Gold Mafia Protest in SA
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Update at Handover 24th May 2023
Reports from the organisers will be placed here as they come in - please check back later. Also building a ZHRO Flickr Album [CLICK HERE to View]
Diplomat Diplomatic Action against Zimbabwe Politicians implicated in Gold smuggling and Money Laundering involving individuals, local Financial Institutions, acts promoting lawlessness in SADC, noting failure by SAPS to comply with 30 October 2014 High Court ruling on human rights abuse in Zimbabwe. 24th May 2023 Petition and Picket
Zimbabwe Integrated Platform, Disabled Migrants Rights Networking Organization, Africa Integrated Platform, Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation, Zimbabwe Economic Movement, Zimbabwe Youth Alliance and stakeholders partners are bringing to your attention, and seeking enforcement and implementing the 2014 ruling by High Court, into Act for rule of law. We prevail with the possibility to curb an influx of migrants fleeing violence, intimidation and harassment into South Africa.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
Tambo Building 460 Soutpansberg Road Rietondale Pretoria 0084
Picketing starts @ 9am till 12 noon
- Speakers: Brian Muziringa: DMRNO and ZIP
- Ishmael Kauzani: AIP
- Thompson Charlie - Mindscape
- Shelton Chigugu - DCD
- and others
Africans in UK Struggling
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Africans in UK struggling to make ends meet
Africans in the UK are struggling to keep up with rent, food and electricity bills and this has resulted in most incurring debt and also seeking assistance from families back home. Despite contributing to the country’s economy, the majority do not qualify to receive financial assistance from the government as they don’t meet eligibility criteria such as income level, residency status and immigration status.
Even with the hardships, Africans are continuing to flock to the UK, and 2022 saw a huge increase in those seeking temporary work. Study migration post-pandemic has also contributed to the surge.
Enitan Kehinde, lead consultant and general manager at BHM UK {Black House Media UK https://bhmng.uk/col-report/ }, an African communications services company which sheds light on the financial struggles faced by the African immigrant community in the UK, said these individuals were also facing lack of job security and mounting debt. [Review full report or Download - CLICK HERE]
“Some have turned to family for financial support in recent times, while others admit to borrowing to pay for everyday needs. As the crisis bites deeper, several say they have had to cut down on essentials to survive.”
Kehinde added that petrol had become a luxury, with many unable to afford to fill up their cars.
“Some plan to reduce the use of power while others have had to miss meals so they could pay bills,” she said.
Lead researcher Robert Ekat said the grim situation has necessitated an urgent need for attention, which has informed BHM UK’s research. He said cultural or language barriers also made it difficult for African immigrants who could qualify to access and navigate the UK’s social welfare system.
20th May Yorkshire Dales Walk
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Update After 20th May
Flickr Album for the 20th May Walk Click Here
Glorious day in the sunshine, and the trip through the Yorkshire Dales, via Barnard Castle was a delight. It was an early start for us all as the trip from Leeds to the 'Walk' itself was 2 hours and 90 miles to the North of Leeds. So we decided to set off around 7:00 AM Saturday morning, of the 20th may 2023. Monica, Qiniso, Knonzanani, and with John diving we did the 'pick-ups' around Leeds then headed for the M1/AI to the North!
It was a bright day, with some early morning mists being burnt off by the Sun. We drove to the famous "Scotch Corner" where the A66 meets the A1, and headed towards the Yorkshire Dales. A lovely drive indeed, and the scenery, as we turned off the A66 just got better with every twist and turn - and there were plenty of those! No road grid layouts in the UK! The breath-taking Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle that we passed, is clearly somewhere to visit at a later date.
Onward via, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin and out to the Bowlees Visitor Centre, just West of Newbiggin. They have a great car parking arrangement with simply voluntary donations, rather than a set fee. And its mostly under the shade of trees and next to a babbling brook/stream too! BUT NOTE - get there early {we arrived at 9:30am and had the pick of the parking spots}, but at 1:00 pm with was completely full, with cars parked all the way along the approach roads!
The actual Walk itself was excellent too, although we set off in the wrong direction to start, and had to rectify that with a walk trough some fields (still technically a footpath as indicated on the Ordnance Survey map I was trying to use. PLEASE NOTE: Little of Zero Mobile Signal in the area of the Bowlees Centre! So in future I need paper maps!!
Jo'Burg ZIP Pressure SA Gov
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Diplomatic Action against Zimbabwe Politicians implicated in Gold smuggling and Money Laundering involving individuals, local Financial Institutions, acts promoting lawlessness in SADC, noting failure by SAPS to comply with 30 October 2014 High Court ruling on human rights abuse in Zimbabwe. {Download the Written Petition HERE}
Zimbabwe Integrated Platform, Disabled Migrants Rights Networking Organization, Africa Integrated Platform, Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation, Zimbabwe Economic Movement, Zimbabwe Youth Alliance and stakeholders partners are bringing to your attention, and seeking enforcement and implementing the 2014 ruling by High Court, into Act for rule of law. We prevail with the possibility to curb an influx of migrants fleeing violence, intimidation and harassment into South Africa.
We understand that Gold Corruption, and Money Laundering by Al Jazeera involving politicians, individuals and local financial institutions should be investigated and perpetrators charged accordingly.
It is also noted that Human Rights abuses are being enacted due to dividends earned from Money Laundering and Gold smuggling syndicates.
On 30 October 2014, the Constitutional Court of South Africa handed down its judgment in a landmark case for international criminal justice.
- The appeal related to the responsibilities of the South African Police Service (SAPS) under domestic and international law to investigate acts of torture, as a crime against humanity, that were allegedly committed in Zimbabwe.
- The decision, by South Africa’s highest court, reaffirms the obligations set out in the South African Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act 27 of 2002 (ICC Act) regarding investigation and prosecution of international crimes.
- The case, which is the first to be brought in terms of South Africa’s ICC Act, provides substantive and practical content to South Africa’s Rome Statute obligations. The Constitutional Court found that South Africa’s prosecuting and investigating authorities ignored South Africa’s international and domestic obligations in their initial refusal to investigate.
Not Independence Day - 18th Apr 2023
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6:30am London; Several hardy and brave Zimbabweans from Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle arrive at Victoria Bus Station - most getting onboard at 23:50 on the 17th April - traveling overnight! 6-7 hours travel.
10:30am A good number of Zimbabweans, including some of the early birds above, congregate outside the UAE Embassy located in the prestigious address in 1-2 Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW1X 7EE - very plush, close to Harrods and Belgrave Square. This reflects the prestige of the UAE {Dubai} and its wealth - let's not forget that Dubai's success is recent in historical terms. The Persian Gulf War of 1990, in which Dubai as part of the UAE provided military aid to the coalition, unsettled the economy; however, in the mid-1990s this stabilised and many foreign trading communities moved their businesses to Dubai. Now Dubai is synonymous with wealth now. But has no more resouces than Zimbabwe.
Their approach to wealth and luxury has been ruthlessly exploited by the regime, the #GoldMafia has been drawn like moths to a flame, to Dubai.
By 12:00 noon the masses of Zimbabweans were camped out at the Zimbabwe Embassy at 429 The Strand, London. We passed around a register of those present, 66 people completed their details. but I know personally of 5-6 who did not get round to adding their names. Others, too have mentioned various missing personalities. Only time will tell.
13:30: As a group a procession formed and we perambulated the short distace to the South African High Commission on Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP. Our group sang and chanted on the street outside. Chief Ndiweni and a few others ventured inside. They were met with a sympathetic ear - as the Petition was e-mailed to the SA Hign Commission in the morning of the 18th. One of the Counsellor's at the High Commission had received the petition with thatnks and the message, and circulated to His Excellency Jeremiah Nyamane MamaboloHigh Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and other key staff.
Dear Chief Ndiweni
This serves to inform that the South African High Commission acknowledges receipt of the documentation handed over on 18 April 2023.
Your kind understanding is appreciated.
Our appreciation and the sympathetic responce at the High Commission was well recieved by all who had met there. We then continued along the edge of Trafalgar Square and onto Whitehall towards the entrance to Downing Street itself.
14:00: Much discussions and conversations centred upon the 43rd anniversary of the {not} Independence Day, and the task ahead to gain International recognition and condemnations as to the #GoldMafia exposition. This view was ably argued within 9 pages of the Petition itself. {Click Here to View or Download} The main body of the demonstrators now established an 'encampment' next to the statue of Lord Montgomery and proceeded with song, music and speeches.
At the same time the group of 6 petitioners were ID checked into the Downing Street security perimeter by the Metropolitain Diplomatic Unit - in their normal and friendly manner! This in itself is in stark contrast to the lowly and politically motivated 'police' in Zimbabwe. Inside the security net the 6 petitioner were entertained with a history lesson regarding the 800 year old architiectural heritage within the sight of 10 Downing Street itself.
The Petitioners then had time on their own to take photos and discuss their objectives. At the same time no overt police 'supervision' was percieved by those present. After a while the group knocked on that door - 10 Downing Street and handed over the petion to the staff member inside - indeed he was happy to be photographed with the petitioners as can be seen in the Flickr Album of the 18th April 2023 {Click Here} - Of note, and as at 6:30 am on today {19th April 2023} the Twitter Post of this handover has been viewed 20,900 times and still climbing. {see Tweet here}.
During the coming days we will upload personal accounts, opinions, thought and reactions from both those present and those affected by the lack of Independenc ein Zimbabwe.
Other external Views regarding the 43rd Anniversary.
Amnesty International Contrasts this 43rd Anniversary with the propaganda as spouted by the regime, under the international spotlight, of their "own-goal" of #GoldMafia
“Forty-three years after independence, authorities are yet to guarantee in practice the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly which are increasingly being threatened despite being guaranteed under the constitution and international law,” said Flavia Mwangovya, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa.
“The right to freedom of peaceful assembly has continuously been violated and undermined with the authorities refusing to give clearance for some of the main opposition party’s rallies, arresting and convicting peaceful protesters and using unnecessary and excessive force to stop protests.
“As Zimbabwe approaches elections later this year, freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly have come under increasing attack. Dissenting voices are being criminalised, with some opposition activists put in lengthy pre-trial detentions.” said Flavia Mwangovya.
Zimbabwe Economic Movement commentator Divine Mafa opines:
Another factor that contributes to support for dictators in Africa is the lack of strong democratic institutions. In many African countries, there are weak or non-existent institutions that are meant to provide a check on the power of the government. This includes a free press, independent judiciary, and effective opposition parties.
Without these institutions, there is little to prevent a dictator from consolidating power and suppressing dissent. Furthermore, some dictators have been able to use ethnic or tribal divisions to their advantage. By playing one group against another, they can weaken any opposition and maintain their hold on power. In some cases, dictators have even used violence against specific ethnic groups to intimidate others and consolidate their power.
One example of a dictator who used ethnic divisions to maintain power is Zimbabwe's former president, Robert Mugabe. Mugabe came to power in 1980 after leading the country to independence from British colonial rule. He was initially seen as a hero, but over time his regime became increasingly authoritarian and corrupt. One of Mugabe's key tactics was to play the Shona, his own ethnic group, against the Ndebele, a minority group in the country. In 1983, he launched a brutal campaign against the Ndebele that came to be known as the Gukurahundi.
Thousands of Ndebele were killed, and the campaign was used to intimidate and silence opposition groups. The legacy of the Gukurahundi still looms large in Zimbabwean politics, and many Zimbabweans continue to be divided along ethnic lines. Mugabe also used violence and intimidation to suppress opposition to his rule. He used state security forces to harass, arrest, and torture opposition leaders and activists. He also cracked down on the press, closing independent newspapers and harassing journalists who criticized his regime.
Despite these abuses, Mugabe continued to enjoy support from many Zimbabweans, particularly in rural areas where his policies had delivered some benefits, such as land reform. Many Zimbabweans saw Mugabe as a hero of the liberation struggle, and were willing to overlook his flaws in the belief that he was working to improve their lives. However, by the time Mugabe was forced to resign in 2017, Zimbabwe was in a dire state. The economy was in shambles, with hyperinflation and a shortage of basic goods.
Corruption was rampant, and the country had become an international pariah. Mugabe's legacy was one of repression, economic mismanagement, and political corruption. Since Mugabe's resignation, Zimbabwe has seen some political reforms, including the election of a new president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in 2018. Mnangagwa has promised to bring about an era of political and economic reform, but progress has been slow. Zimbabwe still faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty, corruption, and political violence.
In conclusion, the support for dictators in Africa is a complex issue that is rooted in a variety of factors, including fear, poverty, lack of education, cultural factors, history, and the lack of strong democratic institutions. To build more democratic societies, African countries need to invest in education and civic engagement, build strong institutions that can provide a check on the power of the government, and work to heal ethnic and tribal divisions. Only through these efforts can Africa move beyond the legacy of dictatorship and build more prosperous and just societies for all its citizens. Divine Mafa:
Is ED A DICTATOR? The question of whether Emmerson Mnangagwa is a dictator or not is a subject of debate. Mnangagwa rose to power in Zimbabwe in 2017 after the ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe. Since then, his government has been accused of human rights abuses, including crackdowns on opposition parties and civil society groups, as well as media censorship.
Gold Mafia Consequences
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Contents
- Clean Gold? There’s no such thing.
- The Currency of Money Launderers.
- ‘Gold Mafia is Bigger than the government’ {of Zimbabwe}.
- ‘Always have the King with You’
- Dubai, the El Dorado for Gold Smugglers.
- Banks and Bribes.
- USA and Anti-Money Laundering {AML} Consequences.
- Conclusions.
- Citizens Reactions and Comments.
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The 6 key takeaways from the Al Jazeera Investigations the USA imposition of KYC {Know Your Customer} for their AML {Anti-Money Laundering} Legislation regarding the ‘sanctity’ of the US Dollar and its usage overseas. |
14th April 2023
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Here are six key takeaways from #GoldMafia
Clean Gold? There’s no such thing
No matter where you buy your gold and regardless of the country’s stamp on it, the very nature of the gold trade makes it extremely difficult to guarantee where it originated from.
The investigation showed how gold smuggled from Zimbabwe makes its way to Dubai and, according to experts in money laundering and illicit trade, is then exported to other major gold hubs like Switzerland and London.
These transfers are possible because gold is melted and refined repeatedly, a process that obfuscates all traces of its origin, making it particularly difficult for law enforcement agencies to build evidence against suspected smugglers.
This also means it is hard to be certain if gold purchased on the open market is ethically and legally clean or whether it is free of laundering and crime. A watch might have been made with gold from a conflict region, or a bar of gold may have been mixed with smuggled gold.
Amjad Rihan, a former partner at the consulting firm Ernst & Young, was responsible for auditing Dubai-based Kaloti a decade ago when it was one of the largest gold refineries in the world. He was blunt in his assessment. “Gold that comes to refiners, once it’s refined, it’s practically brand new gold,” he told Al Jazeera.
1st April Embassy Demo and Future 18th April
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Lovingly entitled, "Zanu PF Fool's Day"; the 1st April 2023 at the Zimbabwe Embassy was the initiation of the campaign to expose the criminality at the heart of the Zanu PF regime. The Zanu PF regime has held Zimbabwe, as a nation "hostage" for far too long - 43 years this April 18th in fact. [Full image log on ZHRO Flickr CLICK HERE ]
Those brave few present, coming from as far away as Manchester, Coventry, Northampton, Gosport and Littlehampton, were there to "represent" all Zimbabweans who have been utterly disenfranchised by the Zanu PF regime back in Zimbabwe. That's not to say that many more within the UK diaspora should have been present - and the 18th April 2023 Demonstration {at the Embassy} and Petition {to 10 Downing Street, home of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak} will prove the depth for feeling personified by #GoldMafia and other criminality by the regime.
The numbers attending will always be a big factor when presenting a proposal and petition to the British - they are very much 'swayed' by the numbers - as they perceive "Voter Recognition" of an event or situation, that must be acted upon. The same is very true for pushing for democratic and humanitarian action to be promoted by the British within their sphere of influence, at both the UK Embassy in Harare AND on the International Stage. Here in the United Kingdom the Zimbabwean Diaspora has huge potential to assist those trapped by the regime in Zimbabwe. It is up to the diaspora to stand up and be counter {as the expression goes} and in this case literally too!
In November 2017 - the 18th November in fact: CLICK HERE to remember that day, the Hopes and Dreams for a Democratic Zimbabwe were Born - but now those dreams are left in tatters, as the nightmare began on that day inside the regimes psychotic imagination. Fast forward to March 2023 and the pre-launch of the Gold Mafia {at that time without a title - but certainly about corruption} many were apprehensive, most about an expose, but within the regime -'concern'.
Now the regime has gone past "concern" now it's {initially} ignoring it, but now the propaganda psychopaths have decided to "question" 2 years of under-cover research and 'stings' and to de-legitimise #Gold Mafia.
But it's too late, the die has been cast, actions have been taken, the crimes are not just limited to within Zimbabwe. The blunder of the 'dunderheads' is that this "externalisation" of looting, money laundering and theft has enveloped the International Crime Agencies and Tax Authorities - and to a big part the "insult" to several sovereign nations who have found themselves a 'party' to criminality. Now this has opened the political ramifications. Already the Tax Authorities in the UK, Congressmen in the USA, are asking questions. Let alone the impacts politically in UK, USA, South Africa and the UAE. The latter are particularly discrete, and those involved in #GoldMafia could find themselves at-risk should they return. The USA, in particular are extremely sensitive to all aspects of money laundering of the USD {the $}, there are also 'questions' that have arisen about pallets of $100 Notes "lost" in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, who is to say that #GoldMafia are involved, but this dark-web of #GoldMafia has significant and very dark undertones.
So returning to the demonstration above, as merely a foretaste of a much larger outpouring of revulsion and disgust - on that cold and windy day. We salute the magnificent attendees and look forward very much to the much larger and far more promoted demonstration on Zanu PF Fool's Independence Day on the 18th April 2023 - 43 years of hurt for the vast majority, and the main part of the huge numbers of the Zimbabwean diaspora.
Be THERE 12:00 Noon Zimbabwe Embassy, Tuesday 18th April 2023 - take the day off work - you could be starting the move to democracy AND the Take 2 Zimbabwe {#Take2Zimbabwe} for INDEPENDENCE! Please note that there is a further idea of a presence at the UAE Embassy, 1-2 Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW1X 7EE; at 10:30am {then, moving back to the Zimbabwe Embassy by 11:30am, so to arrive at the Zimbabwe Embassy by 12 noon} - However, for those travelling a long way, such a time maybe 'problematic' {due to costly peak fare bus or train fares during a weekday} so the default position must be to get to the Zimbabwe Embassy by 12 noon.
August 2023 Walk 4 Freedom
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UPDATE: 13th May 2023
Well it's that time of the year again, when Zimbabwens, and their faithful supporters, need to dust off their walking boots and get outside to stretch their legs in anticipation of the "Walk for Freedom"! Practice is extremly important if this year's potential participants are attempting to try the full-monty!
This year our provisional dates are as the flyer namely, 12-13th August 2023 - [OR POSSIBLY THE 5-6th AUGUST as it's another FULL MOON] - simply ideal for the night section by the Rivers before and after Guildford.
but please, do not let the provisional date stop you from readying yourself with some PRACTICE!! However, as indicated in previous years, the "Walk for Freedom" is in 'bite-sized' chunks. See later for all the chunks, their description and maps.
20th May the High Force Walk Link HERE
Same route as all the previous years {since 2017, with some minor revisions} - We did infact organise a Walk in 2016 under the guise of ROHR, with Rashiwe and myself both path-finding and participating! Although, we all "checked-out" at the camp site we had organised at Edenbridge around 11:30pm - but that's another story!
Petition Handover
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Would you credit it? a train strike today gave some problems. Especially affected was Washington Ali, trying to get to London from the Isle of Wright! He did get to the Zimbabwe Embassy - but by 15:00. A real victim of the travel disruption. The weather however was 'on-side' - forecast rain - actual sunny which will always life the spirits.
Zimbabwe Embassy Rendezvous
From 11:30 to 13:20 The demonstrators congregated outside the Zimbabwe Embassy {429 The Strand, London WC2R 0JR} arriving from all directions, with a travel-tale from many. First, saw Moses Mbano who had got a great deal of a train fare from Newcastle to Kings Cross. He got to the Embassy at 11:30am. Next was Rashiwe and John after a 4km {exercise} walk from London Bridge Station - since there were no trains running to Charring Cross. Their walk past St Paul's Cathedral and the High Court gave them a great display of London Architectural heritage. They also noted all the tiny side-streets with Old Churches, Cobble stone Court Yards and High-End Mercedes with chauffeurs awaiting their corporate Chairmen!
The demonstrtors had the "Zanu PF Must Go" banner, which was unfurled when they arrived and was shown many times in the photos and videos on the day. It certainly amused the passers-by who were curious as to what it all meant. Many were happy to be informed, but shocked as to the treatment of Job Sikhala. The Zimbabwean Embassy Staff, remained locked in the Embassy, presumeably through embarrassment as to the actions of the regime in Zimbabwe, after all the efforts by the regime's propaganda team to hide all their wrong-doings, violence and continued {apparently State Sanctioned monthly GOLD smuggling operations}!
So after lots of photos, the group departed just a fraction after 1:20 pm to head towards Whitehall
Swaziland Exiled Contingent
Hon Gaw'zela Twitter Handle @ZelaHon and Former Siphofaneni MP | President of SWALIMO | Advocating For Democratic Reforms In Swaziland, came to support the #FreeWiwa demo at the Embassy with 5 of his own supporters. These fine people were gladly welcomed, due to the close relationship between Zimbabwe and Swazi freedom demonstrators here in London - Many times have the Zimbabwe Opposition team have been to the Swazi High Commission near Buckingham Palace.
The Stroll to Whitehall
The group moved off with the "Zanu PF Must Go" Banner on display, down The Strand, past the Charring Cross Railway Station, across Trafalgar Square, and onto Whitehall itself. In good voice, chanting all the way - again piquing the interest of the tourists and Londoner's alike.
Outside Downing Street
When they arrived at their preferred meeting place - in front of the statue of General Montgomery, opposite the gated entrance to the short street named "Downing Street", Chief Ndiweni was already waiting. The Chief, having had a difficult train journey from the East Coast, due, like many, due to the day's Train Strike. Many greetings were exchanged. And due deference was paid to Chief Ndiweni, mainly due to his long standing resistance to the coercion/corruption/overt political influence made by the ruling Zanu PF regime!
Drums, shakers and singing ensued to symbolise the injustices inflicted upon the peoples of Zimbabwe, both at home and in the global diaspora. They also completed the attendance register for all those present, to confirm the day's demonstration and significance for Zimbabweans.
Downing Street Handover
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The team that went in through the 'secure gates' of Downing Street, got to spend some time within the confines of the domain of the Prime Minister - and next door the Chancellor. The petitioners were subjected to intense ID checks, with bags and equipment X-ray'd. The petition itself was signed by 5 CCC members and Chief F Ndiweni as the petitioners, with several other supporters signing the overall written document. The 18 page Petition that was delivered to 10 Downing Street can be viewed HERE
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| Handing Over the Petition to the Resident Officers |
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| About to Hand over the 18 page, evidence based arguments put to the UK Prime Minister and his Civil Servants, recommending Freedom for Job Sikhala after 275 days in jail {today the 16th March 2023} |
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| Nontokozo Malaba Ncube and Diana Machinguata enjoying their time at the number 10 door with one of the female Police Diplomatic Officiers |
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| Vengai Mutsawu, Chief Felix Nhlanhla Ndiweni and Lloyd Shumbayaonda showing the petition in its protective sleeve prior to the hand over |
The importance of these interactions at the top level of British politics cannot be over emphasised, Last year we managed to secure vital discussions with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, due to a similar petition presentation. This time around we anticipate further traction in the UK, EU, UN arena's - to see if democracy could be attempted within Zimbabwe!
16th Mar 2023 Petition to UK PM
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We will be handing over a 17 page written Petition to PM Rishi Sunak on 16th March at 2:00 - 10 Downing Street.
NOW on CHANGE ORG @ https://www.change.org/FREEDOM4_Job_Sikhala This is intended to be a show of the diaspora feeling on an INTERNATIONAL basis.
Petition is a Joint effort by Peter from (Manchester CCC) and myself. Peter produced the four page introduction and description, outrage etc. ZHRO have supplied the referenced supporting articles, news reports, quotations etc. Page 17 are the signatures. This also includes Lord Jonny Oates - Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Group on Zimbabwe, and Chief Ndiweni
Also check out https://ccc-diaspora.com/zimbabwe for latest updates and information.
25th Feb 2023 The Outcomes
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We had Chieft Felix Ndiweni and Lord Jonny Oates in attendance today. They discussed the problems with political intimidation in Zimbabwe. Lord Oats cited Job Sikhala and other Political prisoners in Zimbabwe regarding detention without trial etc. Zim Dollar - UNCONSTITUTIONAL
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In a legal case brought about by Penelope Douglass Stone and Richard Harold Stuart Beattie regarding $142,000 converted by their bank into {worthless} Zimbabwe Dollars at the rate of 1:1
The High Court of Zimbabwe on 15th February 2023 ruled that laws used to convert US$ balances into Zimbabwean dollars were unconstitutional to the extent that they violated property rights. Further, it ordered Respondents to pay the money to Applicants in US$ [USD] not Zim$.
Source: Shava Law Chambers @shava_law https://twitter.com/shava_law/status/1626542727881015298?s=20
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In a legal case brought about by Penelope Douglass Stone and Richard Harold Stuart Beattie regarding $142,000 converted by their bank into {worthless} Zimbabwe Dollars at the rate of 1:1
current rate 1300:1!! See Prof Steve Hanke data on depreciating currencies - with the Zimbabwe Dollar being the World's worst performer.
It remains to be seen if the highly politised Judiciary in Zimbabwe will honour this case and return USD to the victims of this State Sponsored Crime! Unfortunately this is a huge case and involves the entire population
Free Job Sikhala Demo
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Free Job Sikhala Demonstration
Outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 the Strand, London WC2R 0JR
11:00am to 3:00pm
2023 Election Environment - Intimidation and Violence
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An IPS article appeared in Africa.Com on 13th February 2023 clearly raising international concerns over proven intimidation as Zimbabwe heads into another Election later this year. The ruling party {A military Junta} has a long history of ensuring that they "win" these apparent democratic elections - however for the last 43 years the evidence is overwhelmingly clear that rigging of the votes, violence and intimidation seems to be the main election strategy of Zanu PF and its so called president - Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa his {false and propaganderised} profile is uploaded to Wiki by the Zanu PF regime - Read it Here Not sure if any of it is true, down to his date of birth!
In addition in the United Kingdom, their Home Office has an 'agressive' attitude towards valid Asylum seekers, fleeing the Zanu PF regime and its 'tentacles' in the diaspora. The Home Office claims that CCC { the primary opposition} can "freely" campaign in Zimbabwe. The article below and many, many before it clearly demonstrate that is DISINFORMATION. Shame on the UK Government for such a lack of empathy, and deliberate ignorance of the true state of affairs in Zimbabwe.
The article has been reproduced below and many thanks to www.africa.com and the author Ignatius Banda.
Article By Ignatius Banda is below
With political violence escalating in Zimbabwe, national elections slated for later this year face questions about whether the polls will meet free and fair international benchmarks. Zimbabwe’s elections have routinely met scrutiny largely because of what critics say is state-sponsored violence and the intimidation of opposition political parties. Recent weeks have seen violent attacks on opposition political supporters by suspected members of the ruling.
Zimbabwe African People’s Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) despite regular calls by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for peaceful political engagement among rival party supporters. The main opposition, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), says its supporters have been brutalized by ruling party activists, with analysts noting that political violence is compromising the country’s stated commitment to holding free and fair elections.
In the aftermath of political violence recorded on a widely shared video last month where opposition party supporters were attacked, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) issued a statement raising concerns about the implications of such attacks on the credibility of the polls.
“As the nation heads towards the harmonized elections, we urge all political players to desist from the use of violence. The people’s fundamental rights should be respected at all times. There is no citizen who should be intimidated or coerced, and worse still, be beaten to make a choice,” the Catholic bishops said in a statement last month.
Read more: 2023 Election Environment - Intimidation and Violence
2022 W4F Update
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In this update, made on the sombre anniversary of 1st August 2018 when Zimbabwe's Soldiers opened fire indiscriminately on unarmed civilians - who were quite correctly protesting about the rigging of the 2018 election, we must remind all Zimbabweans, the AU [African Union], SADC [Southern African Development Community] and the rest of the World, that there are currently NO Free and Fair Elections - nor has there been in practice since the 1980 [False] Independence. We will also repeat this item on our website that highlights the fact that there is a Military Cabal controlling Zimbabwe, the Zanu PF party. https://take2zimbabwe.com
So our WALK FOR FREEDOM is as relevant as ever on this 7th time we have planned this event [the first time was in August 2016 just prior to the formation of ZHRO in October 2016]. Our 'practice walks' this month in London and North Yorkshire, have tied-in with other events to do with campaigning for Free, Fair and Open Elections - as highlighted below:
"Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. . . . The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures."
Article 21, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
As in previous year's we will attempt to predict our walking timetable for those who may wish to cheer us on, or join us for part of this well trodden route of ours. So we will publish maps, timetables, and for those with a 'tech savvy' outlook - live navigation links to the UK's Ordnance Survey Mapping software. The same as the organiser's on the day. {Due shortly}
This year we are actively seeking supporting donations so that we can [as we have done in every year previously] have a support team(s) to ferry the walkers, food, bandages, blister plasters etc., In addition as necessary, finally collect the "walking wounded" (!) - joking - but some of us have very delicate feet - and the stony footpaths can take their toll on those without practice, multiple pairs of socks {for keeping the feet cool}, good footwear, ankle support, blisters and cramps! Plus a bit of sympathy at times too!
So our donation PayPal button on this page would welcome your spontaneous generosity. Or this QR code using your phone.
Now those wishing to be at the start, we must emphasise that the walkers will hope to leave the Brighton Pier forecourt at 7:00am sharp. This is to facilitate the 8 miles to stand and take in the stunning beauty atop the "Devil's Dyke" hill within the South Downs.
As the organisation is very 'minimal' we cannot accommodate people leaving at different times - as each group would need navigational support - since so few have taken onboard the mapping software in the past. So for practical reasons, we start at one time, in a group, ideally keeping together. This will facilitate the taking of photos, Twitter, Facebook, ZHRO Live, Zim Eye Live and other media we will employ throughout the full 25-30 hours of the "Walk for Freedom"
This link is the most important, its the original detailed full route as plotted on the OS Online platform from Ordnance Survey UK. It is scaleable, in that it can be enlarged right down to individual footpath levels. If you have the OS App then you can navigate "live" in the field using your phone as a direction finder. 100km Route CLICK HERE
Timetable {Approximate}
| This timetable is AN APPROXIMATION for arriving and leaving times at the locations identified with Sat Nav Post Codes |
 |
Route Maps here - Along the full Walk for Freedom
| These Short Section Maps are designed to help those without Data Access "In the field" as it were. Please print off the section(s) you will be walking | |
| USE THESE LINKS Opposite TO OPEN THE MAPS in a new Window | Itemised Map Links |
| Brighton Start: BN2 1TW | Brighton and suburbs |
| Crossing the A27 | Cross A27 |
| Towards Devil's Dyke: BN1 8YJ {Public House} | Towards Devil'd Dyke |
| Fulking Villiage | Down to Fulking Villiage |
| Crossing the Vale | Crossing the Vale |
| On to Henfield: BN5 9PJ | On to Henfield |
| Joining the "Downs Link" [An old Railway Route to Guildford] | Joining the Downs Link |
| Partridge Green | Partridge Green |
| Christ's Hospital Railway Station: RH13 0ND | Christ's Hospital |
| Scaling the Hill over the "Bat Tunnel" | The BAT Tunnel |
| Approaching Guildford {Night Time} | Approaching Guildford |
| Central Guildford incl Railway Station Meet Point GU1 4UT | Guildford Area |
| Now with the River Wey Path | Leaving Guildford area |
| Keeping with the River Wey Navigation Path | River Wey Navigation |
| Under the M25 [into London!] | Under the M25 |
| Meeting with the River Thames Path | Joining Thames Navigation |
| Following the Thames Navigation footpath to Hampton Court | Hampton Court and Finish |
Ready for further Updates Here
20th July 2022 FCDO, BBC, AU and SADC Pressure
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On the 20th July 2022 in the UK we organised a petition:
- We met at Trafalgar Square
- Delivered our petition to FCDO ( Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office and the Minister for Africa - possibly Vicky Ford? But with the new Government who knows) - [CLICK for Petition Copy]
- To the Ambassador to the Embassy of Senegal (As the Senegal President is currently Chair of the AU) - [CLICK for Petition]
- To the Namibian Consulate (As the Namibian President is Chair of SADC) [Photo] - [CLICK for Petition]
- The the BBC (close to the Namibian Consulate) - [CLICK for Petition]
- It was too late to deal with the Zimbabwe Embassy [but their Scottish Consulate was SERVED!] - [CLICK for Petition]
- We had walked nearly 9 miles to achieve this "Petition Extravaganza" Twitter Tweets
Now we should like the global diaspora to try a similar exercises in their locality over the coming weeks to suit their own timetables. Firstly to check on the address, ambassador/high commissioner names and e-mails of all the Embassies of Senegal, Consulates of Namibia, and the Embassies of Zimbabwe, please access this PDF with live web links [thanks go to https://www.embassypages.com/ for all this data] to them all GLOBAL EMBASSY CONTACT LIST - Click Here to Download or access.
Then you can copy the proforma body text [below - with Read More/Pages] to the Senegal Embassies and Namibian Consulates as shown here. Replace the name of the Ambassador with the name from the PDF database above. Also get the e-mail so you can send them "Notice of Petition Hand Over" [ before the the written petition will be available with an update to this article.] SEE Here for the Written Petition Templates in this article TEMPLATES this includes the Zimbabwe Embassy Templates.
Flickr Website Images of the day CLICK HERE
Systematic Political Abductions
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From a purely human rights perspective, what is going on in Zimbabwe, at this moment, can only be described as Political Intimidation and Political Murders.
Currently, there appears to be 13 main opposition party members [including 3 sitting Mp's] behind bars without charge. These abductions are in addition to the horrendous murder and mutilation of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali, and Mr Tuesday - again brutally murdered.
This vicious campaign is typical of the violent nature of the Zanu PF leadership [if you could call it Leadership - as it resembles a military cabal rather than a government]. Indeed, Amnesty International in their 2021 end of year report on Politics in Zimbabwe states:
""The human rights situation continued to deteriorate, with the government demonstrating hostility to human rights defenders, protesters, political activists and journalists. They were harassed, arrested, prosecuted and subjected to prolonged pretrial detention; one activist was killed allegedly by supporters of ZANU-PF, the ruling party. The state weaponized Covid-19 lockdowns to restrict political activity. Security forces carried out unlawful killings. The Supreme Court quashed a 20-year prison sentence against two opposition supporters. Thousands were forcibly evicted from their land. Public hospitals remained underfunded and poor healthcare infrastructure put women’s and girls’ health at risk. Many people were at risk of becoming stateless..""
With an assessment like this you would think that the current regime's tenancy would be short lived - but No, this is 42 years since independence!
This has to end. SADC {Southern African Development Community} and the AU {African Union} with respect, must put it's 'collective' House in Order. For the incoming Chair of SADC this is a difficult task for His Excellency; Dr Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia. We wish to alert him to the facts of the matter from a Human Rights perspective, and to trust that the Zanu PF officials are not whispering their justifications in his ear - Zanu PF seem to be under the impression that Zimbabwe is simply a "One-party State".
The African Union {AU} at its meeting on 17th July 2022 needs to uphold its core values on democracy and Human Rights - as the sitting Zimbabwe regime seems not to comprehend a single word of the AU's "Values" published here:
""Agenda 2063 envisions a continent in which there is a universal culture of good governance, democratic values, gender equality, and respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law. The AU works with member states to develop and implement policies that aim to building strong well governed institutions and enact laws that will ensure Africa’s citizens are fully engaged and involved in policy making and development initiates and that these citizens are provided the safe and secure environments in which to live.""
In the United Kingdom, and given the fact that the sitting 'regime' wishes to be included, once more, into the Commonwealth - with Economics Minister Mthuliu Ncube currently in the UK begging for some sort of support and looking for "Investors" it is incumbent upon the FCDO to at least intercede upon these clear intimidation tactics by the regime.
We as Human Rights defenders wish to petition all of the above to try to influence the regime to accept the democratic process, rule of Law and the existing Constitution of Zimbabwe - all of which are deficient in terms of justice, any aspect of morality or even empathy towards their fellow citizens. All these aspects need to be bolstered - to protect the citizens from a deliquent 'government' of 'occupation'!
It is self evident that Zanu PF are both an illegal government [rigged 2013 elections] and are unworthy of the title of government - they are a "Lootocracy" and an affront to Human Rights or any form of the democratic process. They must change.
As if this issue is not bad enough, the economic mismanagement of inflation and the doomed [to repeat the currency chaos of 2008] real-time gross settlement (RTGS) dollar has impoverished most Zimbabweans see our article "Workers being Robbed..... It's not as if the Zanu PF regime has been warned time and time again - to keep making the same mistakes see this item from December 13th 2019 and see if it still applies today - or is it worse? An excellent article by Keith Jefferis, Econsult Botswana, Peace Operations and Peacebuilding Consultant, ISS Pretoriaellent.
August 2022 Walk for Freedom
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This year's "Walk for Freedom" will take place on the 13 and 14th August 2022. As usual there will be a single start time of 7:00am prompt from the entrance to Brighton Pier - But, please arrive well before this time. In addition, due to the astronomical price of fuel and food the support teams and drivers, will need some financial assistance. See box titled "Walk-Entry-Donations". Or Click Here to pay
In previous years, these costs have been donated, but in view of the level of organisation required etc we now have to ask for an entrance fee of £10. Other donations will help too. Additionally more Walk for Freedom T Shirts will be available from the middle of July at £15 each.
"Walk for Freedom" was the last five year's themes - and agin ZHRO will keep this. Having had so many freedoms denied in Zimbabwe in 2019/20/21/22, this is particularly relevant, especially with the abduction in Zimbabwe and Murder of more CCC Leaders/Children, False inprisonment on trumped up charges with senior CCC mebers in chains [Zimbabwe Updates.]
See PROMO WALK DRONE VIDEO AS WELL for some "inspiration"!! Also read some of the comments by the Walk for Freedom group from last year in the article "Reflections" pictures too.
Please register on the Walk Facebook Platform your Interests and application form CLICK HERE
Walk Training
Training programme for those interested was started in April and with Leeds Branch, in particular taking it very seriously indeed - see Flickr Album
Training went ahead in 2020 and 2021 in spite of the 'pointless' and unnecessary CV19 "Lockdowns" as we were out in the open air, so the risks as such are infinitesimally small! In view of the Partygate Scandal perpetrated by Boris Johnson and others, it appears to us that no danger whatsoever ever existed - the action of those at 10 Downing Street, proves that there was zero fear of any virus, by those fraudulent hypocrites - the same people ordering the rest of us to be afraid!
These training Walks will be 10-15km each over those few months. These will increase to 30 plus km by the Last Weeks in July in preparation for the main effort starting on Saturday 13th August 2022. Many images taken on these training walks can be found on our Facebook Walk Pages CLICK HERE. Arrive on the 13th August 2022, around 5:30am in order for an ideal 6:30-7:00am start. Pictured just outside Christ's Hospital Railway Station some 40km from the starting point in Brighton in August last year.
Walk Route
Very much as 2017/18/19/20/21/. Brighton Pier to Devil's Dyke. [see photo at top of Devil's Dyke and Flickr pages ] Dropping down to Henfield and the Downs Link. Then onto Christ's Hospital [Rail station photo ] just a short walk from the rendezvous location on the Downs Link. Ordinance Survey Route Map of Brighton to Christ's Hospital Rail Station is at this link
The long slog to Guildford [railway station frontage car park meet], finally the night walk along the River Wey Navigation and, this year, into Hampton Court [Rail Station], London. This year the 13-14th August was chosen due to there being a FULL MOON [and subject to a cloudless night sky] increase visibility during the night section next to the Rivers!
Free Moreblessing Ali
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Petition by: Kennedy Masiye- recipients: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, US Department of State, Commonwealth Heads of States, EU Parliament, Freedom House, SADC, The African Union, The United Nations - High Commissioner for Human Rights, Lord Oates, House of Lords - 'co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Zimbabwe', HM United Kingdom Government
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