On 28th February it was all about ROHR Chelmsford Launch meeting. It was a golden day for the President Mr Ephraim Tapa and all other ROHR members, supporters and activists who gathered to commemorate the event. Also flying high on the day was the DJ. (Billy Machekano) who graced the event with some Zimbabwean tunes. The event was held at Springfield Parish Hall, Centre in Chelmsford and was hosted by Robert Mafigo, Billy Machekano, Tendai Gwanzura and Faith Benesi who were running around to make this a success. 33 people attended the meeting including ROHR President Mr Tapa.
The introduction and the welcome message were done by Robert Mafigo and everyone introduced themselves and telling the panel where they came from. This was a moving and touching moment to learn that some people had travelled more than 200 miles to come for this event. After the introductions Robert handed the floor to Mr Tapa who has moved from strength to strength from the day ROHR was formed. He was the main speaker of the event.
Mr Tapa started by introducing himself and then explained how the organization was formed, its objectives and fundamental beliefs such as justice, freedom and peace. He then appealed to every peace loving Zimbabwean to join and support the organization to stop the human rights violations in Zimbabwe. Mr Tapa told the gathering that the struggle for a free Zimbabwe must continue until a free and fair election under international supervision is held in Zimbabwe.
He argued that the just formed Government of National Unity would only help to provide a temporary truce between the political foes. This was confirmed by a speech at President Mugabe’s birthday bash, where he also told his party supporters that, the unity government was a temporary arrangement and they should prepare for new elections, possibly after two years. Mr Tapa reiterated that there would not be any lasting peace in Zimbabwe without genuine democracy and true justice. Those who perpetrated human rights violations must be arrested and punished if the many exiled Zimbabweans were to feel safe to return to Zimbabwe. Mr Tapa’s speech turned on everyone who was at the meeting.
When people come for such meetings they come with many questions and different motives but Mr Tapa came prepared to answer, teach and open our eyes. People asked questions and everyone participated with the inputs and the quality of the outcome was just exceptional.
To sum up the days event, I find pride to say that people in Zimbabwe need us to help them. You and me if we team up we make a difference. Justice prevails and innocent people should not suffer in the name of selfishness, inhuman and inconsiderate leadership. Human rights should be restored in Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans should be able to enjoy freedom.
Traditional food was prepared by Tendai Gwanzura and Robert Mafigo. The serving of food and drinks was done by Faith Benesi and Petronella P Wadzingenyama as part of their contribution to support the meeting. After question time Mr Tapa ordained the elected members as follows:
Elected Committee
Chairperson Robert Mafigo
Vice Chairperson Tendai Gwanzura
Secretary Petronella P. Wadzingenyama
Organising Secretary Faith Benesi
Publicity and Information Billy Machekano
Tresasurer Charity Shaillet Marere
Fundraiser Tobokwa Malikongwa
Activist Zenzele Nyathi
Everyone made sure that housekeeping was done and left the place clean and tidy after the meeting.
