MDC President Addresses UK & Ireland Assembly

The elections on 31st July came and went. Most Zimbabweans worldwide were shocked, disillusioned and outraged by the election results.

Bright Manjengwa, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, Caston Matewu and Abel Kamwendo

It was within this backdrop of despondency that the president himself Morgan Richard Tsvangirai addressed the party faithful in Croydon on the 26th of October 2013. A lot of questions were also being asked and many wondered if we would ever see a democratic Zimbabwe.   Some UK and Ireland branches were represented by their executives and our branch, Southend-on-Sea, was well represented. Three of our branch members, Patty Murwira, Maidei Ali, Charles Dliwayo and Abel Kamwendo were selected to be part of the security and Protocol detail.

Like most disgruntled Zimbabweans, we had many questions to ask and but due to time constraints only fielded five of them during the meeting with the president. Stanford Biti , Southend branch chairperson, presented the questions for South East District to the president  and the rest of the other districts followed suit.

Dr Tsvangirai acknowledged that people were in shock and angry at the blatant theft by the Robert Mugabe regime. He explained to the party cadres how the election was lost, in fact stolen from us. To him, it was not an election but "A military intelligence run operation". Zanu PF started their ballot rigging preparations for the 2013 election during the Presidential election runoff in 2008.  Dr Tsvangirai implored cadres to be patient and reassured us that the leadership in Harare are trying to find ways to effect a legal audit of the ballot. Preparations for the next election are already underway, he said.

On the UK and Ireland External Assembly, he regretted that Harvest House had downgraded the Province to a coordinating committee. He promised to discuss the issue with the rest of the leadership in Harare at the next Congress. He preached unity both in the diaspora and Zimbabwe for the party to succeed in the next election. When he questioned our [diaspora’s] commitment by asking what action we took on Election Day, the Southend-on-Sea branch was the only one that demonstrated at the Zimbabwe embassy. Stanford Biti informed the President that our Branch “shut down the embassy”.

Out of the 5 questions we raised as a branch, only 2 were responded to by the president due to time restrictions. We hope he will get back to us in due course with the rest of answers. Everybody pledged their support for the party and work ahead. Now we look toward preparing for the next election.

Abel Kamwendo

Committee Member

MDC Cadres in UK Welcome Hon. Thabitha Khumalo.

It was all smiles, hugs and handshakes as three of the most vibrant branches in the UK, Southend on Sea, Oxford and Luton welcomed the MP of Bulawayo East Honourable Thabitha Khumalo at Gatwick Airport. She was glad to see members showing smiles and courage to go ahead fighting for a better Zimbabwe even after what happened in the July 31^st election which was marred by many irregularities, which members described as a hard blow to the party as whole.

 All along it has been put across that the spokesman for MDC Douglas Mwonzora was also coming, it was a surprise to see Honourable Thabitha Khumalo on her own, The reason for him not coming was cited as internal issues..

However, the Member of Parliament for Bulawayo east said since she managed to come it’s time to meet the members of the party in the diaspora and discuss some standing issues and way forward (tomorrow) Saturday 2 November 2013 at the Oxford Dinner dance. She did emphasize that there is need for all structures to work hard to improve the internal issues in the structures.

THE ARRIVAL OF HONOURABLE THABITHA KHUMALO  IN PICTURES

Smiles ,hug and handshakes as MP Khumalo arrives

.Maidei Ali,Charles Dliwayo,MP,Natalia

Randen   

The MP and the women's wing,

Abie Mphahlo,Maidei Ali, Shiellah Sibanda, MPKhumalo, Pattty

Murwira,Natalia Nanden

MP Khumalo and the youth leaders 

Maidei Ali and Mgcini Dlodlo

Members of the 3 branches Southend on Sea,Oxford and Luton

Crispen Chamburuka, Patty  Murwira,Brigton Madhanga,.Abel Kamwendo, MP Khumalo,Charles Dliwayo, Natalia Randen Maidei Ali

Honourable MP Thabitha Khumalo

 Shiellah Sibanda Treasurer  of Southend on Sea.

Oxford Treasurer Natalia Randen,

Luton chair Suzzate k and 

Honourable Thabitha Khumalo leaving the airport.

 MDC cadress (men only) from 3 branches  and 

Khumalo ,Chispen Chamburuka,Mgcini .

Dlodlo Abe,Charles  .Dhliwayo Abel Kamwendo and Brighton Madhanga

Brighton Madhanga,Shiellah Sibanda,

MP Khumalo,Charles Dliwayo,Natalia Randen,Abie Mpahlo

Abie Mpahlo,Maidei Ali,MP Khumalo,Natalia Randen

Shiellah Sibanda

Treasurer

MDC Southend Branch

Southend Branch Attends CAST Conference

As part of the Black History month Communities and Asylum seekers Together (CAST) held its first conference in Southend on sea aiming at tackling a plethora of issues that affect refugees and asylum seekers. In attendance were members of the vibrant MDC Southend on sea, Southend Zimbabwean Network, The British Red Cross, Mind, Health watch, religious representatives and many others.

During the course of the day different issues that affect refuges and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom were discussed and explored in light of the CAST objectives and plans which aim to look at how to help Sanctuary seekers with accommodation and other needs as they face the day today problems in the sanctuary system.

Individuals from different countries had an opportunity to tell their asylum stories and during discussions it was clear that the sanctuary seekers from different parts of the world are faced by the same problems as they go through the sanctuary system. One could deduce that problems affecting Zimbabweans are not different from countries like Syria, Congo and all other politically unstable countries.

 The conference suggested ways on how communities and organisations can work together to help and support the Sanctuary seekers emotionally, socially and assist with accommodation. In one workshop on media it was agreed that the word 'asylum seeker' is derogatory and discriminative should be replaced by 'sanctuary'. Stanford Biti facilitates the U.K sanctuary (asylum) workshop which concluded on the need to revamp the whole system in line with United Nations millennium development goals. Washington Ali suggested that there is need for Sanctuary seekers to be assisted in different ways so that they don’t feel isolated in the communities. Charles Dliwayo entertained the conference with a great and emotional religious song. Shiellah Sibanda recited a subtle poem lived experiences of sanctuary seekers.

Shiellah Sibanda

Treasurer

BBC Essex Interviews MDC Southend Post Election 2013

Peter Holmes a veteran of the BBC Essex interviews: Stanford Biti, Charles Dliwayo & Audrey Charowa on 10/8/2013 on his breakfast show. 

This interview was edited and remastered by Angelbert Munjanja.

Click here to listen: BBC ESSEX INTERVIEW 2013

Angelbert Munjanja

Blog/Webmaster

MDC Southend Branch

Zimbabwe Elections 2013

I would like to congratulate our Leadership & our Cadres for putting a good & fair fight against an insane & deceitful regime. 
The elections were indeed full of irregularities from the illegal announcement of elections, rushed voter registration, zero voter's roll inspection, printing of inflated voting slips, illegal polling stations & just to mention a few. In this struggle, although there is plenty to be done we must congratulate ourselves for forcing ZANU-PF to a near free & peaceful elections. 
The struggle continues & we will now seek justice to be done to audit these flawed, shame & fraud elections. MDC-T notes that it is going to difficult to manoeuvre the partisan justice system, but that the legal battle will bring to bare dossier of vote rigging evidence to expose the Mugabe regime. 
We are a peaceful party & as usual we will exhaust all peaceful means to fight the evil regime with no shame to steal people's elections. MDC-T will reflect, learn & continue to be strong as the struggle for new & better Zimbabwe continues. We will be driven by hope & faith. 
I am proud South East District & Southend's financial & moral contribution towards the elections! 
Chinja!

Vincent Mashakada

District Treasurer

MDC UK & I South East District

Southend on Sea Beach Party …..Pictures

 MDC members from various branches posed for a photo

The 27^th of July 2013, saw the MDC Southend on Sea Branch being joined by other MDC members from Bristol, Luton, Oxford and other branches around London all with one aim to fundraise and support the elections back home with the hope of winning the struggle and bring about change.

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The party attracted not only the MDC members but people of all walks came in and supported us, as it, was a really good day for everyone who wanted to be out and at the beach. The weather was a bit bad but it could not stop members who had come out determined to show their support. Some of the members and supporters including children had fun as they kicked the ball around.********

    

Shiellah Sibanda

Treasurer

Election Theft by misrepresentation

This is a very worrying development with only a few hours left before the polls open. The following article was lifted off Baba Jukwa Facebook. .

Zimbabwe please take note of this message from a concerned citizen. Please don't make a mistake and vote for a wrong MDC as they deliberately used black and white to confuse people. Vote team Tsvangirai and make sure you go early on voting centres to push away the people supporting evil people, the earlier the better, be the first to be there the change team of vapanduki.

Unedited message to you Zimbabweans.

"Please dont ignore, i saw the ballot paper and things are not looking good. Pana Welshman Ncube pakaiswa palm in Bold...raMorgan is faint... the photos looks alike. The photos are in black and white...maone chaiwo. Read carefully and vote MDC-T and Morgan. Morgan is the last on the ballot paper. PeZanu PF is bold... paMDC-T chete is so faint u can't read. The confusion is pama MDCs ari two... yaWelshman is so bold and has a palm reChinja like yaTsvangirai saka if people rush tinorovera paNcube. Spread the word please"

Please also look at this link with the prophesy from man of God genuine one not the head of vapostori sect who was bribed by $200 000 dollars which he is eating alone and fooling vapostori into voting evil people. Please wake-up vapostori and push for change for a better life---http://prophetmaxillarmumo.blogspot.cz/2013/07/this-is-what-lord-says-concerning.html

Lastly please tell Tsvangirai to beef-up his security team, they are after his life now. The evil people have hacked a plan to have him assassinated.

Asijiki

Ndatenda

Baba Jukwa

Angelbert Munjanja

Blog/Webmaster

MDC Southend Branch

All Roads lead to the East Beach in Shoeburyness

Saturday the 27^thJJuly is just a few days to go when MDC Southend on Sea branch will be hosting an open air fundraising beach party. Members, friends and families are all invited to come and join us as we fundraise for a worthy cause.  The day will be filled with a lot of activities for all age groups and different types of food will be offer.

Come and enjoy the sun shine and the magnificent view of the sea whilst having a barbeque, socialising and dancing to music. See you there

Shiellah Sibanda

Treasurer

FUND RAISING: BBQ BEACH 2013 / TRIBUTE TO MATAMBANADZO

The weatherman predicts that the 27^th July will be mild day with temperatures expected to reach a maximum of 22 degrees. A perfect day for an MDC Southend Branch BBQ at the Beach in Shoeburyness, Southend.

We are inviting all Zimbabweans and friends of Zimbabwe to attend this worthy cause. We are also going to take a moment to remember and pay tribute The Late Chairman of The MDC UK Southeast District Khama Matambanadzo.If you are from the Southeast district this is a special invitation for you to attend this event.

                                                       The Late Khama Matambanadzo 

Preparations are now well under way for the MDC Southend Fundraising Event 2013. This is going to be a fun filled family day. Brings your kids, there will be plenty of entertainment for everyone.  If you have any queries please contact anyone listed down below:

Hope to see you all there

Angelbert Munjanja

Logistics

Blog/Webmaster

MDC Southend Branch

FUND RAISING: OPEN AIR BEACH PARTY 2013

PRESS STATEMENT:

OPEN AIR BEACH PARTY

Movement For Democratic Change Southend on Sea branch cordially invites all MDC member, Zimbabweans and friends of Zimbabwe to a fundraising beach party to be held on the 27^th July 2013 at the East beach. This is going to be a day filled with different activities for all age groups. A variety of food will be on offer- (You name it, you get it.)

We hope the proceeds will go a long way to help in the forth coming elections at home. Come and help us to raise funds for this worthy cause.

For more information see flyer.

Shiellah Sibanda

Branch Treasurer 

Tsvangirai Turned into Whipping Boy for Others’ Sins

On June 20, 2009 MDC President, Morgan Tsvangirai, made his disastrous “come home” speech that has become major thorn in the flesh of many Zimbabweans in the diaspora. In his speech at the Anglican Cathedral in Southwark Mr Tsvangirai said “Zimbabweans must come home!” This speech came just after speaking to then foreign secretary David Miliband. The crowd at Southwark jeered him chanting “Mugabe must go!”

Many diasporans were concerned that Zimbabwe was not safe.  It has now transpired that the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) is now using that speech as a pretext to deport Zimbabweans who had sought refuge in the United Kingdom. Mr Tsvangirai himself has been on record numerous times bemoaning making such a speech. 

What on earth could have possessed Mr Tsvangirai to utter such foolishness in Southwark on that fateful day? On March 6, 2009, three months before this speech, Mr Tsvangirai was involved in a near fatal automobile accident that claimed the life of his wife of 31years, Susan. This crash was widely believed to be the work of the notorious Central Intelligence Organisation’s dirty tricks department. Soon after the accident Mr Tsvangirai was visited by rival, Mr Mugabe.  It is my belief this is the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Picture This

Mr Tsvangirai missed death by a whisker learns his loving wife of 31 years has been killed. He closes his eyes in traumatised, anguished grief and when he opens them he sees one Robert Mugabe looking down at him. Given that scenario one can understand why Mr Tsvangirai wasn’t thinking straight. It makes sense he could have been suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or “buka” in Shona.

The Real Villains

There are two villains in this deportations saga. First of all Theresa Makone the Co-Home Affairs Minister on March 3, 2012 said “Don’t worry about deportations for now... Let’s talk about deportations next year after the election when I’m Home affairs Minister.”  Mrs Makone said she’d spoken to then Minister of State for Immigration Damien Green who had given her these assurances. (For proof follow this link: http://youtu.be/HqZpstB4xsw  )This gave those who had asylum cases that had been refused the false hope that they had plenty of time to appeal.

Reports of failed asylum seekers being drugged and man-handled during renewed deportations caused a stir in November 2012. When asked for a response on this, the UKBA blamed Mr Tsvangirai’s 2009 statements. It should be noted that they did not respond to the allegations of drugging and manhandling.  It is clear that the UKBA prefer the policy of “divide and rule”. By blaming Mr Tsvangirai’s historic statements, the UKBA has chosen to abdicate its fiduciary role in treating Zimbabweans according to current information on the ground. Political violence and threats thereof are being reported daily. Concerns are also rising because of state intimidation of civic organisations.

The UKBA has outdone itself in accomplishing turning Mr Tsvangirai into a vilified hate figure. They reneged on their promises to Mrs Makone to desist from deportations. Ultimately it was the UKBA’s decision to renew deportations to an unsafe area.  Their statements blaming Mr Tsvangirai is divisive at best and thoughtless at worst.

Audrey Charowa

Vice Secretary

MDC South East District

Zanu PF Brings New Tactics in Preparation for Elections

It does not come as a surprise to learn that Zanu PF is at it again, this time with  different tactics as Zimbabweans prepare for forth coming elections.  Mugabe and Zanu PF cronies are well known for using various ways like intimidating, harassing, beating, imprisonment and even murdering in the name of forcing people to vote for them. When I read from the media ,that Zanu PF is now targeting the Apostolic sect members commonly known as ( Mapostori ) by distributing residential stands to them,  it became clear  that Zanu PF will never run out of dirty tricks when ever  elections are coming. This is pure and clear vote buying by Zanu PF

Zanu PF is aware that the Apostolic sect has the largest number of followers and by distributing these stands and urging them to vote for them, they are sure that victory is in their hands.There is no harm in targeting people during campaigns, but it has to be done clearly, or even by telling the targeted group to vote wisely for Zanu PF because it’s the only one which can give residential stands. This shows how desperate Zanu PF has become especially when they make it clear that the MDC Councillors will never give out these stands.

Zimbabweans have gone to polls many times and I believe that by now every voter knows what’s best for them and the country as a whole. All these tactics used by Zanu PF are becoming old fashioned and will not help them win elections, because the people want democracy, freedom, and peace. Residential and Flea market stands will not make people vote for Zanu PF because they now know the Zanu PF tricks lies and empty promises. The people of Zimbabwe need change and that change can only be seen when people are left to make their choices during elections without some bribery going on. It’s high time now that Zanu PF must change their tactics and let the Zimbabweans cast their votes freely without any fear of what will happen to them if they don’t vote for Zanu PF.

Shiellah Sibanda

MDC Southend on Sea Treasurer

ALL ROADS LEAD TO OUR FIRST 2013 BRANCH MEETING

All MDC cadres, members and friends are invited to our first 2013 branch meeting on Sunday 27 January at 268 Sutton Road Southend on Sea.

Southend on Sea branch is expected to adopt a comprehensive plan to support and make resources available to assist in the earmarked referendum and the forth coming watershed elections in Zimbabwe.

MDC Southend on Sea branch is quite aware of the challenges of 2013, which will not be a different election pencil marked with political violence perpetrated by Mugabe and the Zanu PF.

As of close of business last year the branch had launched the Election Fund, which we will evaluate and position ourselves in quick dispensing of the funds to areas we feel will be most required.

Shiellah Sibanda

MDC Southend on Sea Treasurer