Since its Launch in 2007 ROHR has continued to grow progressively on both at home as well as in the diaspora, especially in the UK. We are proud to say that today (06/08/2011) saw the successful birth of another Rohr branch in Ipswich at The Citizens Advice bureau.
Present at the event were members from the UK national executive namely Mr. Paradzai Mapfumo, (UK Coordinator) and Mr. Christphor Bvumai Chimbumu (Secretary) as well as ROHR Chairperson Ms Grace Mupurutsa. Mr Mare from the Stevenage Branch also attended. The launch had support from Ipswich residents from several nationalities who were keen to know more about the organization. Unfortunately, some had to leave early due family commitments but showed their support by requesting to be notified of the next meeting as they were interested in being part of this great local movement.
Once the introductions were done with, Miss Grace Mupfurutsa went on to explain how the organization is structured and its core aims and objectives. Among other things, she spoke of the importance of ROHR UK members, especially their key role of raising awareness about the ongoing human rights abuses in Zimbabwe as well as mobilizing resources to support the activities on the ground in Zimbabwe. She cited the recent case of 13 ROHR activists who were detained and charged under the Public Nuisance Act yet Zanu PF thugs who had overran a parliament proceeding on the previous week have never had any charges brought against them to date.
Mr Mapfumo went further to show pictures of Cosmas Ndira, a ROHR activist who was heavily assaulted by 5 people identified as members of the Zimbabwe National Army a few days after being released from custody. Both Ms Mupfurutsa & Mr. Mapfumo also stressed the importance of charity work and how local branches can hold activities to bring people together and at the same time raise funds to purchase basic necessities for those in need back in Zimbabwe. Mr Mapfumo also highlighted the importance of dealing with official ROHR officials.
The members decided on the formation of a local committee and also agreed to work hard towards promoting the local branch. It was also noted that at the top of the agenda at the next meeting would be the appointment of new committee members, especially Info & Publicity. There would also be fundraising on the agenda as well as fundraising activities at the next meeting.
The new committee stands as follows:
COMITEE MEMBERS
Chairman Dhumisani B Muchipisi
Secretary Lovemore Muzadzi
Treasurer Elizabeth C Aphiri
Organizing Secretary Noel Nyaundi
We would like to express our most sincere gratitude and appreciation to our chairperson Ms Grace Muprutsa, Ms. E Aphiri & Mr. Dhumisani B Muchipisi for the plentiful supply of food drinks & fruits. Last but not least we would like to thank the director of ZWRC, Ms Mollin Madziwa for providing us with a venue. Brother Touch Malefo from South Africa closed with a prayer at 1750hrs.
By
Dhumisani B Muchipisi
