https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/53732377013/sizes/m/
Not far from the Zimbabwe Embassy in London, huge and winding queues can be seen snaking into the South African Embassy to cast their vote. South Africa holds its plebiscite on 29 May 2024 and today is designated for its citizens outside South Africa to cast their vote.
Somewhere in Zimbabwe, similar activities were taking place; South Africans living in Zimbabwe casting their votes. One begins to wonder why Zimbabwe will not allow its diaspora citizens to participate in choosing their leaders and the direction the country takes.
There is this notion that the diaspora communities normally identify with the opposition and not the party in power. However, this assumption needs testing, but even if there was some credibility in it; so what! The constitution of Zimbabwe allows for all citizens to participate in the elections whenever they’re held.
This is prevented by a bunch of power-hungry zealots who thrive on thwarting dissent, electoral fraud and unbridled corruption and who are sectarian in their approach to the freedom of choice and assembly.Like South Africa and other developed democracies, Zimbabwe should do much better, 44 years after gaining its Independence. The call is for a free, fair and credible election by all citizens regardless of their geographical location and we know it is possible.
Thanks to those who came early today to help set up: Patricia Masamba, Mashama Mazise, Mellisa Mbavarira and Ephraim Tapa. They were joined by Munashe Madziyauswa, Philip Maponga and Jenatry Muranganwa. For photos see:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72177720317108486.
For Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website.
Events and Notices:
- ROHR general members’ meeting. Saturday 1st June from 11 am. Venue: Royal Festival Hall. Contact: Ephraim Tapa 07940793090, Chido Makawa 07413024807.
- Next Vigil meeting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. Saturday 1st June from 2 – 5 pm. We meet on the first and third Saturdays of every month. On other Saturdays the virtual Vigil will run.
- 2024 ROHR sponsored 15 mile walk. Saturday 20th July. More information as plans develop.
- The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organisation based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organisation on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe.
- The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe’s work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
- Facebook pages:
Vigil : https ://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil
ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration-of-Human-Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe-International-370825706588551/
ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum-ZAF/490257051027515
The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London meets regularly on Saturdays from 14.00 to 17.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.
Post published in: Featured