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

30^th May 2025

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

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

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 Far from promoting transparency or freedom of expression, it resurrects the spirit of the long-repealed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the author

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

ROHR ZIMBABWE STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF NINE VILLAGERS FOR BOOING AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA AT WATSOMBA BUSINESS CENTRE

 14^th April 2024

We strongly condemn the arrest of 9 villagers at Watsomba business centre in Manicaland for booing Auxillia Mnangagwa on Wednesday, 10th April 2024. The Mnangagwas and any politician, for that matter, are not beyond reproach.

According to section 63 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article 19 of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international human rights instruments, people have the right to freedom of expression.

The nine, Nester Chatiwana, Panashe Machekanzondo, Winnet Sithole, Maria Choto, Esnath Choto, Ellen Rujuwa, Faith Chidhakwa, Patience Matasva and Joyce Mashingaidza are victims of a paranoid and rabid regime which will stop at nothing to hold on to power at the expense of the welfare of citizens.

We urge the government of Zimbabwe to stop the persecution of citizens for simply expressing themselves, to open up the democratic space and to focus on creating an environment that promotes the welfare of citizens.

End

NOTICE – ROHR ZIMBABWE SCOTLAND BRANCH of the UK CHAPTER Zoom Meeting – Sunday 30th July 2023

Event: - ROHR ZIMBABWE SCOTLAND BRANCH of the UK CHAPTER  Zoom Meeting

Date: - Sunday 30th July 2023
Time: - 15:00 hrs  (UK Time)

Venue: - Zoom

Zoom Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7538534375?pwd=RnREUTI0SmN0T3ZwQ1J6UTdRa3JPUT09

Meeting ID: 753 853 4375
Passcode: 261316

Agenda: - To follow 

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 

Alvina Chibhamu 07446224052
Olivia Chamboko 07491098279
Vongayi Mufara 07309990505
Malvern Dengu 07716210555
Thenjiwe Ndlovu 07444478453
Harriet Ndlovu 07741 490243

THE ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE OF FULEZA GIBSON “NDAWANA” SIBANDA

25^th July 2023

By Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu

Now that I am beyond the reach of the murderous regime in Zimbabwe, I can tell the story of the enforced disappearance of my maternal grandfather, Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda.

My name is Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu. I am the daughter of Sindisiwe Sibanda, daughter of Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda.

Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda disappeared at the hands of Zimbabwean state machinery at the height of the Gukurahundi genocide in Matabeleland in Zimbabwe.

Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda was abducted by four men, two of whom were in Police uniform and two in civilian attire on 3^rd November 1985, at the Brethren in Christ Church in Mpopoma, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

He was never to be seen again.

This state-sponsored tragedy left a permanent scar on our family and the community.

The impact of Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda's disappearance was felt not only by his immediate family but also by us, his grandchildren. The fear of being abducted became a constant worry, and our family was never able to heal from the trauma of losing our loved one in such circumstances.

To this day, there is no information about Sibanda’s whereabouts or well-being. This uncertainty and lack of closure are incredibly distressing to us as a family.

The distress is ongoing, and the psychological impact on us is indescribable. The spectre of enforced disappearance hovers over us daily.

Sibanda's disappearance affected his wife, our grandmother, who struggled to take care of their children, who were left without a provider. The children had to grow up without a father figure. This gravely affected my grandmother’s ability to provide emotional support to her children, my mother included.

The trauma of Sibanda's abduction also affected us, his grandchildren. Not only because we never got to meet our grandfather but also because we live in fear of a repeat of what happened to our grandfather. The fear of being abducted or losing a loved one remains a constant worry, which affects our mental health and well-being. 

We grew up in an environment where the government could take people away and make them disappear without a trace. We are made to feel helpless, especially because there is no recourse to the law as the judiciary is captured.

This instilled a deep sense of fear and mistrust in the government.

The abduction of Sibanda is one of many cases of enforced disappearances in Zimbabwe. Families are left without closure, and the perpetrators are never held accountable. The lack of justice exacerbates the trauma of the families and undermines the rule of law.

The Zimbabwean government must take responsibility for the enforced disappearances and bring the perpetrators to justice. Families deserve closure, and justice is essential for healing and rebuilding trust in the government.

The abduction of Fuleza Gibson Ndawana Sibanda had a profound impact on our family and the community. The trauma of his disappearance continues to affect our family up to this day.

It is essential that the Zimbabwean government take responsibility for enforced disappearances and bring perpetrators to justice to ensure that no family must endure this type of trauma again.

Note

The story of Fuleza Gibson Ndawana Sibanda was covered by the main newspapers in Zimbabwe back then and also in a book entitled “Voices from the Rocks: Nature, Culture and History in the Matopos Hills of Zimbabwe” by Terence Osborn Ranger.

About the author

Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe based in the United Kingdom. She can be contacted by email at michellempofu11@gmail.com.

NOTICE - UK CHAPTER National Meeting – Saturday 3rd June 2023

Event: - UK CHAPTER  National Meeting
Date: - Saturday 3^rd June 2023
Time: - 14:00 hrs – 16:00 hrs (London time)

Venue: - Zoom
Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7538534375?pwd=RnREUTI0SmN0T3ZwQ1J6UTdRa3JPUT09

Meeting ID: 753 853 4375
Passcode: 261316

Agenda: - To follow
This is a  very important meeting with many updates to be shared. ***DON’T MISS***

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 

Nicolate Gwati 07871849489
Thabani Muleya 07375898185
Alvina Chibhamu 07446224052
Malvern Dengu 07716210555
Vongayi Mufara 07309990505
Lilian Nleya 07853155145
Grace Makoni 07399414862
Vengai Mutsawu 07914257903

THE GOLD MAFIA – THE STENCH OF CORRUPTION IN ZIMBABWE

16^th April 2023

Sometime early this year, it was rumoured that Al Jazeera was to publish some information about the smuggling and looting of resources by the political elite and their connections in Zimbabwe.

We all waited with bated breath for the Al Jazeera expose.

It was delayed, but when the first episode was published on Thursday, 23/03/2023, it lived up to its billing and it gripped the nation of Zimbabwe. It drew similar interest in neighbouring South Africa as well as far afield as Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

Three more episodes were to follow in instalments a week apart as follows;-
Thursday 30/03/2023, Episode 2
Thursday 06/04/2023 Episode 3
Friday 14/04/2023 Episode 4

An intricate web of illicit activities operated by mainly Zimbabwean, South African, British, UAE and Kenyan nationals was laid bare for the world to see.

One of the major players therein is a dual Zimbabwe British citizen, Eubert Angel Mudzanire (Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at large to Europe and the Americas for Zimbabwe), who also is the founder of Spirit Embassy Church which operates in the UK. He potentially runs other businesses in the UK either directly or via proxies.

It stands to reason that Eubert Angel’s money laundering and smuggling activities may extend to the jurisdiction of the UK since he resides in the UK and is a frequent international traveller with a Zimbabwean Diplomatic Passport.

Other major players therein include at least one South African citizen, Mohamed Khan, who owns PKSA and SALT Asset Management, South African financial services firms. These two firms help Simon Rudland, a Zimbabwean, who co-owns Gold Leaf Tobacco, one of the largest cigarette manufacturers in South Africa, and others launder large sums of money through fake invoices and stolen identities. Simon Rudland lends some of his money to Zimbabwe’s government through Fidelity Printers and Refinery, owned by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). In exchange, RBZ lets Simon Rudland’s couriers smuggle millions of dollars worth of gold from Zimbabwe to Dubai for sale.

Mohamed Khan's financial services firms launder large sums of money through fake invoices and bribing banks. Standard Bank and ABSA turn a blind eye or collude with Mohamed Khan, as revealed in the documentary. 

Also in the mix is one Howard "Howie" Baker, a Zimbabwean, who owns several gold-trading companies, including Aulion Global Trading, the firm at the centre of gold laundering operations in UAE. He also owns Rappa Refinery, a gold refinery in South Africa which supplies Aulion Global Trading with gold.

The President of Zimbabwe Miners Federation, Henrietta Rushwaya (Emmerson Mnangagwa's niece) is also implicated in the money laundering and smuggling of gold from Zimbabwe to UAE.

And then there is Cleopas Chidodo, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAZ) Security Manager, who, by his own admission, facilitated the smuggling of Gold, Diamonds, other precious minerals and Ivory from Zimbabwe as well as millions of laundered cash to and from Zimbabwe through Robert Mugabe International Airport. The smuggling and money laundering were by proxies of and couriers for the former first family, the Mugabes and by proxies of and runners for the current first family, the Mnangagwas.

Scott Sakupwanya, the flamboyant owner of Better Brands Jewellery, ZANU-PF functionary and candidate for Mabvuku, labelled “The New Mr Gold”, also features prominently in the 4 episode Al Jazeera “Gold Mafia” documentary, as does his former boss, Ewan Macmillan, also a Zimbabwean citizen closely connected to Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Also implicated were a Canadian national, Alistair Mathias and a Kenyan national, Kamlesh Pattni, both of whom boasted that Emmerson Mnangagwa was their partner in corruption.

Every money launderer in the documentary claims that Emmerson Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe, is their partner in corruption.

The proceeds from these gold shenanigans do not benefit the Zimbabwean populace; instead, money from sales is diverted to offshore bank accounts of the few elites involved in the looting.  It is estimated that Zimbabwe is prejudiced by US$100,000 million every day in lost revenue from the looted gold sales. The gold is illegally moved from Zimbabwe to Dubai.

Considering the collapsed state of all sectors of the Zimbabwean economy and the dilapidated state of the health infrastructure (e.g. there is only one radiotherapy machine in government hospitals, and it is currently not working) and the high mortality rate among all patients, including cancer patients, Zimbabweans find this level of looting of national resources grossly immoral.

At the end of it all, Zimbabweans were, understandably, aghast at the extent of corruption, the amounts of gold that had been smuggled out of Zimbabwe, the obscene amounts of money laundered and lined up the pockets of a few, including the President of Zimbabwe and his cronies.

In summary, what we learnt from the 4-episode Al Jazeera “Gold Mafia” is that Zimbabwe’s gold is being exported illegally by a few individuals (e.g. Henrietta Rushwaya) connected to President Mnangagwa with the help of Airport security and that the proceeds are paid to a few individuals instead of the state. We also learnt that Ambassadors at large (e.g. Eubert Angel Mudzanire) were Mnangagwa’s personal conduit for self-enriching and illegal, corrupt deals.

We also learnt that Zimbabwe is losing billions of dollars to illicit financial flows.

According to global research group (2020), Zimbabwe is losing at least 1.5 billion dollars a year through the smuggling of gold alone. When we factor in other precious minerals and other resources, this figure runs into tens of billions.

We also learnt that diplomatic immunity is being exploited to smuggle contraband internationally by the likes of Eubert Angel Mudzanire and the Presidential entourage whenever Mnangagwa goes on international trips. Little wonder Emmerson Mnangagwa travels with such a large entourage.

Zimbabwe fares poorly on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index and on a number of other reputable international indices, such as the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Democracy Index and Freedom House’s “Freedom In the World” annual report.

Cry our beloved country.

By Information & Publicity Team
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

ALVINA CHIBHAMU SAYS "NO TO POLITICAL VIOLENCE"

 

In furtherance of ROHR Zimbabwe's campaign against political violence in Zimbabwe under the hashtag #NoToPoliticalViolence, as we approach the 2023 elections, Alvina Chibhamu, the Secretary for the UK Chapter and Chairperson of the Scotland Branch of ROHR Zimbabwe recorded this short video.

 

Subtitles by Opa Karimanzira

 

Video link - YouTube
https://youtu.be/vfGTIM6k3jk

Flickr – Video link
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/52795612442/in/album-72177720306655905/

THE REGIME IN HARARE AND ITS FOLLY

17^th November 2022

By Panyika Karimanzira

With its atrocious human rights record the fact that the Zimbabwean regime is actively seeking readmission into the Commonwealth of Nations is not only audacious but is also a sign of how out of touch it is with reality.

In common parlance we would say they have got balls indeed.

Who in their right mind would want to be associated with a state that murders and persecutes its citizens as brazenly as Zimbabwe does? Zimbabwe will remain a pariah state until the government starts respecting and upholding the rights of its citizens. Incontrovertible evidence of the regime’s atrocities abounds, thanks to social media and the digital era.

The human rights situation in Zimbabwe has changed for the worse from the time of Robert Mugabe’s rule. Opposition and civil society activists have been, and continue to be, subjected to physical and psychological abuse, including being tortured and killed, by state apparatus and ZANU-PF functionaries.

In the first week of August 2018, six peaceful protesters were shot dead by soldiers in the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe in broad daylight in the full glare of international media and elections observers.

Soldiers then went around from suburb to suburb in Harare, Bulawayo and other cities and towns beating up and maiming civilians suspected to be activists. In rural areas, ZANU-PF militia and the CIO were doing the same. Some activists were killed, some remain unaccounted for. Some activists were abducted tortured and then injected with unknown substances by state agents.                                 

In the week commencing Monday 14th January 2019, members of the Zimbabwe National Army, Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) operatives and ZANU-PF militia in Harare, Bulawayo and other locations in Zimbabwe used live ammunition to shoot unarmed civilian protesters.

This left at least seventeen people dead, more than 200 injured, thousands displaced and hundreds in hiding. Soldiers, state security operatives and ZANU-PF militia are reported to have thereafter gone around from suburb to suburb in Harare, Bulawayo and other cities and towns in Zimbabwe beating up and maiming civilians suspected to be activists. In rural areas, ZANU-PF militia and state security operatives (CIO) were doing the same.                               

It is also reported that at least 11 women reported having been raped by soldiers and suspected ZANU-PF Militia during this period. The number of those raped is likely to be much higher as some women would rather not report for fear of further persecution or due to social or personal considerations.                                                    

Another glaring example of the brutality of the current regime in Zimbabwe was the occurrence on Friday 16th August 2019, when members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police assisted by suspected ZANU-PF Militia dressed in Police uniform brutalized unarmed civilian Zimbabweans citizens during a peaceful demonstration in Harare, Zimbabwe. This left more than 100 injured.

There are hundreds other state sponsored atrocities that I could cite. Many of them involve abductions and torture.

An example was a case whereby on Wednesday 13^th May 2020 three female activists namely Joana Mamombe (Member of Parliament), Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova belonging to the opposition MDC Alliance were abducted and tortured by Zimbabwean state agents.

Yet another example of the brutality of the current regime in Zimbabwe is the murder of yet another activist in Zimbabwe, Moreblessing Ali, whose mutilated body was found in a well in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza on Saturday 11^th June 2022 following her enforced disappearance at the hands of well-known members of ZANU-PF, Pius Jamba and Simba Chisango on Tuesday 24^th May 2022.

The state is also notorious for persecuting journalists like Hopewell Chin’ono. It also persecutes and hounds other professionals like judges, lawyers, teachers, nurses and doctors. It does the same even with Parliamentarians – the ongoing incarceration of Job Sikhala who is part of The Nyatsime 16 (or is it 17?) is a case in point.

In all these cases, lawfare is the regime’s modus operandi. It arrests on spurious charges, incarcerates without trial for protracted periods and when it eventually releases someone on bail it attaches  onerous bail conditions that leave the person so encumbered, they cannot lead a normal life. The person will be required to appear in court for years on end. The case becomes an encumbrance on the individual’s life. Well known activists like Namatai Kwekweza are in this situation.

The President of Zimbabwe and senior ZANU-PF officials publicly boast about the Army, the Police, and the Judiciary being under their control.

The sad thing is this will not change soon because ZANU-PF cannot reform itself out of power. They fear ending up in jail once they no longer have control of state apparatus.

Should Zimbabwe be re-admitted into The Commonwealth of Nations?

No sane institution of the stature of the Commonwealth of Nations would admit a country led by rogues like Zimbabwe. The regime ought to reform first.

About the author:-  Panyika Anselm Karimanzira is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a Board member of and Spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR)Zimbabwe. He writes in his personal capacity in this instance. He can be contacted via email; - anselm.karimanzira@yahoo.ie

Comment on British Prime Minister’s resignation – by Panyika Karimanzira

 By Panyika Karimanzira

 Thursday 7^th July 2022

I wish our citizens and politicians in Zimbabwe could take a leaf from the recent developments in British politics which culminated in the resignation of Mr Boris Johnson from both being the leader of the ruling party, The Conservatives and the British Prime Minister today Thursday 7^th July 2022.

Mr Boris Johnson’s tenure was marked by scandals that included allegations of sleaze. Citizens on their part did not hesitate to point out instances of sleaze when they occurred and did not fear to criticise Boris Johnson and the government. They also punished the Conservative Party in recent by-elections.

Conservative Members of Parliament also criticised their leader both inside and outside Parliament and sometimes even voted with the opposition on motions that sought to keep the Prime Minister in check.

Some of them even voted for a motion of Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister which Mr Boris Johnson survived not so long ago.

Now members of Mr Boris Johnson’s Cabinet and Parliament resigned in large numbers in the last 2 days thereby making his tenure untenable and forcing him to resign.

That is how it should be in a democratic society. When Prime Ministers, Presidents, Ministers or other people holding positions of responsibility fail, they should resign. Ministers and Members of Parliament should also be willing to resign if they are not happy with the leadership in Government.

Nobody should masquerade as being entitled to rule forever or indispensable. There should be no sacred cow in our politics.

Here are links to videos in English, IsiNdebele and ChiShona on this matter by Panyika Karimanzira;-

Video in English
Video in IsiNdebele
Video in ChiShona

About the author and disclaimer:
Panyika Karimanzira a.k.a. Mandulo Pasichigare a.k.a. Shangoni WaHamisi is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom and is writing in his personal capacity in this instance. He can be contacted via email anselm.karimanzira@yahoo.ie

 

Robert Kamanga of ROHR Zimbabwe calls for the release of abducted Moreblessing Ali

Saturday 4^th June 2022 

By Shangoni WaHamisi

As part of ROHR Zimbabwe’s campaign dubbed #BringbackMoreblessingAli, on Satrurday 4^th June 2022, Robert Kamanga, the Treasurer of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, via this video , is calling for the release of Moreblessing Ali, a Zimbabwean political activist who was abducted by ZANU-PF members in the Nyatsime area of Chitungwiza on 24^th May 2022 and has never been seen since then, as at 4th June 2022. Robert Kamanga also says “ZANU-PF must go” because of the persecution of citizens who hold different political opinions from those of ZANU-PF.

This case is one of the latest in a fresh wave of State sponsored abductions and attempted abductions.

This case is one of the latest in a fresh wave of State sponsored abductions and attempted abductions.

In a case of attempted abduction only a few days ago on Friday 27^th May 2022there was an attempt to abduct Mduduzi Mathuthu, the Editor of ZimLive.com. He was lucky to have been away from home when  five men purporting to be Policemen, driving in an unmarked car, without registration number plates turned up looking for him.

The Zimbabwe government has got a history of state sponsored abductions, persecution, forced disappearances and murder of its critics, especially political and human rights activists as well as journalists. 

Most notable of these was the case of Paul Chizuze, a human rights activist who was abducted on 8^th February 2012 and Itai Dzamara, a journalist and pro-democracy activist who was abducted on 9^th March 2015. Both men have never been found since.

By Shangoni WaHamisi

About the author

Shangoni WaHamisi  is the pen name for Panyika Karimanzira a.k.a. Mandulo Pasichigare, a United Kingdom based Zimbabwean human rights activist who is a Board Member and Spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. Mandulo Pasichigare can be contacted via email Shangoni.WaHamisi@yahoo.co.uk

ROHR Zimbabwe exhorts Zimbabweans to confront the Government over the abduction of Moreblessing Ali.

Thursday 2^nd June 2022

By Mandulo Pasichigare,

To mark the start of ROHR Zimbabwe’s campaign dubbed #BringbackMoreblessingAli, on Monday 30^th May 2022, Silvanos Mudzvova, a member of The Advocacy & Mentorship Team of Restoration ofHuman Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, via this video , exhorted Zimbabweans to pile pressure on the regime to release Moreblessing Ali, a political activist who was attacked, badly injured and bundled into a car at the shops in the Nyatsime area of Chitungwiza by ZANU-PF supporters on Tuesday 24^th May 2022 and has not been seen or heard from since then.

On Thursday 2^nd June 2022, Nontokozo Malaba Ncube, the Vice Chairperson of the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe followed up with a call for the release of Moreblessing Ali under the same campaign via another video .

This case is one of the latest in a fresh wave of State sponsored abductions and attempted abductions.

In a case of attempted abduction only a few days ago on Friday 27^th May 2022 there was an attempt to abduct Mduduzi Mathuthu, the Editor of ZimLive.com. He was lucky to have been away from home when  five men purporting to be Policemen, driving in an unmarked car, without registration number plates turned up looking for him.

The Zimbabwe government has got a history of state sponsored abductions, persecution, forced disappearances and murder of its critics, especially political and human rights activists as well as journalists.

Most notable of these was the case of Paul Chizuze, a human rights activist who was abducted on 8^th February 2012 and Itai Dzamara, a journalist and pro-democracy activist who was abducted on 9^th March 2015. Both men have never been found since.

By Mandulo Pasichigare

About the author
Mandulo Pasichigare is the pen name for Panyika Karimanzira a.k.a. Shangoni WaHamisi, a United Kingdom based Zimbabwean human rights activist who is a Board Member and Spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. Mandulo Pasichigare can be contacted via email Mandulo.pasichigare@yahoo.ie .

ZIMBABWE NOT YET INDEPENDENT

18^th April 2022

By Alvina Chibhamu

Following the arduous 37 years Zimbabweans endured under the rule of Mugabe, they were hopeful of a new dispensation under the new President in 2017.

Since ED Mnangagwa took office in 2018, (do not hold your breath for this one as it’s no surprise) he has only implemented 5 out of 283 projects he pledged in the manifesto and his other policy pronouncements.

43 were commenced, 6 remain broken and 184 are still “in progress”.

Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF government have underperformed and Zimbabwe has been plunged into further misery. Zimbabwe lands itself a fast leader in the “worst of everything”. 

It has one of the worst; inflation rates, human rights record & rule of law, corruption.

A captured judiciary system, a collapsed healthcare, transport and education system, all which are further crippling the future of Zimbabwe. Be the change you want to see.

There’s nothing to celebrate here, there is no such thing as an Independent Zimbabwe yet.

#RegisterToVoteZW

#WeAreNotIndependentZW

About the author;-

Alvina Chibhamu is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe’s UK Chapter. She is based in the United Kingdom and can be contacted by email on alvina80@yahoo.com

 

How dare you say "HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY ZIMBABWE"?

18^th April 2022

By Magadaline (Maggy) Moyo

When my sister Nomsa Tshuma witnessed the painful death of her husband, Elvis Nyathi, a fate she herself narrowly escaped, at the hands of rogue South Africans simply because he was a foreigner that supposedly took their job whilst there are no jobs in Zimbabwe. 

When we watched that Video of Elvis Nyathi being burnt alive to ashes by heartless South Africans simply because he had left Zimbabwe out of desperation. When lack of opportunities due to the dire economic situation caused by an uncaring and unprincipled government that pursues distractive policies and a narrow agenda that benefits only an elite few and their surrogates at the expense of the general citizenry forced him to seek a livelihood elsewhere.

Elvis Nyathi, like millions other Zimbabwean emigrants decided to take a job that most South Africans deemed demeaning because he knew the struggles back home. To him this was his Gold.

Now you are telling me “Happy #### 42yrs…”

How is my sister Nomsa Tshuma and her four children going to heal from the trauma of watching that Video of Elvis Nyathi being burnt alive to ashes in South Africa when in Zimbabwe we don't have such basics as just a simple running clinic with Paracetamol let alone mental health facilities?

42 Years of “independence” and Elvis's children are not attending school for lack of school fees. His eldest child wrote his O-Level exams but was denied his results simply because the family had not paid his school fees. Elvis Nyathi’s 14yr old child dropped out of school to herd cattle and the last-born could not attend school, both because the family could not afford school fees.

42 Years of pain and suffering!! 

42 Years of overcrowded prison walls of innocent people who speak against human rights atrocities!! 

42 Years of our youths turning to Crystal meth and other harmful substances to numb the pains of being orphans to HIV AIDS and other easily manageable health conditions and living in hopelessly dire poverty!!

42 Years of the pain experienced by oppressed women whose husbands are kidnapped and made to disappear in thin air by a rogue State because they dare speak out against the oppressive regime!!

 

42 Years of many children like Anna a.k.a Memory Machaya losing their lives during child birth because of forced marriages!!

 

42 Years of the pain of Gugurahundi victims who lost parents, brothers and sisters and even denied a memorial stone to console themselves and the pain they have felt after losing almost 20 000 people at the hands of specially trained army brigade!!

42 Years of seeing the likes of Marry Mubaiwa being dragged to before the Zanu-PF courts whilst on her death bed despite being someone who once was a partner of and has children with a Vice President!!

 

YOU SAID 42 YEARS? Do you fathom the pain felt by Sylvia Maphosa's children after their mother was killed by Zimbabwean army at age 52 whilst coming from work.

 

42 Years that include the pain of losing the likes of the Dzamara brothers, Itai and Patson who died fighting for a truly independent Zimbabwe!!

 

42 Years of dictatorship, 42 Years of tears of Zimbabwean children. 42 Years of being insulted as youth that we are not capable to lead Zimbabwe!!

About the author;-
Magadaline (Maggy) Moyo is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe’s UK Chapter. She is also the Coordinator of These Walls Must Fall Campaign in Manchester and works with various grass root organisations fighting for social justice and promoting the welfare of the girl child in Southern Africa. She is based in the United Kingdom and can be contacted by email on nombuso430@gmail.com

ROHR ZIMBABWE AT THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MIKE CAMPBELL FOUNDATION IN LONDON – WEDNESDAY 30TH MARCH 2022

 31^st March 2022

Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe was represented at the 10^th Anniversary of the Mike Campbell Foundation event in London by Nontokozo Malaba Ncube and Magadaline (Maggy) Moyo, both members of ROHR Zimbabwe’s Information & Publicity sub-committee.

The event took place on Wednesday 30^th March 2022 from 7pm to 9pm at The Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR.

The Mike Campbell Foundation (MCF) fights for the restoration of the rule of law, justice, human rights and property rights for all in Zimbabwe.

The Keynote speaker at the event was none other than the evergreen Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni.

Other speakers included Baroness Kate Hoey, a member of the first British Parliamentary delegation to Zimbabwe and was once the Chairperson of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Zimbabwe and Ben Freeth MBE, the Executive Director of the MCF’s projects in Zimbabwe, himself a victim of the violent takeover of white owned commercial farms and property in Zimbabwe in the early 2000s.

The ROHR Zimbabwe representatives, Nontokozo Malaba Ncube and Maggy Moyo used the occasion to interact and exchange ideas with Chief Felix Ndiweni, Baroness Kate Hoey and other individuals and organizations with vested interest in the affairs of Zimbabwe.

For some of the pictures taken at the event follow this link.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72177720297982181

By: Information & Publicity Department
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

Years of teacher tears by Nontokozo Malaba Ncube

14 February 2022

Years of teacher tears

Over the years, the Zanu PF regime’s response to teachers’ grievances has been lip service from a place of lack of concern and a mere want to get the impoverished teachers back to work. Beginning of this year, we saw teachers facing brutality to hold them down from airing of their overdue and frequently overlooked yet very legitimate concerns.

We saw detention of the lawfully demonstrating 16 teachers. They appeared in court with feet chained as though there are criminals. The regime wished to send a message of terror to mute the voices of the hungry teachers. The teachers’ cry has been of hunger while doing their best to serve the nation’s education. A hungry teacher’s presence in the classroom is mediocre and mere fulfilment of duty.

On the 8th of February, the Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education , Mrs Thabela threatened the clearly incapacitated teachers, calling for their names to be submitted for terror and torture, but the ZINUSH refused. The government has been using the principle of divide and rule, causing boards like ZINUSH and ZIMTA to sell teachers out on their struggle, but this time ZINUSH refused and it remains for ZIMTA not to sell out the struggle.

In the desperation to let the wind blow over and not out of real concern, the president releases a mocking open letter proposing;

a) The current salary of 18 000 RTGS, a deduction of interbank rate equivalent of US$100 which will be paid to teachers in hard currency,

b) The reminder of the salary which is 6000 RTGS to be increased by 20%.

There was mention of US$175 to be given to teachers in hard currency, counting in the US$75 Covid-19 allowance which the government can withdraw at any moment.

In my summation, the remaining RTGS salary, with its increment sums up to US$30 using the black market rate which teachers will use to buy foreign currency in an economy that now prices everything in US dollars. The salary therefore is US$ 130 plus US$75 Covid-19 allowance. In Zimbabwe rainy season tomatoes are going for US$1 for four. The teachers’ March payment of US$205 buys 51 tomatoes.

The letter promises non-monetary incentives like fees for teacher’s children of 20 000 RTGS, money not enough for half the schools in the urban area, money not half of universities’ fees, money with no promise of revising the amount in a casino economy of inflation like Zimbabwe. There were promises of building teachers’ blocks and flats, this by a government that fails to make roads, and all roads in the nation are potholed. There were other flimsy promises like duty free

vehicles bought by teachers, as teachers who earn US$130 can ever be able to buy cars.

This is such an unprogressive dialogue that the government intends with the release of such a letter. It is mockery of the teachers by government officials whose single sit in the cabinet earns them allowances way more than a teacher’s whole month’s salary.

The teachers deserve more than US$540 which they have settled for in their demand. There’s need to restore their dignity and eradicate the poverty and shame they have endured in society for years and with no consolation. There’s need to redeem the education sector and the future of all Zimbabwean children which Zanu pf clearly does not care about, maybe because their children learn abroad at expensive institutions.

#SaveOurEducationZw

#ZimbabweanLivesMatter 

About the author;-

Nontokozo Malaba Ncube  is a UK based Zimbabwean human rights activist and Acting Chairperson of  Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe North Branch. Nontokozo Malaba Ncube can be contacted by email on nmncube44408@gmail.com

Mnangagwa embarrassed Zimbabwe and himself at COP26

4^th December 2021

By Shangoni WaHamisi

It came as no surprise to the average person when Mnangagwa and his delegation of more than 100 to the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow embarrassed themselves and were further embarrassed by the demonstrators who sought to tell the world what sort of person he is.

The core business of COP26 was to deliver on the commitments made at COP25 in Madrid in December 2019. It was to get the nations of the world to come up with tangible commitments and deadlines by which they would have met certain targets pertaining to air pollution.

The issue of tackling Climate Change is entails sacrifices and tough choices in order to ensure that there is a world for future generations.

Mnangagwa’s government seems to be heading the opposite direction. Not only has it awarded dubious contracts to the Chinese who have gone on to destroy the environment through irresponsible mining and other activities but it has presided over unprecedented levels of land degradation mainly by the activities of miners, both small scale and large scale.

He has also revived the highly pollutive old trains of the 60’s and introduced them back into the mainstream transport infrastructure.

The water reticulation systems in all cities and towns are on their knees due to neglect and so are sewer systems, leading to the proliferation and prevalence of unhygienic conditions around the country. Electricity outage for sustained periods is the order of the day, leaving the majority of the poor population with no choice but to resort to the use of firewood which, in essence, means more air pollution as well as deforestation.

All this is underpinned by the diversion of public funds to private pockets through corruption which has become a hallmark of Mnangagwa’s tenure. Add to this a whole host of bad policies.

Mnangagwa has created an ecosystem of corruption at the apex of which he sits. Almost all his government’s policies are designed to benefit Mnangagwa, his family, cronies and opportunist ZANU-PF crooks.

Despite all the rhetoric, it is quite clear that Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF are out of their depth and are utterly clueless as to how to turn around Zimbabwe’s fortunes. They just do not know how to behave both at home and in the international arena. They are a shame to the nation.

Their attendance at COP26 in Glasgow was just another episode of their shamelessness hypocrisy. They were more of climate tourists than delegates and their behaviour before and during the summit confirms that. It was all about boozing, partying and grandstanding.

They were hoping to get some funding from the United Nations budget for climate change tackling initiatives, but it was not to be. Just as well they went back to Zimbabwe empty handed. The money would have ended up in their personal accounts anyway.

Faced with an indomitable crowd of determined activists armed with irrefutable records of their atrocious history and an expanse of social media platforms, Mnangagwa and his entourage as well as his local (ZANU-PF UK) stooges (UK) came a cropper.

They were beaten hands down at the demonstrations as well as on all the media “live” panels they dared to participate in. Typically they then started to resort to verbal and physical abuse to the extent of arranging the vandalizing of activists’ property and compiling a list of all the activists that attended the Glasgow demonstrations and some prominent names who were not even there at the COP26 demonstrations in Glasgow.

Glasgow will always haunt them.

About the author;-

Shangoni WaHamisi is a pen name for UK based Zimbabwean human rights activist and Spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. Shangoni WaHamisi can be contacted by email on Shangoni.wahamisi@yaho.co.uk

RAISING THE FLAG HIGH – MAVIS HARRISON

4^th October 2021

Amongst the activists who are raising the ROHR Zimbabwe flag high is non-other than Mavis

Harrison, the Deputy Organising Secretary for the North Branch of the UK Chapter of ROHR Zimbabwe.

Activism is about fighting for human rights, raising awareness on human rights issues as well as pointing out cases of human rights abuses when they occur.

It also often means working with like-minded organizations and individuals who are also in the same struggle. 

Such has been the case with ROHR Zimbabwe’s relationship with MyRight2Vote, an initiative of the popular Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni who is fronting the fight for the diaspora vote. ROHR Zimbabwe members have participated in a number of activities with the Chief, including demonstrations at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London and petitioning the British Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street (21/10/2021 & 02/12/2021) and COP26 in Glasgow (1st & 2nd November 2021).

We are proud of Mavis Harrison, not only for taking part in these events but also for helping with the publicity of the events.

In one instance where she tweeted about the occasion of Chief Felix Ndiweni presenting a petition at 10 Downing Street on 2nd December 2021, the tweet went viral, earning more than 1000 likes and being re-tweeted more than 200 times within a few hours.

Activism also stimulates dialogue on difficult subjects. It encourages finding solutions and educates people. Judging by the comment section many people are getting educated more about human rights as well as Traditions and Culture and their importance in today's politics.

Commenting on Mavis Harrison's tweet, the popular  France based Zimbabwean hip-hop artist, Awa Khiwe said "So people who are calling @Felix Ndiweni a sell out don't want the people in the diaspora to vote. It is not the first time a Zimbabwean leader has communicated with @BorisJohnson about Zimbabwean issues. Are they also sell outs? I come in peace".

This particular tweet is confirmation of the power of social media as a tool at our disposal as human rights activists. It is more powerful than ZBC and is dreaded by the regime. Little wonder the regime is now introducing the “Patriotic Bill” which once passed will become the Patriotic Act, a piece of law purportedly designed to outlaw what they broadly call “unpatriotic acts” which include criticizing the President or the government of Zimbabwe from abroad. This is exactly what our members and activists do. This includes Mavis Harrison who has been part of most of our demonstrations at the Embassy in London and petitioning at 10 Downing Street.

Inserted by

Information & Publicity Department
ROHR Zimbabwe

 

AT COP26 – GLASGOW WE CONFRONTED THE DEVIL HIMSELF

11^th November 2021

By Emmaculate Tshuma

It’s not every day that you get an opportunity to confront a dictator in close proximity.

As a human rights activist my dream came true when I first heard the news that Emmerson Mnangagwa, the despotic President of Zimbabwe was to attend the COP26 Climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland from the 1^st of November 2021 to 14^th November 2021 (That is what we heard in the early days but it later turned out that he was to attend until the 3^rd November at the very latest).

I relished the opportunity to confront him face to face. I cannot mention some of the things that raced through my mind, lest I fall foul of the law.“Evil to the hilt” is the best I can say of them within the confines of the law.

You know, I can trace all my suffering to this evil man, Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF party. I am here in the UK because of him and his party. I hail from a country where sunshine is a given, yet I find myself in a foreign country that is not only cold, but where the immigration system is deliberately hostile. I have had to live like an unwanted person in a foreign land for what seems to be eternity and I blame it all on Emmerson Mnangagwa and Robert Mugabe before him. Infact, I should be saying “ZANU-PF” because it is the umbrella under which both evil men fall.

It is hard enough being Zimbabwean in these times, but it is much worse being from the minority in Matabeleland. It is almost like a curse. Genocide happened in our part of the country in the 80’s authored by Robert Mugabe and the very Emmerson Mnangagwa who was then Minister of State Security. Lest I digress, I will not dwell on it much in this piece except to name it - Gukurahundi. I will leave it for another day.

Back to COP26, when I heard the Devil Emmerson Mnangagwa would attend, I braced myself for a big fight. I relished the opportunity to confront him. I imagined all sorts of scenarios and possibilities and, strangely, one of them involved raw eggs.

I cannot describe the excitement but Monday 1^st November 2021 and Tuesday 2^nd November 2021 will forever be etched in my mind for I was part of a demonstration at COP26 where, together with more than a hundred other Zimbabweans we were able to confront Mnangagwa as well as tell the true Zimbabwean story to the rest of the world. We thwarted his scheduled attendance at a gala meant for him at Trades Hall in Glasgow on Tuesday 2^nd November 2021. We exposed him for the devil he is and we got international press coverage in the process.

I would like to thank my fellow ROHR Zimbabwe members, MDCA members, ZHRO members, ZAPU members and indeed independent or non-aligned Zimbabweans that all came together to make our demonstration over the 2 days such a resounding success.

I have received threats after that and so have many of my fellow demonstrators but so far I count myself relatively lucky because some have had worse experience. For example Shepherd Yuda’s car was vandalized the night he arrived back home in Middlesbrough. His second car was pasted with row eggs. Vongayi Mufara was awake the whole night on Tuesday 2^nd November 2021 into the morning of Wednesday 3^rd November 2021 because some people were making strange intimidating noises outside her bedroom window. Nontokozo Malaba Ncube, just like me, was receiving strange calls from strange +263 and +44 numbers. Your guess is as good as mine as to who the perpetrators are but I cannot mention them lest I jeopardize ongoing investigations.

We remain resolute in our quest for the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe. I for one will not be deterred by the threats as long as I am not physically in Zimbabwe.

The struggle continues.

About the author:-

Emmaculate Tshuma is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe and belongs the North Branch of the UK Chapter. She can be contacted via email; - emmahtshuma_05@yahoo.com

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