Zimbabwe Vigil Diary – 8th July 2006

told her aunt had died. We may look a cheerful group, dancing and singing on a lovely summer’s day, but the pain of being separated from loved ones is ever present. We are never far from what happens at home. Everyone is trying to get money together to send home to help their families.
We were saddened by the news of the violent attack on Trudy Stevenson, a supporter of the Vigil, and have sent her a message of sympathy. We were also appalled by the failure of Kofi Annan to confront Mugabe at the African Union Summit in the Gambia and the failure of African leaders to show commitment to good governance.
The Vigil was glad to have two stars from Qabuka – Patson and Terri-Ann – enhancing the singing today. The play received a 3 star review in the Times this week. But the biggest star was the oldest person ever to sign our petition – a 99 year old lady who had worked in Zimbabwe.
Vigil supporters took part in the overnight demonstration outside the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal this week. We are anxiously awaiting the verdict on the landmark Zimbabwean asylum case which is expected at the end of the week.
The Vigil is increasingly in touch with activists around the world. Givemore Chari, the President of the Bindura SRC, has been corresponding with us. He reports that he is now safely in South Africa after crossing the Limpopo in fear of his life. He wrote: “What the Vigil is doing is greatly appreciated by all students and Zimbabweans”.
For this week’s Vigil pictures: http://uk.msnusers.com/ZimbabweVigil/shoebox.msnw.
FOR THE RECORD: 46 signed the register.
FOR YOUR DIARY: Monday, 17th July, 7.30 pm, Zimbabwe Forum, Upstairs at the Theodore Bullfrog pub, 28 John Adam Street, London WC2