ZHRO, MDC celebrate

ZHRO, MDC celebrate

Monday 2nd September 2019

No Trade Without Human Rights

The Successful planned protest against Trade Without Human Rights was held on Monday 2nd September 2019.

MDC and ZHRO Activists Outside Amba Hotel

Following press releases on allafrica.com and eventbrite.co.uk to confirm that the Zimbabwe Outward Trade Mission was taking place, the MDC and ZHRO leadership decided to push through the already planned protest of this event.  The planned protest was in response to the lack of human rights and kleptocracy in Zimbabwe.  Especially the ill-treatment Zimbabwean women, are still facing in Zimbabwe at the hands of ZANU PF and its proxies.  The most recent high profile being that of Gonyeti and Muchaina who were recently brutalised, then earlier Farirai Gumbonzvanda, a girls’ rights activist and community volunteer with the Rozaria Memorial Trust who is apparently serving a twenty year jail term of imprisonment, for apparently subverting a constitutional government, which Under Section 22 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, “subversion of a constitutional government” is a treason charge.  It carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. 

Stanford Biti Portfolio Secretary for International affairs for MDC, attended the event.  When asked about the atmosphere at the Zimbabwe Outward Trade Mission he said, “The atmosphere was sombre.  The whole room was decorated in black, like as if we were at a funeral.  Zimbabwe has a colourful flag and I was expecting it (the decorations) to be colourful.  When asked about the attendance he said, “the attendance was not pleasing at all.  We (Zimbabweans) have the colonial mentality that the investor is the white man, and what the Government is forgetting is that the investor is actually the Zimbabweans in the diaspora. 

Stanford Biti Speaking to ZHRO and MDC members outside Amba Hotel

He added saying, “Our parents never taught us to borrow money.  They taught us to work and Zimbabweans do work.  Our parents have bought houses not with borrowed money, but with hard cash.  However, what the Zimbabwe Government is actually looking to do is borrowing money, taking it to Zimbabwe, squandering it and that does not work.  This is what they have been doing for the past 37 years and now no one will borrow them money, so what they need to do is rethink their policies and practices and understand that we have to use our own resources to prop up Zimbabwe.  The Zimbabwean government is a government with no priorities.”

He continued saying, “Yes I am in the MDC and we should also look at taking over as a Government by,  (1) learning what ZANU PF is going through, (2) understand what we going to inherit and (3) we need to understand that we would need to move Zimbabwe forward.  These things cannot be separated, so this is why it was important for me to attend this event.

Finally he said “I’m coming in putting on a suit and tie and I’m talking to someone from Zimbabwe putting on jeans.  They are not serious.  Would a serious government get A 23 year old boy to come and speak to Richard Brandson?  The impression which you give shows that you are not serious in business.  The people who I saw inside did not give me the impression that they will have any effect in the Mnangagwa government.  The people who actually came from Zimbabwe were young boys operating in some other peoples’ briefcases. 

The success of the joint MDC and ZHRO protest, where the high-powered delegation which was expected was either fret, or non-existent, shows that they are potentially on the right path. 

Below is a link to the Human rights watch website, where Farirai Gumbonzvanda and others are mentioned.

At the time of writing New Zimbabwe published an article that quoting ZimTrade CEO, Allan Majuru who is leading a delegation of Zimbabwean businesses at the ongoing Outward Trade Mission to the UK has called on the diaspora to engage the delegation in promoting trade and mutually beneficial business partnerships. The event is a private led initiative and will kickstart with a Trade and Investment seminar at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in central Birmingham, 2 Bridge St, B1 2JZ.  The Outward Trade Mission is being facilitated by ZimTrade.

There are a few questions that investors will obviously be asking and the main ones will be, (1) Can I take my money out , (2) Can I have 100% ownership of my own company, (3) Will my assets be safe, considering just earlier this year there were land seizures and human rights abuses.  This therefore highlights the simple fact that MDC and ZHRO have been screaming.  Human rights and Property rights run side by side and one cannot be attained without the other.

Those who attended made so much noise Amba Hotel got security guards and the police to attend.  At one point, the hotel staff tried to get the protesters to be quiet.  This spurned the protesters on to make even more noise as the cause is a just cause.  “If you don’t want protesters at your door, next time don’t take bookings from them(ZANU PF),” said Chipo Parirenyatwa.  It was and is still not clear who brought barricades for the protesters.  The response that was given when the protesters were asked to go into the barricades was, “We get jailed in Zimbabwe for protesting peacefully, now you want to do the same to us here.  No, we are not going into the pens.  We are not animals.”

The protest ended shortly after Stanford Biti came to address those who were outside Amba Hotel, in Charing Cross, London.  Over 20 attended the successful planned peaceful protest.

By Thabo Makuyana

ZHRO Vigil 21 August 2019

Barbaric ZANU PF terrorises 
Innocent and Peaceful Zimbabweans

In yet another week filled with random and systemic abductions including that of comedians, painful beatings at the hands of masked armed men, cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment of Political and Human Rights activists, at the hands of Government proxies, resulting in life changing injuries to some and total desperation for all those affected.  

Gonyeti was apparently abducted, tortured and made to drink sewage

This time, there had not been any planned protest in Harare.  Just ordinary people going about their business, videos apparently showing the wanton destruction of property, the whaling cries of those afflicted, the undeniable distressed screeching scream from a woman being physically assaulted in broad daylight, all deliberately brought upon ordinary members of the public, by violent and seemingly sadistic hooligans, who are apparently representing the Zimbabwe Republic Police, on Saturday 25th August 2019, with the cameraman saying, "this is Zimbabwe on a Saturday," should make anyone with a beating heart worry about the safety of all Zimbabweans, activist or not.

The Universality of Pain, the Universality of affliction, the Universality of being brutally bastardised or being Killed by State Sanctioned violence has led to joint Statements by a number of Governments that are members of the U.N. Security Council through their representatives, where they have condemned the ZANU PF led Zimbabwe Government.

ZHRO London Leadership, on the side of Chief Ndiweni 

This Universality of pain, is what actually led to the formation of the United Nations and the Declarations of Human Rights that are known the world over.  It is also what has led ZHRO and its members to Protest Weekly and if need be for the sake of others, who are in Zimbabwe, ZHRO is imploring all Zimbabweans proud and passionate to make their voices heard and their numbers count by attending the ZHRO Vigil Protests on Wednesdays, because, those in Zimbabwe can not.

Special thanks go to the following, Molly Ngavaimbe who gave us the opening prayer, the singing and chanting which was shared by Sarah Bayisayi, Mary Mateyerwa and Rashiwe Bayisayi.  Then to Sibongile Bvungidzire who closed the vigil with a special prayer for the people of Zimbabwe that was said in Ndebele.

ZHRO group photo 21 August 2019

Those who attended as per the official ZHRO Vigil Register were Mary Muteyerwa, Molly Ngavaimbe, Tinashe Aliseni, Tapiwa Muskwe, Rashiwe Bayisayi, Sibongile Bvungidzire, Philip Mahlahla, Thabo Makuyana, Tryness Ncube, Zenzo Siziba, Senzeni Sibindi and Sarah Bayisayi.

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 Thabo Makuyana

The Right to Protest

The Right to Public Mass Protest

Was shown not to exist in Zimbabwe by the perceived actions of the staff at the Zimbabwe Embassy.  During setting up, there was a visit from the Metropolitan police.  There were three officers.  The initial conversation started out with the officer asking the expected questions.  He almost seemed to know who to go to.  Mr Philip Malhahla, was quick to answer, “We are here usually from around 11:00 am until around 01:00 pm,”he said in a calm manner.

  “We are peaceful people,” he continued.  “We are here all the time,” shouted one of the ZHRO members.  “I know!” the officer replied, as the conversation continued.  The officers left by going back to their car which was parked near Raymans, along the Strand.  It was rather unusual but not surprising as the ZHRO Wednesday Weekly Vigil protest has been going for some years now and has not been visited by police at the start in this way for some time. 

On this day quite a number of folks had arrived by 11:30am and setting up had already been commenced.  Folk inside the embassy could be seen looking at the protest and gesticulating towards those protesting.  “They must have called the police,” one of the protesters said.

“We are not going anywhere,” Chipochedenga Parirenyatwa exclaimed.  “Apa ndepedu apa (This is now our space and time),” she continued.  The current right to protest in Zimbabwe is being met with threats by among others Victor Matemadanda who on the 28^th of July 2019 is quoted to have said, “We will send Soldiers who are trained to kill.”  This has resulted in the MDC President Nelson Chamisa being reluctant to call the masses out to protest in fear for the likely massive loss of life, yet it is a basic human right the world over to protest.

 

Shortly after the Police left, a middle aged man came from within the Zimbabwean Embassy and said he was from a company that is trying to build hospitals in Zimbabwe.  He said the Zimbabwe government would pay deposits first, then the UK companies would go to Zimbabwe and start the building of the hospitals with their own money.  He seemed keen to insist that no Government officials would be getting their hands on the money.  Government Ministers can simply get the contracts for the supply of Labour, Machinery, Materials or Financial Products then hey Presto, like magic, what he has said is thrown out with the bath water.

He also seemed keen to point out that the Zimbabwe Government would be paying for the Hospitals in instalments, which obviously means foreign currency.  Most of the remittances of foreign currency to Zimbabwe, are from the Diaspora and not from Exports.  The keenness of the Zimbabwe Embassy to stop the Wednesday Vigil protest then became as clear as day.  They (The Zimbabwe Embassy) were actually meeting with the UK companies to try and strike the deals during the ZHRO Protests and ZHRO Protesting could potentially affect the outcome of their deals, as ZHRO know how to make noise.

“I am actually shocked that you have not poured water on me,” said the middle-aged man.  This statement was greeted with laughter by the ZHRO team he was talking to.  He then subtly tried to push the government line that Zimbabwe was actually better off, now without the $USD as main tender than with the $USD.  He followed on saying that the main fault for the current crises in Zimbabwe lies with the Mugabe regime and that Mnangagwa was actually trying to fix things.  This is despite the fact that Mnangagwa was in Government for almost all of the time that Mugabe was in power.

Rushiwe Bayisayi, then responded to this by saying, “even if you are not in Government, then you do well.  At the end of the day, it is Government that will come in and say, Oh, look at what we have done.  Isn’t this good?”  He had no answer for this.

He then praised the currency changes and likened what is happening now in Zimbabwe to what happens in the UK. “ One needs to take money to the bank or bureau de change” he said with a smile.  “If the money can not be changed here (in the UK), it is B*&@ S^*$, its is proper B*&@ S^*$,” Chipo Parirenyatwa exclaimed.  “The day it can be changed here (in the UK), I will say it is good.  Till then sorry.”  The other challenge is that the Zimbabwe dollar was removed using Parliament voting and Law makers actually voted on this issue.  The reinstatement of the Zimbabwe Dollar would thus most likely have needed to be reinstated through the Parliamentary voting system.  This may be seen as a lack of due process on the part of the Government.  This is going by the explanation given by the former Finance Minister Tendai Biti.

The next topic was regarding the alleged corruption charges against a female ZANU PF Member of parliament.  (Her name has been left out to avoid prejudicing the case as it is live in court.) Its all a smoke screen some said.  “IT’S FAKE,” Rashiwe Bayisayi pointed out.  “Her bags were being carried for her,” Sarah Bayisayi added.”  “She could be going home every day,” Sarah Bayisayi continued.  “Apparently Ginimbe used to have Chicken Inn (deep fried chicken take away) every day,” she continued.  “One is allowed to have their relatives deliver food to them,” he responded, “so….”

“The axe of the law needs to fall on everyone in an equal measure,” stressed Rashiwe Bayisayi.  “Wiwa was in mahand crafs (Hand calfs), yet she (name withheld) was walking like a free person and she had her bags and food being carried for her.”  This was in reference to a statement by Themba Mliswa in parliament where he said, Ziyambi Ziyambi must erect a VIP section for Kleptocrats.  This statement was said on the 30^th of July 2019.

When he was shown pictures of ZANU PF stone bakeries, the man looked on in shock.  “Zimbabwe is going backwards,” Sarah said.  “Ava varikurwara (These ones are ill)” Chipo added.  “It looks like a stone bread oven he said in shock.”  “IT ACTUALLY IS A STONE OVEN,” another ZHRO member shouted.  “How can you as children accept to be run by ancestral spirits (ne Mudzimu), whilst you are so young?”  Chipo Parirenyatwa asked.  “Those old ones never want to leave,” Chipo Parirenyatwa said in a calm voice.  The stone baked ovens are reportedly to be used for the commercial baking of bread for the masses.  There is a picture of a stone bakery within the grounds of ZANU PF Headquaters.  The reason the Government is pushing the idea of the stone bakeries, is that there are up to 18 hour power outages in some parts of Zimbabwe, thus making it difficult for companies (such as large scale bakeries) that rely on a steady supply of electricity to operate.

Chipochedenga Parirenyatwa then thanked the man for coming out to have a chat.  “As you can see your jacket is clean and dry.  There is no water.  If those ones in there come out, we will spray them,” she joked, whilst pointing at the Embassy.

The Vigil then got on and started with a Prayer as usual.  Announcements that were made included that for the 110km Walk for freedom that is going to start early in on Saturday the 10^th of July in Brighton.

Later on, towards what was meant to be the end of the Vigil protest, a council employee accompanied by his colleagues came and asked about the Vigil.  The conversation was similar to that had with the Police.  The council employee left within 5 minutes and this made those attending the Vigil increase their volume and stay for much longer at the Vigil than was initially intended.  

Some people who looked like they were from the companies that had been talked about earlier were later seen leaving the Zimbabwean Embassy, whilst folk in the Embassy continued looking on and gesticulating at the vigil.  This then acted as a prompt for the end of the Vigil.

Thank you to all who attended the Vigil.

ZHRO Joins the rest of Zimbabwe

ZHRO Rallies for Protest on Friday 16th August 2019.

Following recent announcements by the MDC Leadership that they have a planned Global Protest for Friday 16th August 2019, ZHRO Leadership have made the announcement that they will be moving the planned weekly protest from Wednesday 14th August 2019 to Friday 16th August 2019, so as to coincide with the planned MDC protest.

Since writing started, events in the U.K. are moving at an extremely fast pace.  There is a great likelihood that the protest will be a Citizens Movement instead of being run by any one organisation.

The potential for the ZHRO Protest moving from Wednesday 14 August 2019 to Friday 16th August 2019 was first highlighted at the ZHRO weekly Wednesday Vigil Protest on the 7th of August 2019 by Alfredy Mukuvare, Vice Chairman of ZHRO UK, when the likelihood of a protest was brought up by Orivasi Madondo and backed up by Moly Ngavaimbe.

By Thabo Makuyana

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

ZHRO responds to Habitual Liar Nick Mangwana.

ZHRO has responded to VOA News questions, following the false allegations and libellous statements from habitual liar Nick Mangwana after the planned protest against S B Moyo and Nick Mangwana at Chatham House in London.

Kingstone Jambawo (ZHRO Representative) said, "What happened today shows the anguish of the Zimbabwean Diaspora, it shows the Desolation of the people of Zimbabwe, because the challenge we have is a challenge for all of us."

He continued saying, "What we are doing, is letting the British know that the (ZANU PF) Zimbabwean Government which they think has changed, which they think is good and they are welcoming, is the same as before.   Nothing has changed.  The people of Zimbabwe are not happy.  There is no electricity, there is no water, things are even worse than before."

ZANU PF, Security Agent with hamd in face of protester in
London on Friday 12th July 2019 at Chatham House

When asked what happened when S. B. Moyo got sprayed with water, Kingstone responded saying, "The main aim of all demonstrations is to highlight an issue and bring focus to that issue.  We genuinely want our demonstrations to go without any incidents, however, within our ranks, there are some who are more upset with the Zimbabwe (ZANU PF) Government than others, so things like that do happen from time to time.

ZANU PF UK Face book page
post, urges members to
identify the protesters

Our aim (as ZHRO) was not to throw water or anything else on the Minister.  Our aim was not to assault anyone (no one was assaulted on the Government side).  However due in a large part to the disenchantment of people and the anger the people have towards them (ZANU PF ) these things can happen.  This shows how upset people are with the Government (ZANU PF). 

When asked if ZHRO will make an apology and ask for forgiveness   The Ministers must ask for forgiveness from the people who they are making to suffer under their Kleptocratic and evil regime."  The Zimbabwe (ZANU PF) leaders seem to suffer from constant bouts of amnesia or maybe they a  Ghukurahundi, 2008, August 2018, January and February of 2019, have all been painfully tattooed into the memory and psyche of the majority of Zimbabweans who dared to vote for a party that is not ZANU PF.

re going senile.

from the Zimbabwe Government, Kingstone said, "the Zimbabwe Government is the one that must apologise and ask for forgiveness from the people of Zimbabwe.

Pupurai Togarepi, self styled Guru,
Hard line ZANU PF supporter,
with a habit of constantly
Predicting ZANU PF's next
MOVE.

With passion in his voice he added, "When they, the ministers come here (to the UK), they come here pretending that everything is ok, like as if they love their people and they want to fix the economy and bring human rights, however, what is really happening in Zimbabwe is totally different from what they (ZANU PF) are portraying."

"So, our goal is to make sure the UK government know that what they are being told (is lies) and what is happening are two totally different things."  If the U.K. Government closes its ears we will go to the U.K. people.

When asked what else ZHRO has done, besides protesting at the Zimbabwe Embassy on a weekly basis, Kingstone Jambawo ended saying, "amongst other things we have sent petitions to the Prime minister of the U.K. at number 10 Downing Street.  He added on later saying, "This was organised by those of Zimbabwean Birth and Descent.  The Zimbabwean Diaspora organised this.  We did not organise this as one organisation.  We were a number of different organisations."

Most of those protesting were middle aged and old women who are old enough to be mothers of the security agents who roughed them up.  They are not the same age at all and as S. B. Moyo could clearly be seen on camera he did not look threatened, or distressed, at all, nor was he actually physically touched, by any of the protesters.

The MDC press statement, clearly supposes that one of the ladies in question has reported the incident to police at Charing Cross Police Station in London.  We (ZHRO) will await further information on the matter and release more information to the media when necessary.

Here in the U.K. and in Europe it is accepted and the norm that when politicians and public figures go astray and cause upset in the communities they serve, they are pelted with eggs and milkshakes.  The protesters are not threatened with being crushed by the executive branch of the country they are protesting against. (Mnangagwa deleted a tweet threatening to crush the London protesters)

By ZHRO Team

ZHRO VIGIL 10 JULY 2019

ZHRO Vigil Protest 10 July 2019

The  planned weekly Vigil protest started with everyone wondering why, on this day, there were so many security officers and black vehicles parked outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, at, 429, The Strand, London, compared to the usual just one or two unmanned cars.  (The security officers outside were mostly IC1 males, who obliged with smiles and greetings when approached) this is a personal note. “Moyo and Mangwana might be in, someone yelled out.”  “Oh, they are early,” shouted another.  “We’ll have to make as much noise as possible then.  We need to make sure they can hear us,” another continued.  Rashiwe and Sarah Bayisayi were amongst the first to arrive at 11:15am.

The protest against the ZANU PF regimes lack of respect for human rights and those in the Embassy visiting then started.  Passers-by seemed more eager than usual to sign the petitions on the desk.  The noise levels seemed to be enticing them more and more (passers by).  One of the first to sign the petitions was a middle aged IC3 Lady from Zimbabwe, who was, informally dressed and surprisingly, she seemed not to know much about what was happening in Zimbabwe.  All she did was ask questions which even the tourists did not ask.  Others included a couple from Switzerland, a couple from the USA and another from the UK, just to list a few.

The delegation that had the black cars and security personnel then all of a sudden appeared wilst the protest was underway, the routine of the security personnel seemed well rehearsed and ran like clockwork.  They made a somewhat, clear barrier between the delegation and the protesters.  They were firm but polite.  The delegation were then in their cars and left after the protesters were clear of the front of the vehicles.

The noise levels were deafening as the protesters made themselves heard whilst singing, Mnangagwa Ngaende, (Mnangagwa must go) ZANU PF Ngaiende, (ZANU PF must go).  All the while the delegation were in their cars and the majority UK security personnel conducted the operation of getting the delegation into their respective vehicles swiftly, then waited for the protesters to clear and then they (the delegation) were off to other engagements.

The protest continued and ended with a group photo.

Those who attended the protest as per the register were,

Mary Muteyerwa, Rashiwe Bayisayi, Sarah Bayisayi, Kingstone Jambawo, Ebson Chigwedere, Charity Ndebele, Sibongile Bvungidzire, Lindsey Zaranyika, Tapiwa Muskwe, Nancy Makurira, Florence Marowa, Tinashe Aliseni, Loice Gomera, Salom Nkiweane, Vimbai Gomera, Alfred Mukuvare, Thabo Makuyana, Panashe Muyeye, Stella Mandiranga, Plaxidia Mugonde, Molly Ngavaimbe, Chegika Lifa Phiri, Chipo Parirenyatwa, Lucia D Mungwani, Nehemia Musonza.  Camera man today was Philip Mahlahla.

By ZHRO Team

ZHRO Rally to Protest

ZHRO Rallies call to protest, S. B. Moyo and Nick Mangwana

(Note to reader.  If you click👆 on the blue words, an image or video should appear in a new window)

Following the ZHRO Vigil protest of 10th July2019, where Nick Mangwana, allegedly a former UK asylum seeker, now the ZANU PF, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Publicity, had earlier received a rowdy, prolonged and unceremonious greeting that showd he was unwelcome in the UK, from, ZHRO Vigil protesters outside the ZimbabweEmbassy, as he tried to hurriedly leave in a chauffer driven car surrounded by UK security personnel. 

ZHRO 10 JULY 2019, MANGWANA
TAKEN AWAY

Chipo Parirenyatwa, ZHRO Chair lady who is a Firebrandand ardent human Rights Activist, sat down for an interview which turned into a Rallying call for Zimbabweans and other human rights activists to make themselves seen, heard and noticed on Friday 12th July 2019 at Chatham House,10 St James Square, London, SW1Y 4LE.

ZHRO 10 JULY 2019

When asked about the delegation from Zimbabwe she said amongst other things, “S.B. Moyo is the one who announced (On ZBC that it was not a coup) when they took over from Mugabe, he has come to England with Nick Mangwana.”  She added on saying, “He (Nick Mangwana) was in the country (UK) for a very long time.  Soon after this coup, (Removal of Mugabe) he is the one who is mobilising the deportation of all the asylum seekers who are here in the UK. 

When asked about the Chatham house meeting by S.B. Moyo, she said, “We are Mobilizing all the Zimbabweans.  We should meet at the Chatham house, so that nothing that they have come to do will take place.”  “We (ZHRO) are going to protest against those people, because there is no Human Rights at home.  They don’t respect the human rights.  No democracy at all, even now, as we speak, we have one of our own, Job Sikhala Vice Chairman of MDC who was arrested two days ago for expressing his views.  There is no freedom in Zimbabwe,” She stressed. 

When asked what she meant by stopping things from happening, she said, “Definitely, WE ARE GOING TO STOP THEM FROM ENTERING THE BUILDING AT CHATHAM HOUSE.  That’s our promise, and we are going to make sure we succeed in that.  They have to go back to Zimbabwe, that’s where they belong.  They are saying, Zimbabwe is open for business and yet its open for Persecution.  Its open for oppression, so, they should go back and sit over there.”

ZHRO 10 JULY 2019, GROUP PHOTO

“We are expecting more than 100 people there, “ she said.  “We have invited RORH who are coming to join hands with ZHRO, MDC political party, Yes we can and others.”  She said members are expecting to meet at 8:30am at Chatham House as the event is starting at 10am and is finishing at 11am.  Further checking has shown that the event will be livestreamed.

To find out more, join ZHRO, attend 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

Web:-                                               http://www.zhro.org.uk/

Twitter:-                                           @ZHRO_Zimbabwe‏

Facebook:-                                       @ZHROCharity

Blog                                                  zhrovigil.org

Flikr:-                                               https://www.flickr.com/photos/zhro-uk/

By Thabo Makuyana

ZHRO VIGIL 26 June 2019

ZHRO Vigil interviewing  

Mr Simon Nyanhi

26 June 2019 

at 429 The Strand

Zimbabwe Embassy

Start was with a member if the public, a lady from Venezuela.

Second part was with Mr Simon Nyanhi respected ZHRO elder and human rights activist.

ED using intimidation

By Panashe Muyeye

Emmerson Mnangagwa came with promises, with the excitement of a new leader after the success of his coup to oust former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe. 

He knew the Zanu PF type of rulership was dictatorial, and abusive and stood against true democracy and he thought people would welcome him better if he changed those ways. But he has returned to the old Zanu PF within months of getting power. 

He promised freedom of speech and said people are free to speak out but now he is investing in weapons to bash people in case they exercise their right to demonstrate. 

Intimidation is back and worse than the previous Zanu PF administration. People in Zimbabwe are suffering and scared at the same time under the rule of ED as they call him.  The few that speak out are involved in strange accidents and people are afraid. 

These are the Zanu PF ways and unless this party is removed from power, there is little hope for Zimbabweans.

ZHRO Zimbabwe Embassy Vigil Protest 19 June 2019

 The theme of this weeks ZHRO Vigil is World Refugee Week.

The ZHRO Embassy Vigil on the 19th of June 2019 at 429 the strand outside of the Zimababwe embassy started on a rather clammy day.  The small talk before the protest started was filled with despair for those who are in Zimbabwe and the Current Voodoo economic's being used by ZANU PF to arrive at an inflation rate of nearly 100% within 3 years of the appointment of Mtuli Ncube.

ZHRO 19 JUNE 2019 @429 The Strand

Setting up was commenced and completed quickly.  Before the protest started those gathered praised God with some Shona hymns.  Then a prayer was said by one of the respected elders in ZHRO Mai Molly Ngavaimbe (ZHRO Member and MDC supporter).  In her prayer she prayed for the improvement of the lives of those in and from the impoverished nation of Zimbabwe.  She prayed for the true independence of the people of Zimbabwe from ZANU PF and its proxies.  She ended the prayer by putting all that was to be done during the protest in Gods hands.  More praise and worship followed.

It was during the last Praise and Worship that some of the unofficially defined roles and strengths of the ZHRO team were in full flow.  At the front, handing out flyers meeting and greeting the public was Bigboy Sibanda.  On the drums was Ebson Chigwedere.  Photographs were being taken by Philip Mahlahla and this time leading the singing was Mary Muteyerwa who brought some new energy to the proceedings.

Early on in the protest there was an unwelcome guest who was ushered away by the City of Westminster London security services on patrol that day.  One of the documents was defaced by the unwelcome inebriated man.

After the protest, Sarah Bayisayi said that the ZHRO monthly meetings will resume, starting on the 6th of July 2019 at the Assembly rooms just after the MDC meeting.  She also said that the annual meeting for ZHRO will now take place over 3 days instead of just one day as previously planned.  The pencilling in of a Friday Saturday and Sunday during the month of October in Swindon was advised.  There will also be executive and other nominations during the meeting.

Adding to what was said by Sarah Bayisayi, Rashiwe Bayisayi said some of the yardsticks to be used for the nomination and election of future executive leaders for ZHRO are, attendance of Vigil, attendance of events, participation when in attendance and other activities that promote ZHRO and its members.  "Those who are up front will be nominated, don't sit at home come once and say, I want that role," said Rashiwe Bayisayi.  

The next announcements made by Sarah Bayisayi were concerning the fundraising for ZHRO and photographs taken then uploaded by Philip Mahlahla onto flicker.  All were urged to send all photos as early as possible to allow the photos to be uploaded expeditiously onto flicker.

Rashiwe Bayisayi talked about the Walk for freedom of Zimbabwe which is taking place on the 10th of August 2019 from Brighton to London.  More on what Rashiwe Bayisayi said in relation to the Walk for freedom can be seen on Blog titled, ZHRO Walk for Freedom Zimbabwe Blog.

As per the register, the ZHRO vigil this week was attended by, Mary Muteyerwa, Mayenza Mvududu, Tinotenda Chihope, Molly Ngavaimbe, Stella Mandiranga, Precious G. Makuyana, Thabo Makuyana, Barbra Ncube, Chegika Lifa Phiri, Plaxidia Mugonde, Tapiwa Muskwe, Sarah Bayisayi, Rashiwe Bayisayi, Philip Mahlahla, Ebson Chigwedere, Bigboy Sibanda, Irene Mvududu, Josy Jenje

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

ZHRO 5 June 2019 Democracy Works by Biti et al

Wednesday 5 June 2019 saw Honorable Tendai Biti, Zimbabwe's former and without doubt most successful Finance Minister this Century visit Chatham House in Westminster, London.  

Honourable Tendai Biti was attending his book launch alongside co authors former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Greg Mills, Director of, The Brenthurst Foundation.  They discussed among other things human rights and politics with civic society leaders from around the world in a closed private event.  The book is called Democracy Works.

Tendai Biti at Chatham House, London

Other invited attendees from ZHRO  were John Burke, Sarah Bayisayi, Ebson Chigwedere and Tinashe Aliseni.  Whilst the event was in full flow, MDC members and ZHRO activists made sure their voices were heard all over St James' Square from the beginning of the event at 11am, until well after 1400hrs when the event ended and the authors walked out to greet all outside.

ZHRO and MDC in Support of gifted author Tendia Biti

Shortly after the event an alleged ZANU PF apologist and apparent Intellectual was asked for his thoughts by Thabo Makuyana, in regards to a statement by Vladimir Putin, the current President of the Russian Federation in which he said, "Africans believe in others more than themselves!"  The basic reply was I don't know, however the long reply was filled with seemingly inebriated exuberant verbosity by the apparent intellectual who tried to dodge the question.

Further direct and pointy questions were asked by among others Vuka Vuka Zimbabwe, which infuriated the man.  The man ended up swearing at Vuka Vuka, who returned the favour in a gentlemanly manner.  The man then put his hands on Vuka Vuka.  Vuka responded and told the man not to touch Vuka, then shortly after this the man scuttled away back into Chatham House.  This was clear evidence that he was not used to being asked pointed and direct questions, that require straight answers.

Shortly after this, former President Obasanjo and Honourable Biti came out to cheers and applause from all attending.  They signed their books, took photos and everyone left the successful event with high hopes for Zimbabwe and Africa.  

The next ZHRO event will be on Wednesday 12th June 2019 at 429 the Strand in Central London WC2R 0JR

To find out more or to join ZHRO and attend one the weekly protest vigil, contact

Kingstone Jambawo  079 048 61744

Sarah Bayisayi          078 772 87869

Phillip Mahlahla         074 528 28229

By Thabo Makuyana

#ZHRO, #Activism, #Human #rights, #Democracy