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

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By: Information & Publicity Department

ROHR UK Chapter Executive Committee Zoom meeting Sunday 4th October 2020 - Report

5^th October 2020

On Sunday 4^th October 2020, the Executive Committee of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe held a meeting via zoom. Nicolate Gwati, the Chairperson, chaired the meeting.

Attendance Register

Nicolate Gwati, Alvina Chibhamu (Secretary), Lilian Nleya (Organising Secretary), Vongayi Mufara (Information & Publicity Secretary), Grace Makoni (Treasurer) and Delina Mutyambizi

Agenda

1)     Roles and areas of responsibility and expectations from each portfolio holder

2)     Map out a plan as the UK Chapter for initiatives in the organization

 

Meeting start: 14:00 hrs

Roles and areas of responsibility

Congratulations were exchanged with regards to new appointments within the Executive Committee. Nicolate went on to ask if people were aware of what their roles and responsibilities entail. Alvina, Vongayi and Lilian took it in turns to say, in short, in their own words, their understanding of their respective portfolios. Nicolate highlighted this was necessary to establish in order to avoid repeating past mistakes and avoiding a situation in the past whereby some members have been “passengers”.  She encouraged members to ask if they were not sure of any aspects of their roles.

 

Information on UK Chapter

Nicolate expressed that the expectation is for everyone within the committee to respond to messages on the group chat and if we have to be effective, we need to work as a team to function properly.

As she settles in her new role as Chairperson, Nicolate promised to keep an open-door policy and encouraged us all to approach her with ideas, suggestions, etc and everyone is free to contribute.

Contracts

It was reported that Mr Panyika Karimanzira, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, has come up with contracts for each of us. This way, everyone has the accountability of their actions and breaches can easily be identifiable. Going from past experiences, gentlemen’s agreements have left room for abuse, the contracts are therefore meant to mitigate whatever it is that would have come up.

 

Map out a plan as UK Chapter

Discussions centred around other sub-committees within the organization. Examples are the Human Rights Monitoring sub-committee and the Fundraising sub-committee. It was noted that the UK Chapter Executive Committee had not held a committee meeting in the last two months and that this needed to be rectified to ensure we stay on top of things.

• UKChapter initiatives will be rolled out UK-wide. Recognized that Scotland have rolled out a few campaigns lately and some branches have been inactive or minimally active.
• Alvina spoke about fundraising ideas and went by what they were doing at branch level (Scotland). Nicolate commented that it went back to the constitution (yet to be finished) and that funding can be accessed if ROHR becomes a charity. Will seek an update from the Board of Trustees with regards to the completion of the Constitution as there can only be so many donations you can solicit from individuals and ROHR can gain so much credibility when we have charity status especially where we can fully delve into helping people or activists on the ground in Zimbabwe. We are missing out a lot as an organization and we have individuals that need help, but we need to position ourselves to be eligible for those funds.
• That said, Nicolate challenged us to look at the environment and see what can we push as an agenda?
• Vongayi spoke about the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter and observed that as ROHR we need to be more visible, not come up with something towards that campaign and that it was up to each and every one of us an organization to push through this hashtag. She reminded us of the outdated letter to the MP’s that we could be utilized to take advantage of the situation and address this hashtag with them.
• Nicolate advised us all to brainstorm and highlight all issues since the lockdown that we can include to update the letter to the MP so that Alvina can redraft and update the letter.
• Vongayi spoke of the non-participation of other branches; so much is said and discussed on monthly meetings, but little is actioned. Nicolate has likened the experience to ‘pulling teeth’ where actually getting people to participate is so hard even at branch level.
• Alvina shared what has worked at Branch level within the Scotland Branch to rope in everyone. She also suggested we come up with a questionnaire to ask what people are interested in, what is working and what is not working so as to gauge where it’s all going wrong. Vongayi concurred picked on individuals engaging- we need to find out what is going on. We do not see as much commitment and enthusiasm as we would expect from our people especially considering the worsening human rights situation is concerned. The apathy needs to be addressed by us as the leadership.
• Alvina also suggested as UK chapter we must take responsibility for the performance of branches.
• The Executive Committee should perform internal audits of branches, attend their meetings and liaise with the respective branch committees to really pick their brains and offer necessary support and motivation. Probably most convenient during the lockdown as it can easily be arranged on zoom.
• Additionally, another avenue maybe, for example, Nicolate as Chairperson of UK Chapter, convene with respective Branch chairs, Alvina as Secretary, liaise with all secretaries and so on and so forth right down through the committee hierarchy.

Branches

Midlands Branch

Performing well but there is scope for improvement. Some committee members and ordinary members not pulling their socks and such need motivation.

Scotland Branch

Performing well but there is scope for improvement. Some committee members and ordinary members not pulling their socks and such need motivation.

 

North Branch

Historically was the flagship of the UK Chapter but has lost its shine over the past few years to a point where it is almost not functioning at all.

South Branch (London & environs as well as all England areas south of London)

Delina Mutyambizi advised that Mr Mapfumo is just now trying to revive the branch. It is experiencing a lot of pull back from individuals themselves so it is still baby steps.

 

Actions

·        Letter to the MP - to be posted to the group and updated. Everyone to research and look at how they can contribute (Deadline for submissions on the ROHR WhatsApp groups is Wednesday 7^th October 2020)

·         Alvina to work on questionnaire and post on the ROHR WhatsApp groups.

• We should be able to work on an initiative for ZLM campaign
• Tsungie used to help with video editing but she is busy at the moment (Nicolate might ask her for training)

·        Cold calling to individuals-Nicolate will start with cold calling members (and delegate to others) to get a feel of what is happening with each person.

       ROHR now has own zoom account that branches can use to host meetings-extra care to be taken to avoid hijackers

AOB

-  Delina enquired on the progress of the petition launched via the HR Monitoring team

-  The Dossier that went with the petition will need to be updated. Meeting to be set up

Delina encouraged everyone to look up Peter Ndoro -SABC news anchor as well as Ibbo Mandaza’s zoom link which took place on Thursday regarding the proposed transitional authority route for Zimbabwe. She will post the link to the UK Chapter group.

Vongayi gave an update on what is happening in the Activist Fundraising Committee. A uniform assistance programme will be implemented when handing out the monetary and food packs to affected activists on the ground in Zimbabwe. This is following the identification of reliable Human Rights organizations in different parts of the country who will verify individual accounts and make the referrals for assistance to ROHR Zimbabwe.

Nicolate announced the date of the next meeting as 18th October 2020.

 

All agenda items having been exhausted Nicolate Gwati declared the meeting closed at 1830hrs.

Pictures of this meeting can be viewed via the hyperlink below;-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157716251247938

 

 

By: - Information & Publicity Department

ROHR Zimbabwe Midlands Branch Zoom meeting - 19.09.2020 Report

20^th September 2020

On Saturday the 19^th Of September 2020, the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights [ROHR] Zimbabwe held a meeting via Zoom. Due to the current situation of Pandemic Covid-19 the members were unable to hold a physical meeting at the usual venue. The Branch Acting Chairperson Nicolate Gwati [Nikki] chaired the meeting.

Register of Attendance

Nicolate Gwati (Nikki), Nomagugu Sibanda, Lillian Tinashe Nleya, Marian Mangani, Harriet Ndlovu, Maruwiza Nkhambala,Thenjiwe Ndlovu, Lorraine Zakeyo, Gladys Dube, Phyllis Melody Magejo, Masciline Mzondiwa, Olivia Chamboko, Mpho Kimberly Ndhlovu, Mavis Harrison, Grace Makoni, Daisy Mandianike and Masciline Mzondiwa

Agenda

1.        Welfare Check on the members

2.        Definition of anactivist and contribution of each members as an activist.

3.        Other business and conclusion

Meeting start 14:00hrs

Welfare check on the members

The chairperson, Nicolate Gwati (Nikki) greeted everyone and acknowledged members of other branches and visitors who we able to join us. Everyone confirmed that they were well, keeping safe and adjusting to the new normal way of living induced by the Covid-19 restrictions.

Definition of an activist and contribution of each member as an activist

The Chair [Nikki] started the meeting by asking everyone who was in attendance to define what an activist is:

Harriet described an activist as someone who speaks for the voiceless. As an activist she has attended 11 meetings, arranged a campaign in Scotland on the 22^nd of August 2020 where she called a few Scottish friends and the media campaigning for #ZimbabweanLivesMatter, she has campaigned about the three abducted MDC ladies, did a campaign on rape in Zimbabwe and did a campaign on the 31^st of August at  George Square in Glasgow, Scotland.

Marian described an activist as someone who has passion for seeking rectification of social injustices and human rights violations. As an activist she has been reposting and liking posts on social media, she has also taken part of the campaigns such as the campaign against the Zimbabwe Government’s inadequate response to covid-19 pandemic

Nomagugu Sibanda described an activist as someone who campaigns to bring change to an unjust human rights or political situation. As an activist she has been attending branch meetings and she is also the Secretary for ROHR UK Chapter’s Midlands Branch.

Grace Makoni described an activist as someone who stands up for human rights. As an activist she has been mobilising people to go to human rights activities and telling them how human rights have been violated.

Mavis Harrison described an activist as someone who stands up for human rights and is active to change the situation. As an activist she has been taking pictures posting on social media and taking part in demonstrations including the 31 August 2020 London demonstration. She has also written campaign placards and gone to Guilford to support members. She has also physically campaigned.

Mpho Kimberly Ndhlovu has been reposting and sharing her views and thoughts on social media and she has also took part in a campaign against abductions and rape.

Nikki went on to elaborate that activism is what you stand for, that as activists who stand up for human rights in Zimbabwe we need to know what happening on ground in Zimbabwe in order to be able to be effective in our roles as activists. Nikki is a part of the ROHR Zimbabwe Human Rights Monitoring team which monitors the fight against human rights violations in Zimbabwe. As part of the monitoring team they started a petition to stop human rights violations in Zimbabwe which has so far garnered 28000 signatures.

She said that as an Organisation we must put pressure on the Zimbabwe Government so that not only will the human rights violations come to an end but that the severe collapse of public services such as hospitals lacking adequate equipment will be fixed.

Thenjiwe Ndlovu from the Scotland branch has been a part of the charity work done by the Scotland branch to raise funds for the Epworth kitchen.

Marian Mangani suggested that we need a movement to keep pressurising the government

Nomagugu Sibanda suggested that we need to have more demonstrations

Grace Makoni made an impassioned plea for us as human rights activists to up the ante so that we can exert pressure on the government of Zimbabwe to alleviate the man made suffering of the people in Zimbabwe.

Thenjiwe said that she went to Wellingborough where she met the MP and highlighted everything that is happening in Zimbabwe. The MP indicated that he would bring up her concerns in the House of Commons

It was also suggested that we continue with the #ZimbabweanLives Matter Campaign so that we can continue to highlight what is happening in Zimbabwe

Olivia mentioned that the Scotland Branch was doing a campaign to stop the incarcerations of citizens and urged members from other branches to also join in this campaign

Human rights violations that have occurred in Zimbabwe over the last couple of months

Kimberley spoke about the fact that the soldiers have been preventing people from protesting against injustices and doing any campaigns

Marian spoke about how the President of Zimbabwe referred to his administration’s cruel treatment of his critics collectively as “fishing out rotten apples”.

Harriet spoke about the situation in Zimbabwe saying that the country had now become lawless and that people were now abusing each other. There are many orphans in the country with some 12-year olds looking after their siblings and resorting to prostitution so that they can get money

Nikki spoke about the deterioration in our health care to the extent that people are now resorting to crowdfunding to try and raise money for medical care. Some people have even died whilst waiting to raise enough funds to get the medical care that they need

Mpho Kimberly Ndhlovu suggested that, as an organisation, we start by helping the hospitals with gloves and also set up funds for the poorest families.

Any Other Business

Nikki suggested that we continue to use the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter slogan since its already trending and as ROHR we can focus on spotlighting the unlawful arrests, beatings, abductions, and the deterioration of public services that has led to the death of not only unborn babies but of fellow citizens.

Mavis suggested the writing to the MP by each member would also assist in raising awareness of the Human rights violations in Zimbabwe at the House of Commons. She says it takes hard work and commitment, so we must encourage each other as activists.

The Chair read a recent statement released by the EU about the current situation in Zimbabwe:

EU Statement

“The situation has significantly deteriorated in Zimbabwe, with multiple reports of arbitrary detention and harassment, torture and inhuman treatment, including towards members of the opposition, restrictions on access to justice, and targeting of journalists and others investigating or speaking out against corruption. The reported detention of untried prisoners in a maximum-security prison together with convicted criminals suggests a serious violation of the principle of presumption of innocence. Public declarations inciting disrespect, hatred or violence towards various parties including churches, civil society actors and representatives of diplomatic missions have also contributed to increased tensions and risks to individual’s enjoyment of human rights.  The COVID-19 pandemic should not be used as an excuse to limit the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens in Zimbabwe, such as the freedom of expression, press freedom and freedom of assembly. The EU reiterates our ambition to support Zimbabwe in implementing concrete political and economic reforms, but for these reforms to stand the test of time they require an environment ensuring an inclusive national dialogue, through which citizens can exercise all their human rights, including their freedoms of assembly, association and expression”

Conclusion

Nikki put an emphasis on activism for effective results and she also said activism must be on-going until the human rights violations end.

The Chairperson extended thanks to everyone who was able to take part and mentioned that the next meeting will soon be announced.

All Agenda items of the Zoom meeting having been exhausted, Nicolate Gwati declared the meeting closed at 16:30 hrs.

To view pictures taken at the event, follow the link below.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157716034178303

By: Information & Publicity Department