It is great news that the people of Wolverhampton finally came together to set up a branch for the Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe , a clear sign that Zimbabweans in the U K are totally fed up with the continued human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and are ready for action.
The meeting opened with a prayer from Mr Frank Mamvura followed by welcome remarks from Colleen Maredza, the event co-ordinator. Mr Paradzai Mapfumo, the UK Co-ordinator led the introductions after giving special thanks to the organisers of the event, Colleen Maredza, Joanna Zhira, Agnes Chivhimbo, Pauline Mutema and Senzeni Manyange Mukona. He ended by introducing the guest speakers Messrs Ephraim Tapa , Patrick Gore, Zvibowa and Joseph Nyamande. The speakers echoed one another by highlighting the importance of being conscious to our rights both as human beings and as citizens of Zimbabwe with strong emphasis being put on the need for active participation by Zimbabweans to address the situation.
Mr Nyamande expressed the importance of networking and bringing more people to join the struggle for change in Zimbabwe. Citing Indira Ghandi's famous quote 'YOU ARE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD ', Patrick Gore condemned the majority of Zimbabweans for their unwillingness to actively participate in issues concerning their country and yet they wanted to see a change taking place.
The president and Founder of ROHR Zimbabwe Mr Ephraim Tapa who is himself a victim of politically motivated violence gave a chilling encounter of how he was abducted and tortured for 23 days before he was rescued when the decision to kill him had been given the go-ahead by the regime. He told the gathering that it was his experiences of torture and near death, and the suffering he had witnessed in torture camp that inspired him into founding the organisation. Mr Tapa cited violations of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights and other international law treaties ratified by Zimbabwe saying that the suffering in Zimbabwe was needless and had to be stopped.
An interim committee was elected with the following members: Chairperson- Colleen Maredza, Vice Chair- Abraham Garanewako, Secretary- Pamela Masawi, Organizing Secretary- Charles Masawi, Fundraisers- Nancy Mangwandu and Blessing Mangwandu, Treasurer- Diana Maparadze Veneka, Vice Treasurer- Tendai Sithole, Information and Publicity- Veronica Chakeredza. Activists - Joseph Nyamande, Grace Motsi, Locadia Chigware, Tariro Masawi.
The meeting closed with a prayer after the national anthem.
Reported by Colleen Maredza (Chairperson)
It is an unusual occurrence to find a wide demographic of between twenty and sixty, male and female in a dimly lit pub in the middle of Coventry, especially if the participants are Zimbabwean. Jassy Moods was the setting for the launch of the Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe Coventry chapter. The room was packed and a sense of excitement filled the room as the attendees awaited the address from the various speakers sat in front of them, but it would be folly to imagine that they had come to see or hear anyone else other than Mr Ephraim Tapa the president of the organisation. Among the other speakers were, Mr Patrick Munyemweri, Chair for Ashford branch, Mrs Donna Mugoni, Chair for Northern region and Mr Zibgowa, Chair for the Birmingham branch and Pauline Mutema, Chair Stock-On-Trent.
Only a week after its launch on 25 October 2008, ROHR Wolverhampton is vibrant. Several people are phoning expressing their wish to join the organisation.
This was the second time ROHR activists demonstrated in the heart of the Capital City of Culture as they once again braved the cold with their little ones. Despite the COLD DRAFT from the Mersey River and the rain, people still stopped to sign our petitions.
ROHR activists distributed hand outs which herald ROHR stance on human rights violation in Zimbabwe. Those who passed by our stall were shocked by the murder of Osborne Kachuru 
Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR). Who was beaten to death at ZANU PF's offices in Fourth Street, Harare, after a peaceful demonstration during the SADC talks . Zanu PF political commissar Eliot Manyika was responsible and ROHR swears to leave no stone unturned to make sure he eventually faces justice.
