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Zanu PF slavery – Zimbabwe Vigil Diary: 4th July 2020 |
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 05 July 2020 13:53 |
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/50077726913/sizes/m/ ‘Slave wages’ was the reason the Zimbabwe Nurses’ Association (ZINA) gave for health workers going on strike in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Slave conditions describes what was behind the pay dispute which saw two Gweru workers shot by their Chinese boss, one of the men five times. The Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers’ Association said it was part of systematic and widespread ill treatment of workers by Chinese employers (see: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2020-07-01-zimbabwe-watchdog-accuses-chinese-bosses-of-worker-abuse/). With the Black Lives Matter campaign in the United States reinforcing demands for a re-examination of history, it is shocking to see that slavery is becoming a reality in Zimbabwe under Zanu PF. Certainly, the slave-like treatment of nurses is inexcusable. Health workers at Mpilo Central Hospital who contracted coronavirus were quarantined at the Elangeni Training Centre in Bulawayo. ZINA President Enock Dongo described the conditions there as ‘inhumane’ and said they had been left with no option but to sue the authorities that had failed to provide protective equipment (see: https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/06/government-neglecting-covid-19-positive-nurses/). Meanwhile, nurses at private hospitals cannot afford to be treated at their own workplace, which are charging a deposit of US$5,000 for intensive care – well beyond the means of badly paid nurses. The failing economy has caused morale in the army to hit rock bottom according to Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri. She told parliament many soldiers were tempted by hunger to engage in corrupt activities to make end meet, affecting the army’s efforts to help the police enforce lockdown regulations, especially as they had not been supplied with enough personal protective equipment (see: https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/06/army-morale-at-rock-bottom/). Comrade Muchinguri of course blamed the country’s situation on ‘illegal sanctions’. But the EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Timo Olkkonen, said the problem was that Zimbabwe was ‘still failing to break from her past of corruption, human rights abuses and fiscal indiscipline’. The Ambassador said Zimbabwe had failed to service its debts or pursue economic reforms so he could not support the EU providing budgetary assistance to stabilize its economy. In addition, he said, President Mnangagwa had failed to keep his promise to break from the past history of abductions and gross human rights violations. (See: https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-opinion-sc-columnist-byo-188278.html). Other points - ROHR and Vigil activists got together last night at the first ROHR virtual party. After prayers and a welcoming talk from ROHR President Ephraim Tapa, some activists talked of their experiences during lockdown – the loneliness of having to stay in as a vulnerable person, the frightening experience of being very ill and the difficulties of not being able to get home from afar. After that it was music, dancing, food and drink. Special thanks to the organisers: Rangarirai Chivaviro, Enniah Dube and Esther Munyira, to Benjamin Molife for donating raffle prizes of a microwave and bottles of wine and to Simbarashe Jingo for acting as DJ and playing the music. Others who attended were: Rose Benton, Marian Machekanyanga, Chido Makawa, Dambudzo Marimira, Patricia Masamba, Joyce Mbairatsunga, Margaret Munenge and Molly Ngavaimbe.
- Because of the coronavirus we can no longer physically meet outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London, so we have a virtual Vigil while the lockdown continues. We ask our activists to put on Vigil / ROHR / Zimbabwe regalia and take a photo of themselves holding an appropriate poster reflecting our protest against human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. The photos are uploaded on our Flickr site (see: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72157714977430202). Our virtual Vigil activist today was Benjamin Molife who kindly contributed to Vigil funds.
NOTICES: - The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.
- The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe's work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
- Facebook pages:
Vigil: https://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil
ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration-of-Human-Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe-International-370825706588551/
ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum-ZAF/490257051027515
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ROHR Zimbabwe’s virtual fundraising party. |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 30 June 2020 15:37 |
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ROHR Zimbabwe’s virtual fundraising party. Saturday 4th July from 7 to 9 pm. RSVP: Rangirirai Chivaviro 07378429599, Esther Munyira 07492058107, Enniah Dube 07367504747 and Benjamin Molife 07490919900 for how to connect. Please join to catch up with other activists and to take part in a fantastic raffle. Prizes include: £5 for a microwave, £2 for a bottle of wine. |
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The raising of Lazarus – Zimbabwe Vigil Diary: 27th June 2020 |
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 28 June 2020 13:20 |
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A miracle has happened in Malawi: first a rigged presidential election was overturned by the judiciary; and now the people have elected the opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera in the rerun. Former Zanu PF ideas man Jonathan Moyo tweeted from exile in South Africa: ‘If Malawi did it, Zimbabwe can also did it’. (See: https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2020/06/huge-lessons-for-zimbabwe-from-malawi-elections-prof-jonathan-moyo/). Moyo’s enthusiasm for change in Zimbabwe can only be welcomed but, as he himself notes, in Malawi the military and the judiciary were not against the people. He speaks of the ‘audaciously brazen theft of Zimbabwe’s 2018 election’ through the military and says that Chief Justice Malaba presided over a ‘sham’ Concourt hearing to endorse the election theft. Nevertheless Professor Moyo has some sound advice for those opposed to what he calls the Zanu PF usurpation of the constitutional authority of the people, urging that ‘Zimbabweans must fight together as one, just like the Malawians’. With their world collapsing about their ears, the last thing the Zanu PF bosses want is to hear Moyo’s praise of Malawians for standing up against a stolen election. Floundering President Mnangagwa announced on state television ‘we shall not allow a situation where our people live in chronic insecurity, lack and deprivation’. Where has he been? He continued ‘It has become apparent that in our midst there are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The end is coming.’ Is he blaming the people for their poverty? Taking a very different line, the defence forces chief General Sibanda got to the heart of the problem, saying ‘the level of corruption displayed by some of the country’s leaders is tantamount to selling out.’ (See: https://www.thezimbabwemail.com/main/zimbabwes-mnangagwa-warns-end-is-coming-for-economic-detractors/). Other points - Corruption is not limited to government. Amnesty International has accused three executives at its Zimbabwe branch of stealing US$700,000 through unexplained allowances and charging for six ghost workers. Oddly enough one of the three, the former board chairman, is named Takesure. One would have thought this might have warned Amnesty . . . (See: https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2020/06/amnesty-defrauded-of-thousands-of-dollars/).
- In time for the UN Day of the African Child a neighbour found 12-year-old Absolom lying unconscious on the ground in a village 40 kilometres from Harare. His 18-year-old brother had gone into the bush in search of wild fruits. They had not eaten for at least four days. Left alone when their father went to South Africa to find work three years ago, their 33-year-old uncle, instead of assisting, took everything donated to them to raise money for drink. He also reportedly abused the boys. (see: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/zimbabwe-economic-crunch-leading-to-starvation/1887818).
- Because of the coronavirus we can no longer physically meet outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London, so we have a virtual Vigil while the lockdown continues. We ask our activists to put on Vigil / ROHR / Zimbabwe regalia and take a photo of themselves holding an appropriate poster reflecting our protest against human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. The photos are uploaded on our Flickr site.
- For Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website.
NOTICES: - The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.
- The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe's work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
- Facebook pages:
Vigil: https://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration-of-Human-Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe-International-370825706588551/ ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum-ZAF/490257051027515 |
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Growing social unrest – Zimbabwe Vigil Diary: 20th June 2020 |
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 21 June 2020 16:42 |
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Whatever Mnangagwa was praying for the other day we doubt it was for a walkout by doctors and nurses and the arrest of the Health Minister. Hardly anyone seems to have paid attention to the President’s national day of prayer. Perhaps they were too busy trying to get something to eat while avoiding being beaten up by police and soldiers. Maybe Mnangagwa was praying that there won’t be a coup? Well someone answered by sending security forces into the city centres of Harare, Bulawayo and Kwekwe to make sure. This seems to be the view of presidential spokesman Charamba though other Zanu PF sources claimed it was merely to enforce the non-enforceable Covid lockdown. But the Good Lord has stopped short of saving the economy. We can understand why. Not even the President can be allowed to let his family and friends steal a disproportionate amount of the country’s wealth. We must economise and make a little looting go a long way in these straitened times. Health Minister Obadiah Moyo, facing charges of corruption, appears to have allowed overpayment of millions of dollars on Covid-19 equipment, benefitting Mnangagwa’s son Collins. No sooner do we get rid of Mugabe’s kids washing their watches in champagne and driving Lamborghinis than we get this ‘new dispensation’ . . . (See: https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2020/06/zimbabwe-arrests-health-minister-in-covid-19-procurement-scandal/). The scandal follows revelations that Mnangagwa’s ‘advisor’, tycoon Kuda Tagwirei, has made millions of dollars from a dodgy government deal involving buses bought from China (see: https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2020/06/19/mnangagwas-ally-pockets-us54m-in-fresh-bus-deal/). As for our valiant doctors and nurses and other civil servants, the latest ludicrous pay proposals can only encourage them to join in the looting since soon there will be no other way of surviving. The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition has expressed its full support for the healthcare workers and called on the government to ‘seriously address the rampant corruption that has caused devastating effects on the country’s economy’. (See: https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2020/06/crisis-in-zimbabwe-coalition-supports-the-strike-by-healthcare-workers-in-zimbabwe/). With corruption and economic chaos, combined with social and health problems, it might surprise some that Zimbabwe has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which, in the words of the Herald, ‘is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, full employment and economic and social progress; identifying solutions to international economic, social and health problems; facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.’ (See: https://www.herald.co.zw/zimbabwe-elected-to-key-united-nations-body/). Don’t’ be surprised: the UN works in a mysterious way. Not so long ago it chose Saudi Arabia to chair a committee on human rights! Other points NOTICES: - The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.
- The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe's work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
- Facebook pages:
Vigil: https://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil
ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration-of-Human-Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe-International-370825706588551/ - ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum-ZAF/490257051027515
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‘Farcical and surreal’ – Zimbabwe Vigil Diary: 13th June 2020 |
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 14 June 2020 14:57 |
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/50004511018/sizes/m/ ‘Farcical and surreal – like a poorly scripted Mr Bean film without the comedy’ was how MDC Vice-President Tendai Biti described his arrest with other party leaders last week for trying to enter their headquarters, which had been taken over by security forces in the name of a rival faction. Even more surreal was the re-arrest of the three young MDC women, now charged with lying about being abducted and tortured by government agents – condemned by UN human rights experts who demanded to be allowed to visit Zimbabwe to assess the situation. In the middle of all this came a bizarre news conference called by the National Security Council at which the heads of the army, police and prisons, along with the commanders of the air force and the intelligence agency, denied rumours of planning a coup against Mnangagwa. Experience suggests that such a denial by the top brass is a sure indication that something really is up – not surprising as the country is fast running out of money and may soon have difficulty paying police and troops. Finance Minister Ncube and Reserve Bank Governor Mangudya were summoned to a politburo meeting to account for the financial chaos. Ncube, whose policies have run into strong criticism, is said to have protested that he is not a magician (see: https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2020/06/12/im-no-magician-ncube-to-zanu-pf/). Meanwhile, Biti, himself a former finance minister, has written to the World Bank welcoming assistance to Zimbabwe but warning that money must not go through the government and ‘further enrich or entrench the very people who have destroyed our economy and democracy’. (See: https://bulawayo24.com/opinion/letters/186896). Earlier, in an account of his arrest, he said he and his companions were accused of criminal nuisance and violating lockdown regulations by singing a song on Nelson Mandela Avenue. They were held overnight in a squalid cell without blankets or a mat to sleep on before being released on bail. ‘We were relieved because, despite our terrible experience, we were the lucky ones. Many have died. Many have been tortured. And many are fearful they will become victims of this dysfunctional, anti-democratic state.’ (See: https://africanarguments.org/2020/06/09/tendai-biti-the-story-of-my-arrest-in-mnangagwa-tinpot-zimbabwe/). Against this background, when Mnangagwa took to the airways to announce an easing of the lockdown, the Vigil was not convinced when he said it would allow the government to continue its ‘reform’ agenda and promote freedom of assembly and freedom to vote in free and fair elections (see: https://www.herald.co.zw/president-calls-zimbabwe-to-action/). Confidence in the government has been further eroded after it was forced to cancel multi-million dollar deals linked to one of Mnangagwa’s sons following the exposure of overpricing of Covid-19 medical equipment and drugs. Zimlive says Mnangagwa’s three sons with his current wife Auxillia live an opulent lifestyle: ‘Their driveways are so full with luxury cars, one source said, their mother often drives away in frustration when failing to park inside.’ (See: https://www.zimlive.com/2020/06/13/how-zimbabwe-paid-2-week-old-company-us2m-sparking-interpol-probe/.) Other points NOTICES: - The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.
- The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe's work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
- Facebook pages:
Vigil: https://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration-of-Human-Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe-International-370825706588551/ ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum-ZAF/490257051027515 |
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