Zimbabwe Vigil Diary – 3rd June 2006

d we had many signatures for our petition calling for UN intervention. Many of them said they’d seen the before and after photos of Porta Farm just released by Amnesty International. It brought home to them the reality of Murambatsvina and the hollowness of Mugabe’s case. We were pleased to be joined by some new supporters, including a lady who was tempted to wear one of our “Make Mugabe History” wristbands but said her family wouldn’t approve. They are Mugabe supporters even though they are claiming political asylum here – unfortunately you can’t lose your family, she said.
We were sad to hear that a Zimbabwean invited to address the Forum, Michael Mubaiwa, an expert in labour law, industrial relations and trade unions in Zimbabwe, died in a car accident three days before he was due to speak to us. The Vigil is helping his widow’s lawyer in providing information to help her asylum case. We take this opportunity to offer her our condolences. The Bristol Vigil tells us that they marked the anniversary of Murambatsvina last week: “Our vigil is attracting interest and we have some loyal supporters. We’re sure this will grow – there are a surprising number of people who are drawn by the banner and come and tell us that they have connections with Zimbabwe. We hope in time all these people will become regular supporters. Last Saturday we all got very wet – and the petitions too! The site of the vigil, agreed by Bristol City Council, is on a paved area with nothing to attach a tarpaulin to – so umbrellas were all we had to keep the rain off. We have four Zimbabwean women who come regularly and do a grand job with singing and dancing.”
What they really need is a Zimbabwean with a drum – is there anyone in the South West who would like to help with drumming at their next Vigil on 24th June? They would help with travel costs – contact: judewrds@yahoo.co.uk if you can help. For this week’s Vigil pictures: http://uk.msnusers.com/ZimbabweVigil/shoebox.msnw.
FOR THE RECORD: 48 signed the register. FOR YOUR DIARY: Monday, 12th June – Zimbabwe Forum, Upstairs at the Theodore Bullfrog pub, 28 John Adam Street, London WC2.