Some give the excuse of having work commitments, others have given the pandemic as an excuse, some are experiencing digital poverty and cannot participate on zoom calls.

Recommendations sought from Board members with all their vast experience as the current situation is non-sustainable.

·        Delina commented this has been a long-standing attitude since she came on board in 2009. Sadly, the commitment we rely on is from a handful of willing members. This attitude extends to the wider Zimbabwe populace, Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono for instance complained that people literally wage a war, commenting only on social media about issues but not acted on the information.

·        Mr Nedie pointed out that turnout was high and huge when ROHR started as most people did not have documentation. However, the ‘2020 challenge’, stemmed from a “forensic interpretation” of the future of ROHR he did in 2009,where membership was predicted to dwindle and then revamped, which is where we are now.

·         Mr Nedie commended the Scotland branch for the work it is doing, together with other members who are still focused.

 

Challenges facing ROHR

We are perceived as an Asylum-seeking organisation and as such we struggle to attract membership from people with some form of right to remain.

§       We need  to address attitudinal challenges. We could start by engaging all Zimbabweans, especially old members, including British citizens as well as those without status. Mr Nedie bemoaned the apathy in the Zimbabwean diaspora in general when it came to standing up for human rights. He said that we need to take a leaf from west Africans who always unite for a common cause.

§        On that note, Nikki cited the #EndSARSmovement in Nigeria where its government is buckling due to mounted pressure from the whole country, they managed to rope in the international community through social media.

§        The Covid-19 pandemic issue has taken us backwards as there is no face to face contact. In some branches, members may have been demotivated by not seeing ROHR longstanding members, mostly board members coming to in support their branch meetings. Current restrictions have meant the non-appearance of familiar faces/ ROHR members in these branches.

 

Proposed way forward

§       We need ROHR foot soldiers on the ground in Zimbabwe-wearing ROHR t-shirts, being seen on television, radio, and social media to put ROHR on the map

§        Zimbabweans are not united, we need to change that narrative and have every member change the way we are seen in their own circles, in and outside of ROHR.

§        Delina commended Scotland and Midlands branches for their contributions towards the visibility of ROHR as a human rights organisation. Scotland Branch’s fundraising efforts in support of the Epworth kitchen in Zimbabwe through reaching out to the communities outside of Zimbabweans to solicit funds is commendable.  We need to be aware of what is happening around and continue to support initiatives that foster a change in attitude towards human rights and welfare issues of the Zimbabwean populace thereby enhancing the image of ROHR Zimbabwe as a human rights organization.

§       Alvina added that the Scotland Branch discussed Black History Month, in particular, the relevance of countless unsung heroes in Zimbabwe. She also suggested we market ROHR Zimbabwe beyond Zimbabwean circles and hope to collaborate with like-minded international human rights organizations.

§      Alvina suggested to take advantage of the pandemic situation and hold a National zoom meeting

§      Some members give the excuse of lack of training. Mr Nedie offered to mentor anyone who felt they needed help in performing their role.

§       Nicolate said we need to find a way of speaking to members. Take it to task to start calling members to try and re-engage them and map ways forward. Survey underway from the Executive Committee to try and bring people back to the fold from all the issues being raised by members

§       Delina spoke on the area of educating members as some do not understand their rights etc. Campaigns such as #MeetYourMP helped raise awareness. When approached, MPs are usually keen to know learn more about the human rights situation in Zimbabwe and tend to be very cooperative. A good example is when Alvina’s MP came to a Scotland Branch meeting to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe. This followed the meeting Alvina had with the MP. We need to keep on knocking on doors and keep making noise as ROHR. We should be nonpartisan so that we are in good position to challenge any office if they are in breach of human rights.

§       Mr Nedie suggested organising capacity building- education exercise about what it means to be a Human Rights Activists and all the questions surrounding, retraining of members, motivation, and other workshops for members. (Olivia asked if we could have the trainings on meetings)

AOB

Nicolate announced we will reconvene in 2 weeks. The date for the next meeting was set and announced as 18^thOctober 2020

With all agenda items having been exhausted, the meeting was declared closed by Nicolate Gwati at 1800hrs.

Alvina Chibhamu-Secretary of UK Chapter took minutes.

 

To see screenshots of the meeting please follow the link below; -

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157716364044822

 

By Information & Publicity Department

ROHR North Branch Executive Committee Teleconference Meeting - 10.10.2020

11^th October 2020

 

In the evening of Saturday 10^th October 2020, the North Branch Committee held its monthly teleconference meeting. The meeting was chaired by Branch Vice-Chairperson Vengai Mutsawu.

Register of Attendance

Vengai Mutsawu, Karen Nhakaniso, Nontokozo Malaba Ncube, Delina Mutyambizi and Petronella Mahachi (call medium would not allow her to connect onto the call).

Absent:

Farai Nhakaniso, Magdaline Moyo and Pauline Makuwere

Agenda:

1. Date and Time of Monthly Meeting

2. Campaigns Update

3. AOB

 

The meeting started at 19:30hrs

1. Branch Meeting

As a branch, we have fallen behind on branch meetings so we need to set a date and time of meeting.

The meeting was agreed for Saturday 17 October 2020. All on the call agreed on a start time of 14:00hrs. Vice-Chair Vengai Mutsawu and Chairman Farai Nhakaniso were tasked with finding out if ROHR has a Zoom account that has unlimited minutes for meetings.

2. Campaigns

Let us encourage each other to take part in the campaigns. Can the secretary resend the PowerPoint with a summary of campaigns. From the last meeting only Vengai, Karen, and Nontokozo sent their campaign pictures and information to the Branch Secretary. May the other committee members take part so the branch can follow suit.

3. MP Letters

Vengai, Karen and Nontokozo sent their MP letter information to the branch secretary but have yet to receive their letters. May secretary chase the national secretary and information and publicity department for the letters.

4. Bank Account

In regards to the Branch Bank Account, Pauline was to liaise with Mr Karimanzira and Farai Nhakaniso for a branch bank account. Can we get a follow-up.

5. Any Other Business:
N/A 

The meeting was declared closed by Vengai Mutsawu at 19:47hrs. Branch Secretary Karen Nhakaniso took minutes.

 

 

By: - Information & Publicity Department

ROHR Zimbabwe Scotland Branch Zoom Meeting - 10.10.2020 - Report

 

11^th October 2020

On Saturday the 10^th September 2020, the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe held a meeting via zoom. Alvina Chibhamu (Branch Secretary) chaired the meeting.

Register of attendance

Alvina Chibhamu, Olivia Chamboko, Harriet Ndlovu, Vongayi Mufara. Guests from other branches were; Nicolate Gwati (ROHR UK Chapter Chairperson), Delina Mutyambizi (Board Member) and others from the ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter wider community Blessing Goronga, Karen Murove, Vengayi Mutsawu, Jacob Mhlanga (from Ireland) and Tabeth Mabiza-Nhakaniso.

Agenda

1.        Alvina Chibhamu- Welcome remarks and Apologies.

2.        Alvina Chibhamu - Confirmation and adoption of the last meeting minutes.

3.        Alvina Chibhamu - Black History month and invite every member to contribute to their research.

4.        Olivia Chamboko - Black History Month Campaign.

5.        Vongayi Mufara - #JusticeForTapiwaMakore Campaign.

6.        Harriet Ndlovu - Update on subscriptions.

7.        Any other business.

Alvina Chibhamu, the meeting chair, opened the meeting at 1400hrs and started by welcoming and introductions. She acknowledged the visiting members from other branches who also introduced themselves and their respective branches.

1.  Minutes Approval

Alvina called for confirmation and seconding of last month’s minutes and Vongayi confirmed seconded by Olivia as a true record of what transpired

2.  Black History month and individual contributions

·       Alvina opened by explaining that Black History Month(UK) runs throughout October to recognize, celebrate and champion the history of achievements of people of African descent, informing and educating on black heritage, value systems and way of life of British society that make black lives matter. She also mentioned that this year the theme is Advancing Justice and Equality in Scotland. She called upon attendees to share their understanding of the black History months.

·       Vongayi mentioned that to her it’s not only about remembering the bad things that happened to black people but to celebrate contributions from icon Civil Rights Activist like Martin Luther King who always encouraged people to stand for what is right. She encouraged people to participate in speaking out against Human rights violations in Zimbabwe and went on to mention one of Martin Luther’s quotes “ He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetuate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it”

·       Karen mentioned that she is inspired by Steve Biko who was an anti-apartheid activist and was on the forefront of a grassroots anti-apartheid campaign known as the Black Consciousness Movement and died for a good cause. He was assassinated for his activism activities in 1977

·         Harriet talked about Nelson Mandela- South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who later served as President of South Africa.

·         Olivia recognised all ROHR Zimbabwe Activists who have been fighting for Human rights in Zimbabwe from the time the organisation started to date. She highlighted why Scotland branch members were in prison jerseys; as an extension to the campaign we did last month #UnlawfulIncarcerationMustEnd, we were also hailing activists on the ground taking a stand on this.

·         Nicolate mentioned Harriet Tubman an American political Activist who was born into slavery and she escaped. She went on 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the underground railroad.

·         Vengayi advised that he was touched by PM Boris Johnson’s Black History month speech when he encouraged black people and everyone to keep up the fight against inequality and racism.

·         Tabeth mentioned that it is good to recognise our own Zimbabwean Activists who are contributing towards the black History. She pointed out Beatrice Mtetwa who is doing a lot in fighting for justice in Zimbabwe.

·       Alvina mentioned June Sarpong OBE-activist and established broadcaster for her contribution in British media spanning over 20years. She became one of the youngest persons to be awarded an MBE for her services to charity and broadcasting. In October 2019,Sarpong made history and became the first ever Director of Creative Diversity with the BBC.Sarpong has forced people to address underrepresentation and injustices in racial inequality. Alvina went on to tie this with previous efforts made by ROHR Scotland in speaking out for women who seem to have no voice in Zimbabwe, with campaigns such as #StopViolenceAgainstWomen lobbying against rape by state security agents, re-traumatisation and retribution if women spoke out, the valiant efforts of 2 single women Caroline Bushu and Sandra Chikwama who are to date feeding over 1,200 children at the Epworth Kid’s Breakfast. Strong names such as Jestina Mukoko and aforementioned-Beatrice Mtetwa were also mentioned and perhaps, we also, will one day be celebrated in history for our gallantry in our fight against injustice and human rights abuses.

 

Alvina invited ideas in commemoration of Black History Month as we had so many valuable contributions from speakers today.

·         Olivia suggested we come up with a campaign to celebrate and recognize our activists in Zimbabwe.

·         Karen suggested that we come up with short videos recordings with a speech about Activists who inspire us.

·         Tabeth supported that videos are more effective and powerful than writing as most people do not read anymore.

·         Vongayi suggested that everyone could come up with a short statement of their chosen activist; giving a summary and history about why the Activist inspires them to go across all our social media platforms and ROHR blog.

·         Nicolate pointed out that it will be good to highlight all these Activists starting with people like Itai Dzamara and his brother Patson, Namatai Kwekweza, Takudzwa Ngadziore, The MDC trio, Hopewell Chin’ono, Beatrice Mtetwa just to mention a few, who have stood firm in this struggle. She also pointed out that writing has more traction as it attracts more participation and it also ties the individual to the campaign. And it will be good if it becomes an ongoing campaign starting this month.

·      Delina suggested that we could write a letter directed to the government and post it on social media tagging people like Nick Mangwana who engages people on social media.

Action

Start a campaign for the black history month – write up with the chosen individual’s picture

 

3. Stop Ritual Killing Campaign

Vongayi spoke about the gruesome ritual murder of a 7-year-old boy, Tapiwa Makore of Nyamutumbu village in Murehwa by his uncle Tapiwa Makore (Senior) with the help of his herdsman Tafadzwa Shamba. The child was kidnapped, drugged, killed, and had his head, arms and legs cut off in the ritual murder. The perpetrators have since been arrested on murder charges and are in custody as the police continue to hunt for the witch doctor accused of taking the other body parts for rituals. She pointed out that as Human rights Activist we need to speak against these ritual killings of minors as these killings are on the rise in Zimbabwe.

 

Action

It was suggested that we start a campaign #StopRitualKillings, #JusticeForTapiwaMakore

 

4.  Albino Community Highfields Donation Initiative

Alvina spoke about the Albino community in Highfields, Harare that cannot cope with the costs of sun creams and pointed out that the children cannot go out and play without applying the cream as the sun badly damages their skin. The community is not looking for food but appealing for ordinary sun creams they use on daily basis. Each cream cost USD25 in Zimbabwe, ZAR100 in South Africa and £2.25 in Aldi in the UK.

Action

It was agreed that we start fundraising for the Albino Community to enable us to buy the sun creams here in the UK and ship them to Zimbabwe. To also approach sun cream giants and try and get them to sponsor the children.

 

5. Treasury Report

Harriet reported on what we have in our kitty for subscriptions and fundraising. She encouraged all members be up to date with their monthly subscriptions.

 Current fundraising for Epworth kitchen is £295 from the below contributions/fundraisers.

1. Alvina Chibhamu- £140

2. Harriet Ndlovu- £20

3. Vongayi Mufara- £30

4. Lindah Chenyama- £10

5. Olivia Chamboko- £10

6. Abigail Wadzanayi Chidavayenzi- £40

7. Panyika Karimanzira- £10

8. Pradzai Mapfumo- £20

9. Delina Mutyambizi- £10

10. Lillian Nleya- £5

 

Bringing our total to £295

 

Harriet asked when the donation was going to be done and Alvina responded that it was going to be as soon as our representatives on the ground avail themselves.

8. Any Other Business

Vongayi reminded Scotland committee members to remain logged on for the committee meeting to follow. Vongayi, announced that the date of the next branch meeting 7^thNovember 2020.

 

All agenda items and any other business having been exhausted, Alvina thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed at 1530hrs

To view pictures taken at the event, follow the link below

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157716338851556

.

By: Information & Publicity Department