Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

I am writing this letter to clarify the situation regarding our sister organization the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR).  It was set up in 2007 to be the Zimbabwe Vigil’s face on the ground in Zimbabwe. ROHR has now become well known and consequently there have been attempts to disrupt it – partly by government intelligence agents but also by elements seeking to cash in on promises of donor funds.

The upshot is that there is a group purporting to represent ROHR who are likely to make approaches to you in connection with asylum matters who are not authentic representatives of the organisation. ROHR continues to be led by its founding President Ephraim Tapa, who is also a founder member of the Vigil.

At a meeting of the ROHR Board of Trustees in Johannesburg on 21^st – 22^nd July 2011 Mr Tapa’s leadership of ROHR in Zimbabwe was confirmed. His ROHR position was reaffirmed at a meeting in London on 4^th February 2012 at which a new ROHR UK Executive was elected.  See our websites for more information (www.zimvigil.co.uk and www.rohrzimbabwe.org). Any other websites purporting to represent ROHR are not recognised by the Vigil.

For you information, Mr Tapa was a former head of a Zimbabwean civil service union and fled to the UK in 2002 after torture. He is currently working as a probation officer in London and has won a London Probation Trust Changing Lives Award.  

ROHR Leicester general meeting minutes – 22nd January 2012
Venue: Phoenix Square Café, Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG
Present:  Enniah Dube, Ambrose Musiyiwa, Stanley Zvekare, Lorraine Manenji and Rachael Munda, Huvandirwa Makaza.
Apologies Sithembiso Chilufuya, Wadzanayi Mpandawana

 The meeting began promptly at 17.30hrs with Rachael formally addressing the agenda. Discussed were the remainder of the positions in the committee, Huvandirwa was then elected to the position of Information and Publicity officer, and will be working closely with Ambrose.

 The group also finalised the branch’s 2012 calendar. It was agreed that all members take responsibility for organising events. Stanley volunteered to oversee the campaign to send letters of solidarity to victims of social injustice to commemorate Social Injustice day on 20^th February. Huvandirwa volunteered to co-ordinate the Human Rights exhibition on the 24^th of March. Enniah elected to organise the event on 3 May, which is a meeting at New Walk Café followed by a press freedom campaign in the town centre. Lorraine volunteered to co-ordinate the branch BBQ fundraising event on the 7^th of July. Rachael will co-ordinate the event to submit our petition on 19^th August. Sithembiso was elected to oversee the anti-violence campaign day event. Wadzanai and Ambrose will be in charge of the human rights day event on 10^th December.

 The meeting ended at 18:15 and then the group attended the screening of the documentary ‘Mugabe and the White African’.

Lorraine Manenji, Secretary ROHR Leicester

ROHR Leicester attends showing of ‘Mugabe and the White African at the Leicester Documentary Film Festival
ROHR members present: Enniah Dube, Stanley Zvekare, Lorraine Manenji, Ambrose Musiyiwa, Huvandirwa Makaza, Rachael Munda 

The inaugural Leicester Documentary Film Festival began on Friday 20^th January. It was hosted by the Phoenix Square Film and Digital Media Centre and featured a wide range of fascinating and controversial documentaries from around the world covering diverse subjects including journalism, the environment, war and human rights.

The ROHR Leicester group attended the final day of the festival in support of the screening of the documentary ‘Mugabe and the White African’. This film depicts one family’s fight against a relentless campaign of state-sanctioned terror. It highlights the gross human rights violations happening in Zimbabwe and the total disregard for the law.

The film started at 6:15pm and the event organiser, John Coster, of the Reportage club and editor of Citizens’ eye Community News Agency gave a brief introduction and acknowledged our group to the audience, encouraging them to sign our Zimbabwe elections petition at the end of the film.

We had a stand set up just outside the screening room and after the film; we all engaged with members of the audience who were interested to know the current situation in Zimbabwe and offered their support by signing our petition and buying our campaign wrist bands.

Rachael Munda, Chairperson (ROHR Leicester)

21^st JANUARY 2012

Mr. Richard Mahlahla was appointed the chairman for today as the chairperson was going to arrive after the meeting had started. He took the opportunity to welcome parties to the meeting and notified them of health and safety exit points. Mr. Colet Dube opened the meeting with a prayer. The Chairman invited individuals to introduce themselves after which everyone had the opportunity to do so.

Rugare apologized to the North East branch regarding an incident that happened on 23^rd July 2011 when the executive were present. From Rugare’s understanding the executive were given an hour to hold their meeting before attending the North East meeting but they went on until the closing time that had been allocated to us when we booked the venue. The North East branch were not happy because they were supposed to meet the executive after they had held their election and that did not go as planned which meant they had to go home after their elections without meeting the executive. It was advised that those who can, should attend ROHR meeting on 4^th February 2012 in London and people should keep themselves informed by reading the upcoming events on the ROHR website. Some members from North East will be attending the meeting on the 4^th February 2012 in London.

Mr. Richard Mahlahla said that people must be dedicated and committed and work together to achieve the objectives as the North East branch. Richard Mahlahla encouraged parties to empower each other and to be morally correct. He also suggested that if some of our members cannot attend meetings perhaps internet skyping could be used for members who could not attend the meeting due to different commitments. The Chairman again emphasized that first of all people should remove gossiping and remove tribal politics and jealous. He asked people to change their behaviour and leave the hate thing and not to focus on material things. He added that it is the reason why people fail because they focus on the wrong things and easily get distracted. Cathrine suggested that transparency is needed in any organization if it is to grow. The Chairman put forward that ROHR members need to identify issues that have failed ROHR in the past and how the issues have been resolved. He pointed out that people need to communicate more and not to act like businessmen in competition because this organization is about human rights and empowering people in Zimbabwe. He again emphasized that parties should not entertain gossip. Individuals were encouraged to spread togetherness and bring more people to join ROHR. Tapiwa stated that ROHR cannot move forward if individuals sit back and wait for others to work. Alan Chamboko suggested that as a ROHR activist that he believed in ROHR and emphasized that we should be focused more on the aims and objectives of ROHR and not to be distracted with other things. He also mentioned that in future if there are issues going on within the executive as members we should be informed to avoid disengagement.

Parties discussed that ROHR needs to draw attention as a human rights organisation. They agreed that during the campaign, they need to be recognized for example by wearing T-Shirts with the name ROHR printed on them or wearing reflective jackets with the name of ROHR printed. Richard Mahlahla suggested that as part of a campaign, members could walk in areas picking up litter. A placard with the name ROHR printed on it will be used. He mentioned that what members needed to do was to approach councils and inform them of an area where there is litter. ROHR members would then offer to the council to clean the area. A theme would be used during the campaign. MP lobbying was advised.

Hazvineyi Choto reminded the meeting that last time a ROHR awareness raising day for fundraising purposes had been suggested.  Parties were urged to come up with fundraising ideas that do not create losses. Members were informed that during the meeting of 23^rd July 2011 it was agreed that people could pay what they can afford and there was no fixed amount suggested. Richard Mahlahla pointed out that ROHR needs money and that there are donations which could be received from the areas where members live. Parties mentioned that they needed to raise the issue of £10.00 subscriptions at the forum. The Chairman recommended that people should contribute. He commented that if people could not afford to contribute money they could be supporters or members. Hazvineyi Choto wanted to know if the application for money which had been applied for was still ongoing. Rugare responded that it was still ongoing but a North East bank account needed to be opened first which needs three signatories.  Cathrine suggested if we could have an awareness campaign first before fundraising event. Rugare urged members to spread emails that she would have forwarded to them for example petitions that might need signing. Mr Richard Mahlahla and Martin Ngwerume urged people to attend a meeting that they were going to be having with the home office on the 26^th January 2012. Richard Mahlahla and Martin Ngwerume also advised members to check online their organization called DASUK.

The meeting went well and the Chairman thanked members for coming and asked Pelargia Chandafira to give a closing prayer. The date of the next meeting will be notified to members in due course. 

Minutes compiled by Tapiwa Merrymore Semwayo

The year 2012 is now here and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, our Patron and leadership, I wish all our valued members, stakeholders and sympathisers a happy and productive 12 months ahead and the years to come.

For ROHR Zimbabwe, 2011 was a very difficult year that threatened to destroy the organisation but for the resilience of its leadership and indefatigable passion and commitment of its membership. The story of ROHR’s survival would not be complete without mention of our sister organisation, the Zimbabwe Vigil, which ensured ROHR was able to meet its obligations all the way through.

That said, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and all leadership, I wish to register our profound regret at the inconvenience our members, supporters and sponsors went through during this troubled period.  This was about power and control where former members sought to either gain control over the organisation or destroy it following their suspension for various constitutional breaches.

As for me personally, it was the most humbling and traumatic experience in my life as an activist. I am happy that, as 2011 closed, we managed to get the organisation re-registered with the office of the Registrar of Deeds in Harare and with it, the resolution of all ROHR Zimbabwe governance issues.

Thus we enter 2012 with confidence and focussed on the cause of human rights. I therefore want to thank you all for the patience, trust and commitment you showed during the difficult and sad episode in the history of ROHR Zimbabwe. Allow me to assure all and sundry that ROHR Zimbabwe remains focussed on and committed to the cause of human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe.

ROHR Governance Concerns
Following reports that ROHR Zimbabwe’s registered Deeds had gone missing at the Registrar’s office in Harare, I am pleased to advise that the registration has now been re-instated under Notarial Deed No MA1385/2011 with Ephraim Tapa as Founder and Board Chair, Mr Tichanzii Gandanga, Mr Ray Muzenda and Ms Brilliant Dube as Trustees. In addition to the Notarial Deed, ROHR has a constitution signed by all its trustees and which governs its operations at the membership level. This puts paid to all concerns around governance.

In the UK, ROHR is registered as a non-profit making organisation (limited by guarantee) and this means the name ROHR Zimbabwe is not available for whatever use by anyone without the approval of directors. It is therefore illegal for anyone (individual or institutional) to purport to operate under the ROHR Zimbabwe label, for there can only be one ROHR Zimbabwe from an organisation point of view.

ROHR Zimbabwe goes International
In 2010, the original Board of Trustees took a position to internationalise ROHR Zimbabwe with a view to accommodate other nationalities into our membership and widen the scope of our mandate and appeal. I am pleased to advise that that resolution has been given effect. According to our registration the organisation is, from now on, to be known as ROHR Zimbabwe International or ROHR International or simply ROHR. All other appropriate changes will be made in due course.

Head Office New Address
Due to prohibitive costs, ROHR head office has moved from 5 Normandy Drive, Alexandra Park, Harare to 13 Series Road, Highlands, Harare, Zimbabwe.

New Membership Cards
In order to reflect the changes, a new membership card will be issued to replace those currently in circulation. This will also help us in conducting our membership audit. As you will be aware, the membership of many of us has either lapsed or become dormant. All relevant stakeholders will be advised of this update. Members are expected to keep their subscription fees up-to –date, all of which should be paid into the organisation’s bank account.

Membership Activism
Many of our members have neglected the cause of human rights because of the challenges to do with life in the UK on successful regularisation of stay. I however would like to take the opportunity to salute those who have remained active and focussed on the Zimbabwe problem. Branches that easily come to mind include Manchester, Woking, Wolverhampton, Bournemouth and revived Leicester. I now call upon all branches to resume ROHR activities in this struggle for human rights. In the next few days, I expect branches to email their proposed meeting dates (calendar of events) to Rose Benton ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for publication on the ROHR website. Please do not forget to copy those emails to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

UK Executive
When the UK executive was re-constituted, it was agreed that its mandate would include the revival of structures in the UK, bringing stability and growth to ROHR, fundraising for human rights programmes in Zimbabwe and awareness raising on the human rights crisis in Zimbabwe. These fundamentals have suffered while we have been dealing with the malicious slander by some former board members and their efforts to fraudulently takeover the organisation. This resulted in a lot of energy being directed towards rebutting allegations about irregularities in the handling of ROHR finances. These allegations were totally rejected at a verification exercise by the ROHR UK Executive which established there was NO abuse of funds whatsoever. Instead, it is an established fact that I, as founder of the organisation, have subsidised ROHR operations from its inception to this day and all for the cause of human rights. I salute those who have continued to commit their resources and time for the cause of human rights. I also salute the Zimbabwe Vigil management for their sterling efforts in keeping the project afloat.

Sadly, it was at the height of this confusion and time of heated feelings, that the UK Chairperson, Mr Anywhere Mungoyo, tendered his resignation citing personal commitments. Ms Valerie Chengaose also asked to be excused from her national fundraising responsibilities citing immigration rules. Without an effective head to captain the ship, the ROHR UK Executive has become non-functioning.  It has therefore been necessary to dissolve the ROHR UK Executive with immediate effect.

Efforts are now underway to get the Executive up and running again. To bring back a semblance of organisation and order in our operations, all ROHR branch chairs and the co-ordination team, are to report directly to me with immediate effect until a new Executive is in place.

Upcoming Meetings
To help reconstitute a new UK executive, all those who held positions in the now disbanded executive and members interested in serving at the national level are invited to a meeting on 4^th February 2012 to be held probably in London (details to be confirmed) to chart the way forward.

This meeting will be followed by a leadership forum comprising all ROHR branch executives on 3^rd March 2011 (details to be confirmed) that will aim to strengthen the UK Executive and consolidate the 2012 programme of action. That programme will include branch audits and renewal of committees, among other things.

Press Releases
In the meantime, no press releases shall be made without the sanction of the President, who remains the chief spokesperson of ROHR according to the Constitution and the Deed.

Co-ordination Team
In effort to bring more effectiveness, accountability and stability to the organisation, the co-ordinating team and their roles will be re-arranged. Members will be advised in due course.

Support for Immigration Matters
ROHR still operate a centralised system where letters of support for activist asylum seekers can only be originated from the President’s office. To maintain the integrity of the system and / or forestall any possible abuse, all letters bearing my name shall be personally signed by me. Appropriate stakeholders, including the Home Office, will be duly advised. Please note that only deserving cases (genuine and consistent activists) will be supported by ROHR.

Please feel free to contact me either by email or on my mobile as given on the official ROHR website, to further discuss or clarify any of the contents of this communique.

Wishing you all the very best.  Thank you. 

Ephraim Tapa
Founder and Board Chairperson
ROHR Zimbabwe International