27th January 2018,

On Saturday 27th January 2018, 18 members of the Midlands branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe converged at Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, Leicester, LE11WB, United Kingdom for a general meeting.

On Saturday 27th January 2018, 18 members of the Midlands branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe converged at Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, Leicester, LE11WB, United Kingdom for a general meeting.

Register of attendance

Tsungirirayi Kahiya (Chairperson), Lilian Tinashe Nleya (Organising Secretary), Grace Makoni (Treasurer), Marian Mangani (Committee Member),  Nunurai C. Machakaire, Kauza Mugarisanwa, Marian Mangani, Reuben Gwaya, Sammy Goronga, Sherry Mutandwa, Blessing Goronga, Lenny Banda, Evelyn Chibanda, Musawenkosi Dladla, Precious N Moyo, Matha Mutima, Gladys Mutimukulu and Vice Chairperson, Ruvimbo Olive Ruzvidzo (present via the phone)

Apologies

Apologies were received from Nicolate Gwati and Chinofunga Ndoga

The meeting started at 14.40 hrs and was chaired by the branch chairperson Tsungirirayi Kahiya.

Minutes were taken by Lilian Nleya.

The Organizing Secretary, Lilian Tinashe Nleya addressed the standard housekeeping issues, including introductions before handing over to the Chairperson.

The agenda items for the meeting included; –

Financial Report, Preparations for the national (UK Chapter) meeting, guiding theme for the year 2018, Starting up projects and charitable activities, Fundraising, Communication Channels, Aims and objectives of ROHR Zimbabwe plus understanding the roles of the individual portfolios of committee members, Vacancies in the branch committee, Sourcing of venues for meetings. There was also a Question &Answer session as the last item of the substantive agenda.

All the agenda items were deliberated upon in detail and in a robust and enthusiastic way in a meeting where everyone present made contributions.

The meeting agreed on a number of action points which included; –

– The branch to come up with ideas to feedback at the ROHR national meeting

– To embark on charity work both here in the UK and in Zimbabwe

– To help the blind people or street kids in Zimbabwe e.g. the couple helping children in Dzivarasekwa at Jubilee Compass

– To help rural clinics and hospitals in Zimbabwe with supplies such as medical equipment and medical supplies

– To help rural schools plus special schools with books and stationary

– To approach one Maimba Mapuranga about the project that he is running in Harare which helps the children who are looked after by the children homes by providing them with sporting activities over a 7-day period

–  To source and donate reading glasses to the needy (especially school going children) in Zimbabwe

In relation to the filling of vacant posts the meeting agreed the following procedure; –

– Members would volunteer or nominate someone for a post

– The nomination would be seconded by at least one member of the branch

– To be eligible for nomination for a post, one needed to be a fully subscribed member and also be a person who takes part in the activities of the organisation

– The list of the volunteers for the positions would be vetted based on the above criteria next month (in February 2018).

– The positions available are as follows: Organising Secretary, Fundraisers (up to 3) and Committee Members (up to 3).

– The posts were explained in full for members to understand what these positions would entail

– Nominations for the positions were done

 In relation to the Financial Re;-port, Grace Makoni gave an account of the branch’s finances and the balance in the books. She also reminded the meeting of the need for all members to update their members’ subscriptions and for the meeting to mobilise all other members who were not present at the meeting to do the same.

In relation to the fundraising members brainstormed fundraising ideas. Some of the ideas adopted by the meeting were;-

 – An offer by Grace Makoni to donate maputi and peanuts that could be sold at meetings and national events.

–  A suggestion by Lilian Tinashe Nleya to source and sell earrings with Zimbabwe flag and bandanas.

In relation to Communication Channels Tsungirirayi Kahiya explained the communication procedure to follow when there are grievances, the people to approach and / or the appropriate platforms on which to air grievances.

AOB

The chairperson emphasised the need for members to understand the history as well as the aims and objectives of ROHR Zimbabwe.

She also urged portfolio holders, each to understand the roles of the individual portfolios of executive committee members.

She also encouraged all members to make use of their talents and areas of specialty to serve the organization. The following members volunteered to work in the areas of their strengths as follows;-

– Lilian Tinashe Nleya – Promotions

-Evelyn – Computer design

– Precious Nomakhosazana Moyo – Writing

Members were also asked each to participate in the search for either free or cheap venues for meetings in future.

All the agenda items were deliberated upon in detail and in a robust and enthusiastic way in a meeting where everyone present made contributions.

With all the agenda items having been disposed of, the Chairperson Tsungirirayi Kahiya declared the meeting closed at 17.05 hrs.

To view pictures taken at the event, click here.

By: Information & Publicity Department