Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

Message from ROHR President Ephraim Tapa

To All Branches and Membership

ROHR Zimbabwe continues on its path to the great revival following the reconstitution of the National Executive. I have no doubt in my mind that together we can reach to greater heights and make a positive contribution to the people’s lives. The Mugabe dictatorship is not yet ready to cede power to the people. But we the people, declare rediscovery our VOICE with which we NOW RECLAIM our POWER.

I therefore ask of your indulgence in making the journey to restore, defend and promote human dignity, respect and peace a reality and a threat to all dictators and their hangers-on. We remain firm in our belief that PEACE and LIBERTY will eventually REIGN in Zimbabwe. Our tools become our faith and hope, and passion, our armour. With this we can see no other way than to escalate our struggle.

It is in this endeavour and the need to create a united front that I, with others, participated at a political conference held at Huddersfield, UK and attended by a number of Zimbabwe groups and activists in May 2011. Cognisant of the continued deterioration of the Zimbabwe human rights, political, social and economic situation, the conference resolved to form a global movement (Zimbabwe, Yes We Can) to spearhead the search for effective solutions to the Zimbabwe question and the bringing about of a new democratic Order; A Zimbabwe that respects human rights and the rule of law, where every Zimbabwean is accorded respect and dignity, where every Zimbabwean has equal opportunities to pursue their dreams, a nation where leaders are democratically elected and accountable to their electorates, where our nationhood is prioritised ahead of party affiliation; A Zimbabwe where Freedom Must REIGN.

The movement seeks to bring together all progressive voices and groups including political parties in both Zimbabwe and the Diaspora to speak with one voice, to unite in our cause for a free, democratic and Accountable Zimbabwe, to press for a return to governance with, for and by the people, unite for a prosperous, peaceful and progressive Zimbabwe. The MOVEMENT is NOT a POLITICAL PARTY. If anything, it is simply a broader platform with a wider mandate to push for REAL CHANGE in Zimbabwe. All Zimbabweans are welcome to join.

The movement does not seek to replace ROHR Zimbabwe or any other organisation. If anything, it seeks to create the critical numbers and tape into that strength, to help organisations effectively achieve their ends.

Now is the time for the Diaspora to join hands with those who remained home to make a real and direct contribution to our country. I hope to see you more in the days to come.

Thank you.

The ROHR UK Woking Christmas party had a low turnout, which we assume was due to the very bad weather. Thanks to those who braved the bad weather to ensure we did not miss the opportunity to enjoy our second Christmas party since the branch came into existence. The crowd might have been small but it was a very energetic, fun filled family occasion which was honoured by the presence of the ROHR UK Co-ordinator, Mr Paradzai Mapfumo, who had travelled all the way from Kent and members from Hayes branch.

Chairman’s Remarks

The Chairman, Mr Mudzamiri, warmly welcomed everyone to the event. He went on to remind members on the importance of remembering people back in Zimbabwe during this festive season. He cited the hardships the majority of the people continue to face adding that to millions Christmas had become a non-event as a result of unprecedented levels of poverty. The Chairman berated the Mugabe-led government, Mugabe’s friends and family for lavishing themselves with riches, celebrating Christmas, using money gained from deceit, corruption and obscene salaries. He said this was happening at a time when the people of Zimbabwe, the rightful owners of Zimbabwe’s natural resources would be spending Christmas in exile, away from their families and loved ones, or at work trying to earn just enough to put the next meal on the table.  Yet, he continued, some are in prison while others are in hospitals nursing injuries inflicted by state sponsored thugs for daring to stand up for their human rights. The Chairman said Mugabe’s government can be likened to an ugly baboon that will never win a beauty contest no matter how much lipstick you smear on its lips. He spoke about the ongoing abuses of people's rights in Zimbabwe adding that ROHR Zimbabwe members in the diaspora would continue fighting to expose the brutal regime by naming and shaming and bringing awareness to those within and out of Zimbabwe. He had no kind words either for the inclusive government which he said had failed to bring perpetrators of violence to account or stop the violence that threatens to make Zimbabwe’s next election a mockery of universal principles of justice and democracy. The Chairman ended by wondering how these elections would be any different from previous elelctions if people were already being forced to support Zanu-PF in order to avoid persecution adding that Zimbabweans wherever they are must stand up for the beloved motherland. His remarks were echoed by those gathered who encouraged each other to do their best in the struggle for peace, justice and freedom.

The Chairman thanked Mr Mapfumo, the Hayes branch and the Woking branch for attending the Christmas party and he wish then all the best.

Mr Mapfumo also added by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year as he encouraged all not to forget what we are fighting for as an organisation.

The day’s raffle was drawn by children who also graced the occasion and presentations were made by Saziso Zulu, 

The winners were: 1st prize – P Mapfumo, 2nd prize – N Ncube, 3^rd prize – C Dedza, 4th prize – C Dedza, 5^th prize – M Volkwyn.                                                                   

The master of ceremony thanked everyone for the hard work they had put in making the ROHR Woking Christmas party a success. Special mention was made of Priscilla Nzala, Nora Masango, C.Mudzamiri, Selina, T Mabodoko, S Hlokana, P Ncube, M & J Volkwyn, Saziso Zulu, C Dedza, Prisca Munhuwegore and Sibongile Sihwa for decorating the hall, donating and cooking the food. There was a toast by the branch vice chairperson Thandi Mabodoko to ROHR Woking. The party ended with the singing of the National anthem and a prayer from Christina Dedza.