Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

As the struggle to bring change in Zimbabwe continues, members of the Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe gathered to launch another branch in the city of Stoke – on – Trent on 27 September 2008 .

Thanks to the hard work and determination of human rights activists Pauline Mutema, Farirai Muchibwa, Joanna Zhira, and Colleen Maredza who saw to the distribution of fliers, finding a venue and organising refreshments. Not surprisingly, the launch was a great success.

The proceeding began with a prayer and the introduction of our guests namely Mr Ephraim Tapa, the president and founder of R O H R Zimbabwe, a special guest Mr Stenrick Zvorwadza who is the vice president, in charge of operations in Zimbabwe ,Mr Paradzai Mapfumo, the U K co-ordinator and Mr Patrick Gore, the West Midlands co-ordinator.

To address the meeting first was Mr Stenrick Zvorwadza who gave a chilling encounter of the gruesome brutality that R O H R Zimbabwe members continue to face from the ZANU PF militia and thugs. The Vice President told how it had become difficult for human rights activists to operate in Zimbabwe as they were regarded the worst enemies in light of their agenda to empower the people. He said ZANU PF does not accept anyone who opposes it. He described how R O H R members have been tortured and murdered to this date for fighting to bring change in Zimbabwe by making Zimbabweans aware of their human rights. Mr Zvorwadza also expressed gratitude to members in the U K for the support they continue to give to their fellow countrymen in Zimbabwe . He urged members in the U K to stay active and to encourage more Zimbabweans to come forward to actively participate and work together towards the same cause thus bringing change to the country of Zimbabwe .

Mr Tapa highlighted the glaring weakness that undermined the just agreed new power sharing deal between Robert Mugabe, Arthur Mutambara and Morgan Tsvangirai. He described how the deal does in no way reflect the people's will as per the outcomes of the 29 March 2008 general election. He told the gathering that people had voted for change but that he was surprised to see the loser emerging from the talks as the winner adding that this was a betrayal of the people's right to choice. To make matters worse, he said, parties to the deal planned to rule over Zimbabwe for five years in which case, DEMOCRACY and the PEOPLE would be the main losers! He stressed that the struggle for DEMOCRACY and JUSTICE continues to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe could exercise their right to vote freely for a government of their choice unlike being forced to accept a power sharing deal made between political leaders. He further called for Mugabe to GO as he had nothing more to offer after almost 30 years of economic ruin and terror.

An interesting comment came from the floor (refer to the article in THE TIMES newspaper 26/09/08 ) on how Mugabe states that “he is still very much sitting in the driver's seat” This just goes to show how Robert Mugabe has not changed despite the so – called power sharing deal. Another participant wondered if the deal would have been accepted by the people had it been subjected to a national referendum This just exposes the deal for what it is; power sharing, which in no way represents the WILL of the people nor guarantees a quick return to DEMOCRACY. With such arrogance, Zimbabwe is still a milestone away from economic, social and political recovery.

An interim committee was elected with the following: Nicholas Mutize –Advisor, Chairperson –Pauline Mutema, Secretary -Colleen Maredza Organising secretary Joanna Zhira, Information & publicity –Senzeni and Farirai Muchibwa – Treasurer.

The meeting was closed with singing of the national anthem and a prayer.

By Colleen Maredza - Secretary ( Stoke-on-Trent )