NOTICE: – ROHR ZIMBABWE SCOTLAND BRANCH of the UK CHAPTER Zoom Meeting – Tuesday 27th February 2024

Event: - ROHR ZIMBABWE SCOTLAND BRANCH of the UK CHAPTER Zoom Meeting
Date: - Tuesday 27th February 2024
Time: - 19:00 hrs GMT / London time

Venue: - Zoom

Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7538534375?pwd=RnREUTI0SmN0T3ZwQ1J6UTdRa3JPUT09&omn=83781854962

Meeting ID: 753 853 4375
Passcode: 261316

Agenda: - To follow

***All members of ROHR Zimbabwe in the UK and Europe are welcome to attend*** 

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Alvina Chibhamu 07446224052
Vongayi Mufara 07309990505
Edineth Mtengwa 07474057767

NOTICE – ROHR ZIMBABWE SCOTLAND BRANCH of the UK CHAPTER Zoom Meeting – Sunday 1st October 2023

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

Date: - Sunday 1^st October 2023
Time: - 16:00 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
Thenjiwe Ndlovu 07444478453
Harriet Ndlovu 07741 490243
Edineth Mtengwa 07474 057767

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

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/

VONGAYI MUFARA SAYS "NO TO POLITICAL VIOLENCE"

The #NoToPoliticalViolence Campaign kicks off. 

Vongayi Mufara, the Information & Publicity Secretary for the UK Chapter of ROHR Zimbabwe recorded this short video.

NOTICE – ROHR ZIMBABWE SCOTLAND BRANCH of the UK CHAPTER Zoom Meeting – Sunday 26th February 2023

 

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - 26 June 2021

By Vongayi Mufara

26th June 2021

The 26^th of June every year marks The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It is a day to share research findings, evidence-based data, and lifesaving facts. It is a day set aside for the international society to continue tapping into a shared spirit of solidarity, among other things. The theme for 2021 is “Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives”.

With many young people battling drug addiction in the world, drug abuse among the youth in Zimbabwe has reached alarming crisis levels with the number of youths engaging in drug abuse increasing yearly. Economic hardships and the outbreak of Covid19 pandemic highly contributed to the country’s growing drug abuse problems. Approximately 94% of the Zimbabwean population is unemployed and the economic conditions continue to shrink leaving the youth unemployed with nothing productive to engage in, driving them to using drugs. When the Covid19 pandemic lockdown started in March 2020, it left most school-going children not going to school. The Zimbabwean government did not put any measures in place to make sure that children continue to engage in educational activities. Most scholars around the world engaged in online learning and online social activities but sadly, this was not the situation in Zimbabwe-no provisions were made. Most school going age children would be seen roaming the streets and engaging in unpleasant activities such as drug abuse and teenage sex.

According to most locals and parents, crystal methamphetamine popularly known as “guka makafela” or “mutoriro”, among other drugs such as codeine which is a cough-based syrup are brought into the country by cross boarder smugglers from South Africa. The Zimbabwean government does not police the entirety of the boarders and chose to turn a blind eye, collect bribes and allow the drugs to penetrate our boarders. Locals know drug dealers in their communities and have also approached the Police, but it is believed that the distributors are bribing the security forces to turn a blind eye to these activities. These drugs remain unaffordable to the average person and yet despite the steep cost people still manage to purchase these highly addictive drugs so they can just while up time and numb the pain brought about by the poverty situation.

Young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problems which include academic issues, health related problems and even drug related deaths. Declining grades, absenteeism from school and potential dropouts of school is the current situation in Zimbabwe. Health related problems like the transmission of HIV/AIDS are very common as many substance-abusing youth engage in behaviours that places them at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. Despite the collapsing economy, there has been more drug related crimes in Zimbabwe and if measures to curb drug misuse are not put in place, Zimbabwe will be counted among the leading drug trafficking countries.

Zimbabwe’s health system has been found wanting. The hospitals cannot treat drug addicts and do not have the facilities and resources like rehabilitation centres. This causes the situation to continue unabated. Drug induced mental health issues are now commonplace. Most drug users’ relapse when they go back to the townships where they have nothing to do and are peer-pressured to start abusing drugs. The situation continues to worsen as the government turns a blind eye and continue to loot public funds meant for hospitals and rehabilitation centres. The few private owned rehabilitation centres are expensive, especially for the young unemployed people in townships.

I call upon the Zimbabwean government to play a constructive role in acting against drug trade in the country. Not only in the interest of its state institutions, but in the long-term interest of the wellbeing of its own people. The Zimbabwean government should dedicate and avail resources to counter drug trafficking to avoid the longer-term consequences of continued demand for drugs which is currently being facilitated by the current socio-economic conditions which the traffickers are currently riding on. The Zimbabwean government should start discussions and debate in parliament on how to prevent drug trafficking and drug related health issues and death. I call upon the government to allocate funding to promote recovery and mitigate the harm that is caused by drugs in the community.

According to the 2021 world drug report by 2030 demographic factors project the number of people using drugs to rise by 40% in Africa alone. Drug trafficking is a regional and international crisis. It requires cooperation with other nations. Zimbabwe should develop policies which improves its relationships with its neighbours and the larger international community. It should start working with neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana to develop modern infrastructure which makes drug smuggling difficult. I would recommend the Zimbabwean Government to take the lead.

We can tackle the drug problem in Zimbabwe if we work together.

#ShareFactsOnDrugs

#SaveLives

#WDD2021

 

About the author

Vongayi Mufara is a prominent Zimbabwean human rights activist and the Secretary for Information & Publicity for the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She is also the Organizing Secretary for the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of ROHR Zimbabwe. She writes in her personal capacity in this instance.
She can be contacted by email; - vongayimufara@gmail.com

NOTICE – ROHR Zimbabwe Scotland Branch Zoom Meeting – Saturday 27 February 2021

 Event: ROHR Zimbabwe Scotland Branch Meeting

Date: Saturday 27th February, 2021
Time: 14:00 hrs – 16:00 hrs
Venue: 
VIA ZOOM – JOIN ZOOM MEETING
MEETING  ID: 753 853 4375
PASSWORD: 261316
LINK:- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7538534375?pwd=RnREUTI0SmN0T3ZwQ1J6UTdRa3JPUT09

Agenda

❖            Welcome remarks and apologies

❖            Confirmation and adoption of the last meeting minutes

❖            Scotland branch 2021 year calendar

❖            International Women's day commemoration

❖            Update on subscriptions

❖            Nomination of the new branch Chairperson

❖            Any other business

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Olivia Chamboko 07491098279 
Vongayi Mufara 07478301166 
Alvina Chibhamu 07446224052
Thenjiwe Ndlovu 07444378453
Harriet Ndlovu 07741490243

ROHR Scotland Branch Zoom Meeting – Saturday 07.11.2020 Report

 8^th November 2020

On Saturday the 7th November 2020, the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights [ROHR] Zimbabwe held their monthly meeting via zoom. The meeting was chaired by Lindah Chenyama (Committee Fundraiser).

Minutes were taken and compiled by Masciline Mzondiwa

REGISTER OF ATTENDANCE

Masciline Mzondiwa, Lindah Chenyama, Vongayi Mufara, Harriet Ndlovu, Alvina Chibhamu, Olivia Chamboko, Thenjiwe Ndlovu, Mavis Harrison (South Branch), Nontokozo Ncube (North Branch)

Agenda

1. Welcome and Apologies (Lindah Chenyama)

2. Confirmation and adoption of minutes of previous meeting (Alvina Chibhamu)

3. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - 25 November (Alvina Chibhamu)

4. Poor Education system in Zimbabwe (Vongayi Mufara)

5. Poor health facilities for pregnant women in Zimbabwe (Harriet Ndlovu)

6. Monitoring and recording of Human rights violations in Zimbabwe (Vongayi Mufara)

7. Christmas zoom party (Lindah Chenyama)

8. Any other business

1. Welcome and Apologies

Lindah Chenyama (Committee Fundraiser), the Chairperson of the meeting welcomed everyone and asked everyone to introduce themselves. No apologies were received.

2. Confirmation and adoption of minutes

Alvina Chibhamu called for seconding of last month’s minutes. The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

3. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November)

Alvina explained the history of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) which brings to the fore human rights violations against women and girls. These issues include but are not limited to; sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber- harassment, all forms of intimate partner violence such as marital rape, femicide, battering, psychological abuse, human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation); female genital mutilation; and child marriage.

Alvina also applauded Scotland branch for tackling some of these issues in several of the campaigns done this year. She invited suggestions from other members and it was agreed that we use previous relevant campaigns to continue this theme as the said campaigns were effective; retweeting, sharing on social media to continue raise awareness and tagging some notable names associated with the campaign such as UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

4. Poor education system in Zimbabwe

Vongayi updated us on the current situation pertaining to the dire education system in Zimbabwe. Teachers are refusing to return to the schools but going on strike- demonstrating, demanding proper remuneration and proper sanitation equipment. The children in turn took to the streets demanding their right to an education as most of them are being forced to be wayward and milling around the streets, playing football and engaging in sordid acts like taking drugs, teenage pregnancies etc.

Alvina mentioned one of the heroes who got a mention from our campaign #CelebratingOurOwnHeroes - Obert Masaraure - President of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) who has been arrested and abused severally, but has stood firm and continues standing up for the rights of the marginalised rural teachers.

It was put to the group to come up with suggestions concerning this issue since all of us here have passed through a teacher’s hand. Alvina also raised a point of delivering a campaign in a different format as we have tended to be one directional in campaign strategy so far. 

Thenjiwe suggested featuring schoolchildren with their different messages but not necessarily showing their faces

Nontokozo added that we could become those schoolchildren and run the campaign wearing school uniforms representing students and holding placards written about poor education.

Alvina also added that we could incorporate all the pictures and write a blog article featuring student/ teacher demonstrations and showing the dilapidated school infrastructure in Zimbabwe.

5. Poor health facilities for pregnant women in Zimbabwe

Harriet spoke passionately about the state of the healthcare system in Zimbabwe, in particular the plight of the pregnant woman. While the constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees the right to healthcare, the situation on the ground is a far cry from being idealistic. Zimbabwe’s once enviable healthcare is now completely collapsed with the situation reaching new heights such that most women cannot afford hospital bills, lack of drugs, staff that are poorly paid and frequently going on strike just to name a few.

Harriet called out the First Lady-Auxilia Mnangagwa on why she is silent about such issues while women are dying in labour, losing their babies at birth or stillbirths, babies being born outside in maternity queues, midwives asking for bribes. She stated that some women are having to resort to giving birth at home which is dangerous, this is happening due to corruption in the country, at the hands of Zanu-PF government that has continued to loot funds.

Thenjiwe highlighted the research she conducted for the #StopVIolenceAgainstWomen campaign where some of the findings were that even contraception is not freely available to all (something which they should be entitled to) and this results in poor people having large families that they cannot sustain as they cannot do anything to prevent the pregnancies. She also noted Zimbabwe is one country that does not have child grants to assist low income families in such dire circumstances.

Vongayi commended BusStop TV who are using satire to point out such social issues in our country and the government’s response or lack of it.

6. Monitoring recording of human rights violations in Zimbabwe

Vongayi spoke about the Human Rights Violations Subcommittee which has been tasked with recording violations as they happen in Zimbabwe. She has put it to the group that it is also something that every activist should be concerned about. The branch agreed to record these human rights violations on a rotational basis and post findings on the Committee as well as give a full report on the monthly meetings. This will also help each and every one of us to be up to date and be in the loop with what is happening in Zimbabwe.

Alvina concurred and shared that it will help us identify what campaigns to come up with every month. Also to make this a standard agenda item for all our future meetings, i.e after greetings and confirmation of minutes we can then report on the Human Rights Violations updates. All present were in agreement. 

7. Christmas Zoom Party

Lindah touched on the imminent festive season and suggested we hold a Christmas party via zoom since we will not have any meeting in December. We could play music, games, buy each other presents and it will be a good way to round off the year and also good for team building.

Masciline proposed we buy Christmas presents or donate towards the kids in Zimbabwe instead of buying each other presents, and feel that it would be a nice gesture and nice feeling for the kids to receive presents for Christmas time.

Olivia suggested to communicate with our runner in Zimbabwe and find out more information for us eg a hamper including sweets or toys for the kids and will be delivered to them.

Everyone agreed to contribute a minimum of £10 and if others can contribute more they are free to do so.

8. Any Other Business

Harriet gave a rundown of the branch account transactions and shared the bank balance

All agenda items and any other business have been exhausted, Linda Chenyama declared the meeting closed 15.30pm

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

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157716790538558

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

ROHR Zimbabwe Scotland Branch zoom meeting Saturday 12th September 2020 Report

13^th September 2020

On Saturday the 12^th September 2020, the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe held a meeting via zoom. Vongayi Mufara (Organising Secretary) chaired the meeting.

Register of attendance
Alvina Chibhamu, Lindah Chenyama, Olivia Chamboko, Thenjiwe Ndlovu, Masciline Mzondiwa, Harriet Ndlovu, Vongayi Mufara. Guests from other branches were; Mercy Nyamuka (London) for the first half of the meeting and Silvanos Mudzvova (Manchester), Nigel Mbohwa (Birmingham) who both joined in the second half of the meeting.

Agenda
1. Confirmation and Adoption of minutes of last meeting
2. Launch Prison Jersey Campaign
3. Donations collections for Epworth Kitchen
4. Treasury Report
5.  #ZimbabweanLivesMatter Demonstration (Edinburgh)
6.  Updates on membership yearly subscriptions
7. Housekeeping eg Roles and responsibilities of posts
8. Any other business

Vongayi Mufara, 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. Olivia Chamboko mentioned the passing on of one of our member’s aunt in Zimbabwe and all present paid their condolences.

1. Minutes Approval
– Alvina Chibhamu called for seconding of last month’s minutes as a true record.
– The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

2.  Launch Prison Jersey Campaign

-  Olivia Chamboko opened by mentioning the incredible cases of citizens who are being unlawfully incarcerated by the Zanu-PF government  and cited Tawanda Muchehiwa, for one. With that said, she suggested a campaign with red and white prison jerseys against abductions and incarceration of human rights activists/citizens who speak against the government on corruption and bad governance.

-  Alvina Chibhamu seconded the idea and asked suggestions from the group with regards to the method or delivery of the campaign.

-  Masciline Mzondiwa suggested we do a campaign where we all say a few lines in a video but Alvina pointed out limitations with funds and suggested we stick with the free route of taking our own pictures for now if we can help it, as we had to pay an editor for our #StopViolenceAgainstWomen campaign, using up all the subscription money we had by then.

-  Lindah Chenyama suggested the messages be moderated by one person to avoid duplication of mentions or messages.

-  Thenjiwe Ndlovu suggested we zoom in and focus on people who have actually been incarcerated or are still in jail to really represent and highlight the prison jersey theme.

After deliberations from the group, it was decided that;

-  Each member would purchase a prison jersey, write their induvial message on a placard, and then take a picture.

-   All pictures would be collated to make a video for easier sharing across platforms, but individual pictures can also go on the blog.

All visiting members welcome to join the campaign. Campaign can be extended to the wider ROHR community after Scotland Branch template.

-Harriet enquired as to hashtag and we thought we would deliberate on the group to save time for today. 

Actions

-  Olivia Chamboko to share the link on Amazon to purchase said jerseys for £3.99 each
-   Members to inbox their sizes and address details so that person responsible for purchasing can have those details to hand. 
-   Members to inbox individual messages to Alvina for moderation
-  Alvina Chibhamu to announce deadlines of messages as well as pictures on the Committee WhatsApp group

3. Donations collections for Epworth Kitchen

Vongayi spoke about the donation we presented to Epworth Kitchen back in July serving the Kid’s Breakfast of over 1200 children daily in Epworth. At the time, we received harrowing accounts and footage of what is happening on the ground and it was so heart-breaking we resolved to keep fundraising for them. We have since been following Caroline Bushu& Sandra Chikwama (co-founders of the Kid’s Breakfast) on social media and as such, became aware that they are nearly running empty. We called for an account of what has been raised so far so that we can make another donation.

4. Treasury Report

Harriet Ndlovu reported on what we have in our kitty for subscriptions and fundraising. Current fundraising is as follows:
-  Alvina Chibhamu-£100 + £30 (Proceeds of Flag sales at #31July2020 demonstration-Glasgow),
-  Harriet Ndlovu-£20 

5. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter Demo (Edinburgh 5^th September 2020)

It was attended by Alvina Chibhamu, Harriet Ndlovu, Vongayi Mufara, Edward Rhappozzoh, Paul Westwood and Brenda Westwood

Alvina Chibhamu gave a report on what happened at the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter demonstration in Edinburgh. The attendance was really good, and we had a ROHR group photo at some point as there were also non-ROHR members on the day. Alvina Chibhamu and Vongayi Mufara addressed the crowd on the day. The event was also shared live on Facebook on the day and videos of speakers were shared on YouTube.

We also took the opportunity to fundraise at the event and raised the following;-

·         Linda Chenyama £10 from Peanuts sales (#ZimbabweanLivesMatter demonstration-Edinburgh)

·         Alvina Chibhamu £40 from Zimbabwe Flag sales (#ZimbabweanLivesMatter demonstration-Edinburgh)

We got £200 to date from our fundraising efforts. Harriet asked how much we ended up donating last time we donated. It was about £150, so it was decided £200 is a decent amount to send over to the kitchen. Alvina suggested we put a call out on the ROHR business and community groups to top up what we have raised.

6. Updates on membership yearly subscriptions

Olivia Chamboko explained the membership process and reminded all members to sort out their annual membership with ROHR Zimbabwe. Vongayi Mufara encouraged all members to take ownership of updating themselves as each member is likely more aware of when exactly they paid last year. Olivia will reach out to the ROHR executive to get each member’s validity details and dates.

7. Housekeeping (Roles and responsibilities of posts)
-  Alvina Chibhamu addressed the meeting and urged every member of the Scotland Committee to revisit their roles and responsibilities as contained in a  document each received from  the executive  upon assuming office. She also advised them to reach out to their corresponding portfolios either in another ROHR branch or the Executive Committee of the UK Chapter to get ideas of how to be more effective in their roles.

-  Alvina pointed out how the Chairperson has removed non active members from the Scotland branch WhatsApp group. She reminded everyone of the constitution which states that non-attendance for 3 consecutive months will warrant being struck out.

-  Alvina urged all members to be proactive and come up with campaign ideas as there are a lot of things going on in Zimbabwe that we can tackle.

-  Olivia reiterated that all members should acknowledge messages on the WhatsApp group. This is mostly how we determine which contacts to put on the flier so that anyone wanting more information about the meeting can get confident answers to their questions.

-  Vongayi also commented that we all make ROHR Scotland branch - not to let 2 or 3 members carry the branch and to help each other out if some of us are struggling in our roles.

-Thenjiwe Ndlovu pointed out what her expectations of her role were when she was appointed and that she needs a lot of help within her role. Most members rose to offer assistance with some of her challenges and this will go on behind the scenes.

8. Any Other Business

Vongayi Mufara reminded members of the Bootcamp she and Alvina attended back in February 2020  which, among other things taught them how to become more effective campaigners. This was organised by Tripod. Following that training, Tripod offered media and Video editing training which was carried out over 2 zoom sessions. Attendees were; Masciline Mzondiwa, Alvina Chibhamu, Vongayi Mufara, Lindah Chenyama and Harriet Ndlovu. Vongayi announced the exciting news that Tripod will release a small fund for our branch to support us implement the training they have been giving us. All of us to come up with ideas on how to spend the funds as there is also accountability needed by Tripod.
Masciline Mzondiwa enquired about the ROHR t-shorts as discussed at the last meeting. We will make a follow up on that.
Thenjiwe enquired about the letter to the first lady of Zimbabwe as discussed last month as she has collected a lot of information we can use. To discuss with Alvina which ideas to ply from her research. Everyone was encouraged to contribute at least a paragraph so that we can collate all ideas for the letter. 
Mr Silvanos Mudzvova, among other things, mentioned that he was happy to attend and observe. He also commended us with the work we are doing as a branch.
Vongayi Mufara, meeting chair, announced the date of the next branch meeting as Saturday 10^th October 2020.

All agenda items and any other business having been exhausted, Vongayi Mufara 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/72157715946239892

By: Information & Publicity Department