Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

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.