The rally was organised by ACTSA (Action for Southern Africa) on International Women’s Day in support of women in Zimbabwe.
Speakers included Lucia Matibenga, Vice-President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, Takavafira Zhou, President of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and Maureen Kademaunga, Gender and Human Rights Officer of the Zimbabwe National Students’ Union.
Vigil Co-ordinator Dumi Tutani took to the stage singing and dancing along with Vigil supporter Mercy Mwakipesile. But the musical stars were Lucky Moyo and his group. Lucky (of Black Umfolosi fame) joined us at the Vigil afterwards and his magical singing drew in many passers-by including a policeman who sat in his car in the middle of the road to listen to our music. He said it was wonderful.
Matibenga agreed to talk to us after the Vigil. More than 60 people attended and were deeply touched by her talk. She warned that there was no way the elections could be free and fair.
A Vigil of Prayer for Zimbabwe is to be held at Southwark Cathedral in London on March 28, the eve of the elections. Prayers will be said hourly from 2.30 pm until 8.30 pm, and on election day there will be a special Eucharist at 9.15 followed by a time of prayer until 11 am.
For this week’s Vigil pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/.
FOR THE RECORD: 243 signed the register. Â
FOR YOUR DIARY:
•Saturday, 15 March 2008. Vigil meeting to finalise plans for our mock election on 29th March.
•Saturday, 15 March 2008, 10 am – 12 noon. Photographic Exhibition on “Elections: a violent event in Zimbabwe” organised by the Zimbabwe Solidarity Campaign. Contact: Apolonia Mbondiya (02890640533 or 07770854444). Venue: TWN, Unit 10B, Weavers Court, Linfield Road, Belfast.
•Saturday, 22 March, 1pm. Easter Zimbabwe debate organised by Albert Weidemann at Scarborough Library.
•Friday, 28 March, 2.30 – 8.30pm. Vigil of Prayer at Southwark Cathedral on the eve of the elections.
Saturday, 29 March, 9.15 am. Special Eucharist followed by a time of prayer until 11 am. If you wish to lead one of the prayer times on Friday afternoon, please contact Canon Andrew Nunn 0207 367 6727. (The Diocese of Southwark is linked to the Anglican dioceses of Manicaland, Matabeleland and Central Zimbabwe.)
•Saturday, 29 March 2008, 6 am – 6 pm: Zimbabwe Vigil’s diaspora polling station and mock ballot.