Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

Another day in the year, 30^th October 2010, a new branch has been formed! This time it's ROHR Wolverhampton. It was such a beautiful day which started off quite slowly. We couldn't imagine the turn out. People were there, not for anything else but for the real cause, it was about ROHR Zimbabwe.

Introductions kicked off from Ms Phyllis Chibanguza with an opening prayer from Mrs T Marambi. The proceedings passed on to the National Organising secretary Ms Pamela Dunduru, who then took time to share with us the background of the organisation and also some experiences that some of the members of the organisation had face like torture and victimisation.

As the day progressed, the floor was open for open discussions which got interesting for most of us, this was an opportunity for most people as they had a time to air their views and opinions. With us was the National Coordinator, Mr P Mapfumo who was happy to chip in the discussion and was in a position to answer most if not all the arising matters. He also encouraged each and everyone to be involved in the Zimbabwean activities as we are the watchdog for our fellow Zimbabweans, the need to educate other Zimbabweans of their rights to peace, freedom and justice. Ms Sandra Ndlovu shared with us the programme that had been on air the previous night (the unreported world) which touched many of the Zimbabweans and most had their say on the programme, how they felt about the way our fellow Zimbabweans are earning a living. Ranganai Moyo, Manda Mtandwa also had their say on how they felt after watching that programme. It was really sad I must say and an example of Rohr Peterborough was given on how they are raising awareness in their community being involved in activities like litter picking, (well done Peterborough!) Also fundraising events were encouraged and at this point, Mr VJ Mujeye (National Fundraising) team member reminded people in taking part in the forthcoming fundraising event.

On the point of raising awareness in the community, Christina Zhanji took pride in the work of Chelmsford Branch, also taking part in community activities and education of other Zimbabweans on the Zimbabwe situation' (Well done Chelmsford!) Keep up the good work. Wolverhampton was encouraged to follow the same steps as we felt the needs of our country that is going down.

Ms Catherine Tewo shared with others the meeting she had attended at Lancaster house and the impact it might have on other Zimbabweans that are fighting for their country’s rights, and now fearing for their safety especially in the forthcoming election. People of Zimbabwe surely don't need any more blood-shed, they demand exposure to those causing the bloodshed!

Last but not least, a special thanks to Mr David R Mugwira (Stoke-on-Trent Chairperson) for being with us and Ms Mary Munyanyi (Wolverhampton branch member) who donated £50 towards HIV medication for the Zimbabwean children. Also a massive thank you to those that worked tirelessly helping found Wolverhampton Branch and their donations for the day's success namely Mrs Tsvakai Marambi, Mr Odious Sahondo, Ms Flora Nyahuma and Ms Florence Munemo. A big pat on your backs, well done and keep it up!

Zimbabwe is in our hands ladies and gentlemen, let us work together in unity campaigning for Peace, Freedom and Justice.

A special thank you to those in attendance. For the record 31 people attended.

A closing prayer from Mrs Grace Kachingwe (Hallow Branch) marked the end of our day!

The exercise was co-ordinated by Christina Williams & Tim Beaumont both of Liverpool City & North Neighbourhood Management Services.

Seven of ROHR Liverpool branch members joined about 24 other individual from different walks of life in the clean-up exercise.

In an exercise that started at 10.30 am and finished at around 3.30 pm, ROHR members were allocated and concentrated on Webster Street and its environs. Our activities included painting (to give a facelift to old and / or uninhabited buildings), litter picking and weeding.  We left a clean and refreshing environment in our wake. The area was noticeably “scenic” after our touch.

Some of us were clad in our colourful ROHR regalia and this helped in showcasing the organization.

The organizers thanked ROHR for the “...gesture of goodwill” and promised to keep us informed of similar events in future so that, at our discretion, we may participate. They also inquired about ROHR as an organization and we seized the opportunity to articulate our cause and to market the organization.

This is what Netsai Karota, the Vice Chairperson of ROHR Liverpool branch and our spokesperson at the event had to say after the event, “It was a fulfilling experience and we are proud to have been part of such a good cause. We feel very relevant to the community we live in and, as an organization; we are ever ready to be called upon to serve the community in which we live. In any case, this is at the core of our very existence both as individuals and as ROHR.” 

Present: Netsai Karota, Trywell Migeri, Patience Karimanzira, Sheilla Mironga, Ruth Goba, Maramura Nyirenda, Irene Chigumira