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Launch of the ROHR Southampton Branch

Tuesday, 12 March 2013 22:32 Tracy Jacobs Dzimba – Information & Publicity ROHR Southampton

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

The launch of the ROHR Southampton branch was an auspicious occasion. It was attended by Mr Ephraim Tapa the ROHR Zimbabwe President together with the ROHR Zimbabwe National Executive. The occasion was thronged by Zimbabweans from all walks of life and from all over the United Kingdom to support yet another milestone in the continuous growth of ROHR Zimbabwe.

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 BOURNEMOUTH BRANCH - Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held at 1300 hrs on 8 September 2012 at ASDA, Bournemouth

Thursday, 13 September 2012 19:29 administrator

Present
Sledge Bova                 Vice-Chairperson
Arthur Chagadama        Secretary
Memory Dzepasi           Information & Publicity
Dennis Muringai            Organising Secretary
Michael Mpofu              Southampton
Trish Ngadze
Leevone Chidavaenzi Brown
Mercy Hwarari
Scholastica Musekiwa
Simoli Casela
Barney Kavai
+3 Ladies – names not recorded

1. Opening
Mr Bova opened the meeting with a prayer, welcomed the members to the meeting and thanked everyone for coming at short notice.

2. Revival of ROHR
Mr Bova explained to the meeting that the Bournemouth branch had become less active in its human rights campaigns; therefore it was prudent to invigorate it. He explained to the new members what ROHR stands for. He made them aware that it stands for Restoration of Human Rights, is a non-political organization, whose members are passionate and committed to bringing about change in Zimbabwe.

3. General Meeting
Mr Bova advised the meeting that a general meeting has been arranged and will take place on 22 September 2012 at Bourne Spring Centre, St Marys Road, Bournemouth starting at 2pm. The National Executive of ROHR would be in attendance. A new Bournemouth branch committee would be elected on the day.

4. Fundraising

Bring and Share: The General Meeting would be an opportune time to fundraise for the branch. Members discussed what they intended to do on the day. They suggested having a Bring and Share meal as well as entertainment. The ladies pledged to provide meals and men pledged to bring some drinks. The ladies would cook at their homes but the food may need heating. This will be done in the hall kitchen. Names and contact details of people who pledged were taken by Ms Memory Dzepasi. The food and drinks would be for sale on the day.
- Costs: The Bournemouth branch does not have money in its coffers. The meeting discussed and agreed to contribute a minimum of £5 towards the cost of hiring the hall and other incidences. Mr Barney Kavai encouraged those who could, to generously contribute more. In the absence of the Treasurer, Ms Memory Dzepasi was given the responsibility to collect and co-ordinate the funding. Those who had some money paid.

5. Attendance
A minimum of 40 people is expected to attend the meeting. Mr Bova encouraged everyone to invite friends and relations to the general and fundraising meeting. He also urged members to wear ROHR t-shirts on the day.

6. Feedback Meeting
Another meeting may be called to check progress and finalise details for the general meeting.

7. Closing
With no other business to discuss, Mr Bova thanked everyone for coming and urged everybody to positively play a part to make this event a success. The meeting was declared closed at 1500 hrs.

Last Updated on Thursday, 13 September 2012 19:41

ROHR Zimbabwe Harare Chapter Distances itself from Zvorwadza

Sunday, 07 August 2011 12:14 Last T Maengahama, ROHR Zimbabwe Harare Provincial Chairperson

Pursuant to recently published Public notices inserted by and bearing the signatures of Stendrik Zvorwadza and Grace Mupfurutsa masquerading as ROHR Zimbabwe, the ROHR Zimbabwe Harare Chapter wishes to register its dismay and to distance itself from this group and wishes to notify the media, partners, civic society and members of the public that the aforementioned people have nothing to do with ROHR Zimbabwe.

The position is, Stendrik Zvorwadza, Ronald Mureverwi and Edgar Chikuvire were expelled from ROHR Zimbabwe for violating its constitution and founding principles while Grace Mupfurutsa was never a ROHR Board member. In an attempt to hijack ROHR Zimbabwe the group has been spewing malicious, misleading and extremely defamatory Public notices and press releases.

The ROHR Zimbabwe Harare chapter led by its Chairperson Last Tamai Maengahama continues to rally behind ROHR Zimbabwe as led by its founding President and Board Chairperson, Ephraim Tapa and Executive Director Tichanzii Gandanga.

We remain true and steadfast to ROHR Zimbabwe’s founding principles and vision as such any attempts of subversion through the hijacking of the organization will be vigilantly resisted.

Thank you

Last T Maengahama
ROHR Zimbabwe Harare Provincial Chairperson

ROHR Zimbabwe Public Notice

Wednesday, 03 August 2011 21:49 Ephraim Tapa

The Board of Trustees of ROHR Zimbabwe wishes to notify its members within and outside Zimbabwe, stakeholders, funding partners, civil society members and human rights defenders that consequent to a Board meeting held on the 21^st and 22^nd of July 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa, it was resolved that Stendrick Zvorwadza, former Vice President, Ronald Mureverwi and Edgar Chikuvire both former members are no longer part of ROHR Zimbabwe. The three expelled themselves from the Board of Trustees following breaches to the ROHR Zimbabwe founding Deeds and By-laws. They therefore cannot legally represent ROHR Zimbabwe in any capacity or enter into any agreement on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe. ROHR Zimbabwe board of Trustees will not assume any legal liability on any agreements entered into by Stendrick Zvorwadza, Ronald Mureverwi and Edgar Chikuvire purportedly on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe

As for Ms Grace Mupfurutsa, whilst she accepted the President’s offer to join as a Trustee, she neither attended any board meeting for 4 years nor was she actively involved with ROHR Zimbabwe. Hence, she never got to be confirmed as a board member and consequently, has no right to act or speak on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe.

The organization continues to work tirelessly to achieve its founding aims and objectives, that is, to build a culture of and respect for human rights. The President of the organization extends gratitude to all the stakeholders for standing with ROHR and for the ongoing support.

Ephraim Tapa
ROHR Zimbabwe Founder and Board Chairperson

Last Updated on Friday, 12 August 2011 21:04

Let us all Unite and Fight for our Rights!

Wednesday, 03 August 2011 21:19 Haiza Juma, Human Rights Activist

It is appalling that at this day and age and in the wake of this coalition Government, basic human rights are still as scarce in Zimbabwe as they were a decade ago. This has often included restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, torture, detainment without due process and murder.

I recall the likes of Edgar Tekere who fell out of favour for daring to stand against ZANU PF and sadly died in poverty. Or Patrick Kombayi who got shot for choosing to stand against ZANU PF in an election. There are even grimmer cases of those who have paid with their own lives for being in opposition but no one has been held accountable for their deaths.

ROHR Zimbabwe applauds the efforts of all those who selflessly stand up for human rights and are prepared to face imprisonment in pursuit of basic human rights regardless of their political affiliations.

The recent protests carried out by ROHR Activists, at which 13 were arrested, helped secure the release of Glen View suspects accused of being involved in the murder of a policeman. Hats off to ROHR Board meeting held recently in South Africa at which the decision to take action was made. My heart also goes to the gallant 13 who were arrested and attacked for daring standing up against repression and for justice.

With this in mind, it is time that unity of purpose is allowed to prevail within the human rights movement at large and in particular, within rank and file of ROHR Zimbabwe activists, as we celebrate the many achievements that ROHR Zimbabwe, under the able leadership of Ephraim Tapa. Without a doubt, his campaign for an improved human rights situation in Zimbabwe has been tireless and selfless. All energies should therefore be expended on championing rights and fostering an environment of peace, justice and freedom.

Evidently the positive results yielded by these protests bear testimony to the power of the people and ROHR’s resolve to better the human rights situation in Zimbabwe. Such victorious moments should encourage all those within ROHR and all peace loving out there, to do more for the countless Zimbabweans who are still languishing in prisons and torture camps scattered all over the country. For change to happen, sacrifices have to be made, so let’s all come together united for the betterment of our country and the improvement of human rights in Zimbabwe.

By Haiza Juma
Human Rights Activist

Last Updated on Sunday, 07 August 2011 12:30

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