By Divine Appointment

ZHRO Vigil Protest 24 July 2019

The struggle for Zimbabwe continues as ZHRO maintains its Vigil at the Zimbabwe Embassy at 429 The Strand.  The Vigil started of with a prayer that was said by Sister Paul, who happened to be passing by, stopped to talk to the ZHRO protesters gathered and signed one of the petitions.  She verbally intimated her support for the goals of ZHRO and prayed for among other things, the people of Zimbabwe, to have the courage and the strength to be free and democratic, for the President and other leaders of Zimbabwe to gain faith and clarity in their decisions, and that they may treat their own people in the best way possible.  Gifts were exchanged between Sister Paul and ZHRO.

Sister Paul and ZHRO team just before prayer. Photo by P. Mahlahla

Some of the first to arrive at the weekly vigil protest were Sarah and Rashiwe Bayisayi.  With U.K. school holidays in full swing, summer time in Europe, setting up was slightly slowed down by crowds of tourists whose tour guides were eager to talk about Zimbabwe.

ZHRO members were as usual asking folk who were interested, to sign their petitions.  Most of those who signed the petitions made donations.  ZHRO announcements were made regarding the upcoming Walk For Freedom and the ZHRO AGM which will be held in Swindon.

Towards the end of the Vigil, a disgruntled Zimbabwean lady chastised the ZHRO Vigil protesters for protesting.  “The President is trying,” she said.  She then continued saying amongst other things, “I don’t prescribe to protesting at all, whilst walking past the ZHRO protesters.” The ZHRO Ladies present responded in kind by singing songs that are common in the Vigil Protest.  Whilst walking away, she used her democratic and human rights to make her own video in protest at the Vigil.

ZHRO Team 24 July 2019, Photo by R. Bayisayi

On reflection, this is the kind of healthy debate that should be taking place in Zimbabwe and amongst Zimbabweans the world over, regardless of their political affiliation.  There should be space for people who support different political parties and factions within the various political parties to agree and disagree without being insulted at least and Killed at worst.  Maybe the space for open non-political dialogue might be possible between the Ambassador, his team and the ZHRO team and members one day, considering the fact that only the milk man or woman and the post man or woman visit the Embassy of Zimbabwe at 429 The Strand more than ZHRO and other vigil teams’.

Molly Ngavaimbe took charge at the table, Rashiwe Bayisayi and Mary Muteyerwa took turns in leading the vigil protest, Barbra Ncube was meeting and greeting at the front.  Some extreemly tasty scones were brought by Zenzo Siziba.  There were none left at the end of the Vigil.

Those who attended the planned vigil protest today as per the register were,

Junior Madzimure, Zenzo Siziba, Senzeni Sibindi, Barbra Ncube, Loveness Mkochi, Orivasi Oliahs Madondo, Mary Muteyerwa, Stella Mandiranga, Rashiwe Bayisayi, Lindsey Zaranyika, Simon Nyanhi, Chipo Parirenyatwa, Sibongile Bvungidzire, Thabo Makuyana, the camera man was Philip Mahlahla.  Sarah Bayisayi, Nehemia Musonza and Molly Ngavaimbe, were at the Vigil but did no sign the register.

To find out more, join ZHRO, attend one the weekly protest vigils or other events and to offer your support please contact.

Kingstone Jambawo                        079 048 61744

Sarah Bayisayi                                 078 772 87869

Phillip Mahlahla                               074 528 28229

By ZHRO Team