At ROHR Birmingham Branch’s meeting on 26^th January 2013, their committee was reorganized as follows:

Chair: Thandiwe Gwarumba
Vice Chair: Anne Chikumba
Secretary: Lorraine Manenji
Vice Secretary: Zenzile Chabuka  
Treasurer: Pedzisai James  
Organising Secretary: Jane Mary Mapfuno
Fundraising: Petronella Mapara
Vice Fundraising: Petronella Masango
Information and Publicity: Huvandirwa Makaza
Vice Information and Publicity:  Tecla Bandawe

Launch of the ROHR Southampton Branch
Date: Saturday 23^rd February at 2 pm
Venue: Swaythling Neighbourhood Centre, Southampton, SO16 3AY

In addition to this the occasion was attended by Mr Arnold Magwenyata and Mr David Kadzutu, the Founding members of Yes We Can Zimbabwe. They both gave moving speeches which augmented the founding principles and values of ROHR Zimbabwe and the conviction of all in attendance.

Chamunorwa Chisuko (National Organising Secretary) and Taylor Madondo (Chairman Southampton Branch) started the occasion off by welcoming everyone to the Launch of the Southampton Branch. After introducing everyone in attendance, Chamunorwa Chisuko invited Mr Ephraim Tapa (ROHR Zimbabwe President) to the floor.

The president began by clarifying and emphasising that ROHR is not a political party, that ROHR is there is challenge the abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe.  He followed this by introducing Mr Arnold Magwenyata and Mr David Kadzutu from Yes We Can Zimbabwe. He explained that Mr Magwenyata was a political veteran well known in Zimbabwe politics known to be an advocate for the Zimbabwean people and their liberation struggle against political oppression.

Mr Ephraim Tapa praised everyone in the room for their conviction to do something and not be indifferent about the situation in Zimbabwe. He expressed particular joy in being in Southampton because of the history of detractors who had previously tried to destabilise ROHR in Southampton. He said that ROHR was an organisation conceived from strong convictions and values and not easy to destroy because of what it stands for.

Mr Tapa went on to mention that ROHR was an organisation that is focused on the restoration of human rights in Zimbabwe and was founded by him, other torture victims and those who were abused in Zimbabwe. Mr Tapa stated that he was tortured, and rescued and then started ROHR Zimbabwe. He reiterated the fact that Zimbabwean people were in the Diaspora because there was no peace in Zimbabwe. There is no rule of law and the army, police and Zanu PF oppress people with impunity. He mentioned injustices that range from people being harassed and tortured to the denial of basic Human freedoms and liberties.

Mr Tapa ended by urging all Zimbabweans to TAKE RESPONIBILITY for the situation in Zimbabwe!

His key words were “Today is an opportunity to rise and take up against tyranny and injustice”. There were numerous contributions and questions from the floor. The highlights were contributions from Shadreck Chivange, Sally Mutseyami (Vice Chair Southampton) and Tawanda Dzimba (Secretary Southampton).

There was a feast for kings served to all in attendance during the occasion and comments from the floor were that this should set precedence for all future ROHR Zimbabwe events.

Election and confirmation of the Southampton Executive:

The following were voted into office at the ROHR Zimbabwe Southampton Branch Executive

Chairperson:                  Taylor Madondo
Vice Chairperson:           Sally Mutseyami
Secretary:                     Tawanda Dzimba
Organizing Secretary:     Manfred Mambo
Vice Organising Secretary: Wellington Mukucha
Treasurer:                     Timothy Musawani
Vice Treasurer:              Brian Kaitano
Info & Publicity-             Tracy Jacobs Dzimba
Vice info & Publicity-   Noma Gugu
Secretary for Fundraising: Natalia Chiurunge
Committee member: Aaron Chipeture

Present at the Occasion were: Ephraim Tapa (ROHR President,  Anesu Moyo (National  Organising Secretary), Mrs Zvorwadza ( Chairperson Nottingham), Miss Dube (Chairperson Leicester), Christopher Kamuzonde (Organising secretary Leicester), Jonathan Kariwo (National coordinator), Patricia Masamba (Slough Branch-National coordinator), Colin Chitekwe (Kent Branch) Arnold Magwenyata( Zimbabwe We Can), David Kadzutu ( Zimbabwe We Can), Thandie Nyamvura (Birmingham Branch), Frank Sugar, Moses Makawa, Bruno Ngondonga, Shaddrick Chivhange, Jane Merry Mapfumo, Jabuka(Birmingham), H Mbele, A Mazula(Nottingham), Cosper(Milton Keynes), Eniah Dube(Chairperson-Leicester),Brain Mashonganyika, Patricia (Slough) and  Chamunorwa Chisuko (National Organising Secretary) and others.

ROHR Coventry was relaunched on 02/02/2913 and what an exciting day it was!  The occasion was attended by members from Birmingham, London, Newcastle, Nottingham and Leicester. The President Mr Tapa was also in attendance. It was held at the Stoke Heath Community Centre in Coventry.

Members were given a warm welcome by one of the event organisers, Hilda Gwesele, who invited the President to the floor. In his address, Mr Tapa started by thanking Coventry Branch for organising the re-launch.  He explained that the organisation ROHR (Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe) was a non-partisan human rights watchdog. He emphasized that ROHR was keen on the restoration ofhuman rights in Zimbabwe to stop the suffering. The President also expressed that ROHR had a goal to keep fighting for human rights until peace, justice and freedom was realised in Zimbabwe. Mr Tapa prompted all members to play their part by recruiting new members to cause and to keep the flame burning for the sake of the motherland.

Members were given the floor to discuss the Zimbabwe situation. They voiced their concerns on the upcoming Zimbabwe elections – that people were afraid of the potential violence reminiscent of 2008 elections and expressed concern over the lack of sincerity and due care on the part of the Inclusive Government. The whole house agreed that ZANU PF was poised to steal the election and that Zimbabwe lacked leadership. Some members also expressed concern over abuse of women by the youth militia and the looting of diamonds by the political elites. The meeting was unanimous in their rejection of the draft constitution arguing that it was written by four leaders of political parties and not the people and was meant to safeguard the interests of the political elites. They were equally scathing in their criticism of opposition leadership’s lack of regard of human rights causes and utterances attributed to the Zimbabwe Premier suggesting it was now safe for Zimbabweans abroad to return home.

The relaunching of the Coventry Branch was organised by the members of Coventry who showed dedication to the cause and loyalty to the organization. Hats off to Tafadzwa Mushakwe for her tireless efforts in organizing the venue and mobilizing a high turnout; to Future Mafukidze for allowing the team to prepare food at her house free of charge; to Esinati Mbaluko for donating money for food and to Justice Matiza for taking care of the kids. The Chairperson also appreciated the Chinomona family for the donations they made towards making the event a success. The meeting gave members a platform to express their views on the Zimbabwe Crisis and for those who were not familiar with ROHR, to gain more knowledge on human rights and the organisation. New members were also made aware of their role in the organization including the obligation to subscribe.

Lastly elections were conducted and the new Coventry executive came out as follows:

Chair: Hilda Gwesele
Vice-Chair: Rodwell Chinomona
Secretary: Tendai Sarah Chinomona
Organising Secretary: Tafadzwa Mushakwe
Vice Organising Secretary: Future Mafuratidze
Treasurer: Kudzayi Chinomona
Information and Publicity Secretary: Justine Matiza
Vice Information and Publicity Tendai Vheremu
Fundraising: Sarah Bwetu, Esinati Mbuluku

In her vote of thanks, the newly elected Chair, Hilda Gwesele took the opportunity to thank members present for their effort, and the National Executive members for the support and leadership. It was indeed a jolly good day!

Present: Ephraim Tapa (ROHR President), Fungayi Mabhunu (Chair, Central London Branch), Cynthia Mutede (Secretary, Central London Branch), Helen Rukambiro, Febbie Mpofu, Thandiwe Gwarumba (UK Vice Chair), Mary Muteyerwa (Treasurer), Everisto Makora, George Ncube, Tanaka Samuriwo, Consolata Ngwenya, Chipo Matavire, Peter Sidindi, Admire Mhindurwa, Dellia Muwalo, Roseanah Paradzai, James Chiwocha, Brighton Chido Mbwizhu, Jonathan Kariwoh (UK Co-ordinator), David Kadzutu (Zimbabwe We Can), Darlington Sibanda, Dhumisani Karakadzai, Collin Chitekwe (National Co-ordinator), Christopher Kamuzonde (Leicester), Patricia Masamba (National Fundraising Committee)

Apologies: Mrs Sheron Makhosi-Bhebhe (Vice Chair)

Agenda:

Minutes

Fungayi Mabhunu (Chair) wished everyone a happy New Year and a warm welcome.  He noted there were 26 Vigil supporters attending the ROHR Central London branch meeting.   He updated members on the most recent information of what has been going on with issues that affect Zimbabwean in the diaspora.  Topics that were discussed included the launch of a book about Zimbabwe which covers the way in which land redistribution was conducted and recent visit by Tendai Biti to London on business opportunities in Zimbabwe.  It was mentioned that there is need to try and get access to have a meeting with the authors before the book is published. The Chair also reminded attendees of what ROHR is all about – its long and short term goals.  He emphasised on the huge role that the Central London branch plays.  As London is the financial hub of the country, a lot can be achieved for ROHR as a whole through the London Branch.

Ephraim Tapa (ROHR President) welcomed everyone to the meeting and wished everyone a Happy New Year. The president clarified and emphasised that ROHR is not a political party. ROHR is there is challenge the abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe.  He emphasised that ROHR is there to live forever and for that to happen its members must work hard. He also said that ROHR is a watchdog watching over the governors of people and will oppose any wrong doing to the people.  ROHR’s remit was to:

The President summed up the resolutions of 8 December 2012 Birmingham National Conference as follows:

Mr Tapa emphasised that not all goals set above could be achieved in one calendar year but that some resolutions would continue to be regarded as work in progress.

A question and answer time then followed and members took the opportunity to applaud the good work that the leadership continued to do, embrace the conference resolutions and generate ideas on how these could be achieved.

Chair Fungayi Mabhunu then raised issue over vacant posts within the branch. The President gave the go-ahead to gap-fill.

Co-ordinators Jonathan Kariwoh and Collin Chitekwe with help from branch secretary, Cynthia Mutede, conducted the gap-filling election and results were as follows: Vice Secretary: Tanaka Samuriwo, Vice Organising Secretary: Consolata Ngwenya, Fundraising members: Febbie Mpofu and Darlington Sibanda, Committee Members: George Ncube & Chipo Matavire

The President then extended a warm welcome to the new committee members with the hope that all would work together as a committed family and be fully available for ROHR work.

Fungayi Mabhunu closed the meeting by congratulating the newly elected members. He stressed the need to do more fundraising for the branch whenever possible.  Members were also encouraged to purchase T-shirts as this also frees up tied-up cash.  He thanked everyone for attending the meeting.  It was agreed that the branch, being in Central London, would organize a demonstration to hand over ROHR’s petition to the UK Border Agency asking them to stop deportations until after the elections in Zimbabwe.  Fungayi ended by affirming that everything is possible if we all work hard together and show a lot of commitment.

ROHR Central London branch had its general meeting on 12 January 2013. The meeting was attended by members who came to listen to an insightful presentation delivered by the president of the organisation Ephraim Tapa. This meeting attracted other members from Birmingham, Leicester and Bournemouth. We were also fortunate to have new members, all the way from Southend. With approximately 40members in attendance this meeting was one of the liveliest ways to kick start the new year.

Mr Tapa started the meeting by reminding us what ROHR stands for, the mission statement and the many ways in which the organisation made a difference in people's lives. The meeting learnt that the Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe is a non political organisation, whose members are passionate and committed to bringing about change in Zimbabwe. He further stated that ROHR strongly subscribed to the founding principles of peace, justice and freedom and shared the belief of returning Zimbabwe to the fight for human rights. He told members that we all had a role to play to achieve this and that there was need for a committed, loyal and selfless cadreship. Mr Tapa expressed pessimism that the 2013 election would be free and fair, let alone violence free. He clarified that ROHR was not affiliated to any political party and that it would continue to operate whatever the election outcomes.

This meeting gave the members the opportunity to update themselves and express any concerns they may have about human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and the organisation. There was also much discussion on how to further help the people in Zimbabwe and to make sure that the Zimbabwe offices continually received funding and any other help to resume programmes and make a difference on the ground. Members were highly receptive and many ideas came up to help advance the cause of human rights and the rule of law. Concern was raised over the high probability of another violent election in Zimbabwe this year and members agreed that ROHR needed to keep volunteers on the ground to keep track of those who perpetrated violence against innocent civilians.

At the end of the meeting, a collection was taken to contribute towards the cost of hiring the hall.