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Did you know that ROHR does voluntary work to help the Local UK Community?

Thu, 15 Oct 09 21:45 Billy R. Machekano

Enthusiastic ROHR members from Chelmsford Branch were involved in voluntary community support. This was organised by Chelmsford Borough Council on Saturday 10 October 2009 .

ROHR members litter picked along the riverbanks of river Chelmer while Scuba divers and boaters used there various skills to de-clutter the riverbeds removing rubbish and hazardous materials. The litter pick was concentrated on the areas by the side of the rivers that run through the town, starting from Wharf Road Car Park and going up as far as the Bunny Walk covering a 3 mile stretch. This was a fantastic initiative to help with the drive to make Chelmsford Cleaner and Healthier.

The Mayor of Chelmsford Borough Council Tony Sach and his delegation later joined the volunteers and pictures were taken for the local press by photographers from the council and the chronicle newspaper.

Mr Billy Machekano speaking to Mayor Sach said ,”ROHR Chelmsford branch is part of a diverse community that promotes all programmes and a better lifestyle in our local communities. As much as we stand up for Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe, we also recognise that we belong to a local community that needs our support and our organisation is willing to support programmes that improve our local environment.” One councillor said, “I wish if all other minority organisations think the same way as you do, it will be so good for the community”.

Chelmsford Borough Council was very pleased to receive support from many local organisations, including: ROHR Zimbabwe , Chelmsford Sea Cadets, Adventures in Diving, Inland Waterways, Chelmsford Canoe Club, Chelmer Canal Trust, Borough Council staff and members of the public.

Jackie Lane the Neighbourhood Environmental Action Team Officer of Chelmsford Borough Council thanked everybody who commited their time and took part in this cleaning programme. A special thank you from Jackie was extended to all the ROHR members who worked tirelessly on this day. The volunteers were: Petronella P. Wadzingenyama, Nyasha Muzambi, Abeliruna Gumbo, Christina Zhanji, Richard Mupunga, Samson Makale, Matha A. Magwaza, Constance Mafigo and Alex Chigumira.

The event finished at around 1300hrs.

Billy R. Machekano, Information and Publicity Officer

ROHR Chelmsford Branch.

Last Updated ( Thu, 15 Oct 09 21:58 )

Report on South East London General Meeting

Tue, 22 Sep 09 21:39 Courage Chiromo

On 22^nd August, South East London branch held its general meeting at 375 Old Kent Road. We had our customary opening prayer after which the floor was passed on to the branch chairperson Priscilla Chitsinde to recap the matters covered at the last branch meeting. This was for the benefit of those who were unable to attend. It was a recap on the human rights workshop that was held to supplement our members’ knowledge of the human rights framework to ensure that they are better equipped to represent the organisation and its objectives to the public. She also touched on the importance and need for committed activism from our members.

Through our chairperson, our branch was allocated a table to sell our wares at a church open day event. Further details concerning the event are available from Priscilla Chitsinde. Her contact details are available in Contacts section of the website. If any one has suggestions or would like to donate goods, which we can sell at this fundraising event please get in touch with any of the branch committee members listed on the contacts sections of this site under South East London Branch. We also had a discussion concerning the branch finances. This discussion reiterated the importance of establishing a self-sustaining fundraising campaign, which will finance operations towards the organisation’s objectives. There are various projects currently under discussion and the final details about the shortlisted ones will be made available soon.

Members also expressed a desire to establish and incorporate mechanisms within the branch structure which assist people in times of need. Taking into account the social and economic challenges faced by most of our members, it was agreed to set up a network of services and information for reference when misfortune befalls anyone. If anyone has services to offer fellow members, please get in touch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it On the other hand , if members need help and feel that the branch may be able to do so, get in touch at the same address and we will try to link with people who maybe able to assist. As the branch matures, we hope to explore the possibility of setting up fully transparent financial structures to strengthen this aid arm.

We also had a member design branch T-shirts. Several designs have been put forward and members will vote for the final design after which the T-shirts go into production. If anyone is interested in viewing and voting for a particular design get in touch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We resolved to continue our aggressive pursuit for publicity around the organisation’s cause and have revised our strategy to match our existing circumstances. We will be launching a branch e-newsletter soon. For those who would like to contribute articles get in touch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

After the closing prayer, our meeting closed at 1700 hrs. We would like to thank all those who managed to attend and to all those that made it possible.

Courage Chiromo
Information and Publicity

Last Updated ( Tue, 22 Sep 09 21:41 )

ROHR Chelmsford Branch meeting

Thu, 30 Jul 09 23:09 Billy Machekano

ROHR Chelmsford branch had their second General meeting on Saturday 27^th June 2009 at Springfield Parish hall. The meeting started at 1400hrs as scheduled.

Wellington Rupere(Vice- Chair South East London) led the opening by singing Ishe Komborera Africa. The chairman Robert Mafigo welcomed and thanked everyone and the committee for attending the meeting. A special welcome was extended to the UK National Co-ordinator Mr Paradzai Mapfumo who was among us. The President Mr Ephraim Tapa who was meant to be with us on this day sent an apology. He attended another meeting at the Vigil Zimbabwe House.

After the welcome speech the Chairman passed the time to the Information and Publicity Officer Billy Machekano to give a speech. He spoke about the human rights abuses that are still happening irrespective of the power sharing Government which was formed in February this year (2009). Mr Machekano also discussed about what made people furious regarding the comments made by Zimbabwe Prime minister Mr Morgan Tsvangirai at Southwark Cathedral.

Mr Tsvangirai was confronted by angry Zimbabweans as he conveyed a message that Zimbabweans in Diaspora should come back home. People started booing the Prime minister, waving banners and shouting Mugabe must go. Mr Tsvangirai didn’t expect this kind of behaviour from his own fellow Zimbabweans as he gave up the pulpit. What he, (Mr Tsvangirai) should know is that, things like booing, pelting with eggs or shoes is an occupational hazard which he will just have to accept in a democracy and get used to.

The Prime Minister’s call for Zimbabweans to come back home was untimely and undefined. It is clear that at the current moment with high unemployment it will cause more problems. The PM is desperate to show the whole world changes since he took office but it will be difficult with Mr Mugabe still in power.

ROHR members in the meeting didn’t agree with the PM’s claims and promises. People are still being abused, raped and child abuse is hitting its heights all over the country especially in the rural areas for example areas like Marange where the army has been deployed to protect the diamonds. http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/06/26/zimbabwe-end-repression-marange-diamond-fields

Mr Machekano said, “The whole world will want to see media reforms but this remain aborted. There is no progress on key legislation on fundamental issues such as the promotion of freedom of speech, assembly and expression”. Also discussed was the call to all members to help with used clothes for people in Zimbabwe.

It was also suggested that, we will contact the local authority of Chelmsford Council to offer ourselves for voluntary community work.

The UK Co-ordinator Mr Mapfumo spoke about the importance of every member to understand and have in-depth knowledge of our purpose as ROHR. He emphasised that we as an organisation we don’t offer or regulate anyone to stay in the UK. The likes of Nehanda Radio are there to destabilise our organisation by making false claims.

Mr Mapfumo explained that ROHR has members and membership fee is paid to run the organisation both locally and internationally. Every member is free to ask how the subscriptions fees are being distributed and managed. Mr Mapfumo said that we stand between the gap of the Zimbabwean people including those of Nehanda Radio for humanitarian issues.

The chairman requested that more committee members to be added to the current committee because there is more work and more members are joining. The new committee is as follow:
Chairman                                  Robert Mafigo
Vice Chairman                           Tendai Ngwanzura
Secretary                                   Petronella P. Wadzingenyama
Organizing Secretary                  Faith Benesi
Info & Publicity                          Billy R. Machekano
Treasurer                                   Charity Marere
Events Co-ordinator                   Tobokwa Malikongwa
Fund Raising                            Matha A. Magwaza
Committee Member                    Nyasha Muzambi
Committee Member                    Abel Gumbo
Activist                                      Fungai Muzambi
Activist                                      Richard R. Mupunga
Activist                                      Christina Zanji

The chairman thanked the members and those that contributed their money and time to prepare the food and refreshments, “a special thank you to Matha A. Magwaza, for her contribution and to Faith Benesi and Christina Zanji for their effort and cooking,” he said.The meeting finished at 17:00hrs.

Billy Machekano, Information & Publicity, Chelmsford Branch.

Last Updated ( Thu, 30 Jul 09 23:15 )

ROHR Chelmsford Branch meeting 27/06/2009

Thu, 30 Jul 09 23:06 Billy Machekano

ROHR Chelmsford branch had their second General meeting on Saturday the 27^th of June 2009 at Springfield Parish hall. The meeting started at 1400hrs as scheduled. Wellington Rupere(Vice- Chair South East London) led the opening by singing Ishe Komborera Africa. The chairman Robert Mafigo welcomed and thanked everyone and the committee for attending the meeting. A special welcome was extended to the UK National Co-ordinator Mr Paradzai Mapfumo who was among us. The President Mr Ephraim Tapa who was meant to be with us on this day sent an apology. He attended another meeting at the Vigil Zimbabwe House. After the welcome speech the Chairman passed the time to the Information and Publicity Officer Billy Machekano to give a speech. He spoke about the human rights abuses that are still happening irrespective of the power sharing Government which was formed in February this year (2009). Mr Machekano also discussed about what made people furious regarding the comments made by Zimbabwe Prime minister Mr Morgan Tsvangirai at Southwark Cathedral. Mr Tsvangirai was confronted by angry Zimbabweans as he conveyed a message that Zimbabweans in Diaspora should come back home. People started booing the Prime minister, waving banners and shouting Mugabe must go. Mr Tsvangirai didn’t expect this kind of behaviour from his own fellow Zimbabweans as he gave up the pulpit. What he, (Mr Tsvangirai) should know is that, things like booing, pelting with eggs or shoes is an occupational hazard which he will just have to accept in a democracy and get used to. The Prime Minister’s call for Zimbabweans to come back home was untimely and undefined. It is clear that at the current moment with high unemployment it will cause more problems. The PM is desperate to show the whole world changes since he took office but it will be difficult with Mr Mugabe still in power. ROHR members in the meeting didn’t agree with the PM’s claims and promises. People are still being abused, raped and child abuse is hitting its heights all over the country especially in the rural areas for example areas like Marange where the army has been deployed to protect the diamonds. http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/06/26/zimbabwe-end-repression-marange-diamond-fields Mr Machekano said, “The whole world will want to see media reforms but this remain aborted. There is no progress on key legislation on fundamental issues such as the promotion of freedom of speech, assembly and expression”. Also discussed was the call to all members to help with used clothes for people in Zimbabwe. It was also suggested that, we will contact the local authority of Chelmsford Council to offer ourselves for voluntary community work. . The UK Co-ordinator Mr Mapfumo spoke about the importance of every member to understand and have in-depth knowledge of our purpose as ROHR. He emphasised that we as an organisation we don’t offer or regulate anyone to stay in the UK. The likes of Nehanda Radio are there to destabilise our organisation by making false claims. Mr Mapfumo explained that ROHR has members and membership fee is paid to run the organisation both locally and internationally. Every member is free to ask how the subscriptions fees are being distributed and managed. Mr Mapfumo said that we stand between the gap of the Zimbabwean people including those of Nehanda Radio for humanitarian issues. The chairman requested for more committee members to be added to the current committee because there is more work and more members are joining. The new committee is as follow: Chairman                                  Robert Mafigo
Vice Chairman                           Tendai Ngwanzura
Secretary                                   Petronella P. Wadzingenyama
Organizing Secretary                  Faith Benesi
Info & Publicity                          Billy R. Machekano
Treasurer                                   Charity Marere
Events Co-ordinator                   Tobokwa Malikongwa
Fund Raising                            Matha A. Magwaza
Committee Member                    Nyasha Muzambi
Committee Member                    Abel Gumbo
Activist                                      Fungai Muzambi
Activist                                      Richard R. Mupunga
Activist                                      Christina Zanji The chairman thanked the members and those that contributed their money and time to prepare the food and refreshments, “a special thank you to Matha A. Magwaza, for her contribution and to Faith Benesi and Christina Zanji for their effort and cooking,” he said.The meeting finished at 17:00hrs. Billy Machekano, Information & Publicity, ROHR Chelmsford Branch.

Last Updated ( Sat, 26 Dec 09 22:36 )

ROHR CAMBRIDGE General Meeting – 16th May 2009

Mon, 27 Jul 09 10:25 Jospheth Hapazari

It was a hive of activity in Cambridge as ROHR Zimbabwe met at the Arbury Community hall to elect its substantive executive for the branch. Many came to support us from as far as Derby , Milton Keynes , Kent, Norwich, among others. The event started with an opening prayer from Mrs Anna Mubaiwa. In her welcoming remarks, Mrs Mubaiwa who was also the outgoing chairperson of the interim committee encouraged ROHR Zimbabwe members to work together and to continue to press forward until there was respect for human rights in Zimbabwe.

Mr. Paradzai Mapfumo, the ROHR Zimbabwe UK Coordinator followed that up by introducing speakers of the day, namely Tsitsi Razawe, who is the chairperson of Derby branch, solicitor Pardon Tapfumaneyi from Bake & Co, Mr Patrick Gore and the ROHR Zimbabwe President, Mr Ephraim Tapa.

Sister Tsitsi encouraged Cambridge branch not to take the challenge of human rights lightly but grow from strength to strength. She also spoke of the need to work closely with other branches and share ideas. She emphasized that women should take a firm stance on the issue of human rights given that it was women and children who suffered most in a crisis situation.

Solicitor Tapfumaneyi followed by reminding all present that this country (UK) has laws which have to be followed regardless of your status in this country. He encouraged the audience to seek legal advice before they could embark on whatever course of action was desired, be it on immigration, marriages, human rights, discrimination, company or business registration. He encouraged members to also work closely with their local MPs and councilors for more advice.

Mr Gore reiterated the need to fight for the restoration of human rights in our country (Zimbabwe). He challenged Cambridge branch to embark on activities to raise awareness on human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and to fundraise in support of the work of the organization in Zimbabwe which included helping victim of human rights violations. He also mentioned about the need to twin UK branches with districts in Zimbabwe to help with e.g. learning materials, water treatment tablets, clothing and blankets. He encouraged members to familiarize themselves with the 1948 UDHR and the 1966 Human Rights Covenants.

Mr Tapa warned members against being self-serving but to work together with and for the people of Zimbabwe. He expressed concern over members who valued their work shifts without making any contribution to the struggle. He said we need to be organized and to share our time, resources and effort for the betterment of the less fortunate and the oppressed. He encouraged us all to come together, strategize and work to bring the Inclusive Government to account in relation to continued human rights abuses. Mr Tapa lamented over the suffering of the poor in the rural and urban areas who could not afford basic necessities such as food, medication, shelter and education. He said the GNU was a continuation of the old order in which human rights lawyers, like activists were being arrested and persecuted daily. Mr Tapa called for a quick return to democracy through a free and fair election under international supervision. He lambasted the three principals and their sponsors for imposing their will on the people of Zimbabwe after they had defeated Robert Mugabe and his dictatorship. Speaking on RECONCILIATION, the President stressed on the importance of TRUTH first before JUSTICE could be done and for PEACE to prevail. He therefore called for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission along the 1990s South African example to investigate atrocities from the 1970s war of liberation, through Gukurahundi to the contemporary political crisis. He said the culture of impunity must end and that all human rights violators must be held to account.

Jemtias Mare from Hitchin pledged to fundraise and donate £50.00 to ROHR Zimbabwe for the activities and expenses in Zimbabwe.

At 1730hrs Mr Mapfumo supervised the election of the Cambridge branch substantive committee and the following were elected:

Chairperson:                              Jospheth Hapazari                     07782398725
Secretary:                                 Locadia Mugari                          07717374383
Organizing Secretary:                 Winnie Nkompilo                        07989407680
Treasurer:                                  Margaret Jenkins                       07894064600
Vice Treasurer:                          Nontokozo Mpofu                       07919348248
Information & Publicity:               Percy Marimba                          07894670271
Fundraisers:                              Hilda Nkomo                              07766873734
                                                Munyaradzi Maumbe                  07900252270
                                                Patricia Gwenhure                      07795154927
Activists:                                   Nyasha Ruwizhu                        07824765018
                                                Anna Mubaiwa                           07846170094
                                                Maurine Kariwo                          07518150031

Many thanks to Margaret Jenkins and Anna Mubaiwa for the plenteous supply of food and a big thank to Courage Chiromo for providing the drinks. Sister Patricia Gwenhure closed with a prayer at 1750hrs.

Last Updated ( Mon, 27 Jul 09 10:30 )

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Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe