MDC Leicester July Meeting

The Leicester branch of the Zimbabwe Association meets every fortnight in the city at the Methodist Church in Bishop Street to assist Zimbabweans with humanitarian aid and sign-posting those in need to relevant organisations like The British Red Cross and others.

The ZA is a non-partisan support group for Zimbabwean asylum seekers and refugees in the United Kingdom. The group works to ensure Zimbabwean asylum seekers have access to fair legal representation and accurate information throughout the asylum process.

Below are minutes of the meeting held on 09 July 2010:

Present were:

Pelagia Zigangwe (Hungwe); Makaza Chizinga; Tawanda Machakaire; Ethel Maloba, Lindiwe Maphosa, Irene Masenza, Hilda Gwesele, Clara Muyengwa, Mrs. Mhembere, Martha Mupepura, Ndabezinhle Moyo, Eva Gladys Mapara, George Mapara, Joyce Chikondano, Tichaona Govha, Dorcas Ndhlovu, Tambudzai Chikwanha, Newton Chikwanha, Fadzai M Chikwanha, Angeline Chirunga, Martha Matowa, Elina Hukuimwe, Wendy Kasenza, Shella Ngorima, Benedict Ncube, Hebert Mawadza, Cloud Chunga, Bernard Tapfuma, Prime Somerai, Michael Madamombe, Magret Matizha, Nyarai Membe, Portia Mudzudzu, Tryness Uzande, Mary Muteyerwa, Florence Magenje, Lizzway Jose, Patricia Tayero, Charles Ma,
Rudo Muzondo, Gloria Tafirenyika, Daniel Chirombe, Emmanuel Rwizi, Melissa Tshuma, Patrick Mawere, Michael Mudyiwa, Christina Ndlovu, Estelle Mutare, Patrick Musengwa, Rose Dhlamini, Elizabeth Mangodza, Wadzanayi Mudondo, Mike Banda, Christine Nyamaparo, Emmaculate Mbanga, Priscilla Dube, Grace Jessamin, Nyarai Gaba, Mitchell Meki, Shakespeare Tanhara, Jacqueline Chizinga, ring, Elizabeth Mhara, Jessiman Samanga, Musarurwa Kanyoka, Sibanyoni Sibanda, Sylvia Maziwa, Debra Chinogwenya, Marian Hove, Charles Ndelemani, Crispen Kulinji, Francesca Jakope, Joseph Dzavakwa, Willard Madondo, Lucy Mapfura; Tarisai Kanyoka, Patson Tamburai, Chris Gondoza, Kerri Beech, Cathy
Stevenson, Mary Ganya, Faines Jamu, Inathi Bambeni, Amanda Mroma, Millicent Sabau, Theresina Mhembere, Lilian Chirombe, Patson Muzuwa, Mitchell Meki; Silindiwe Munonyara; Jestiner Manyere;Vimbainashe Mangoma; Talent Norma Chidziwo.

An opening prayer was said by Lindiwe Maposa. The meeting started right on time looking at the previous agenda. Mr Machakayire
asked members to list the kind of projects to be undertaken in Leicester.  Everyone was asked to put down their names in the register
book.

Jackie Chizinga, Mary Muteyerwa, Theresina Mhembere, Tarisai Kanyoka and Martha Matohwa made the following proposals:

- Teaching vernacular languages e.g. Ndebele, Shona, Kore-Kore or Tonga
- Sewing, pattern cutting
- Cooking classes for Zimbabwean men
- Adult learning classes in numeracy and creative writing for young Zimbaweans
- Gardening and Agriculture
- Childcare support classes with focusing on our culture and traditions
- ICT

Mr Makaza Chizinga informed the members that he would be forwarding the proposals to the leadership for consideration with their response expected soon. He went on to update the ZA members of the Deputy Prime Ministers (Thokozani Khupe) visit on Tuesday 06 July 2010 London Diaspora Network Forum which he attended with Pellagia Hungwe. The Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe spoke about the inclusive
government saying it is not going on well. The MDC party is trying hard but not necessarily succeeding in its efforts. The situation back home in Zimbabwe is a risky situation and she advised that people should first assess whether it was safe for them to return.

During the question and answer session held with Miss Khupe she understood that the majority of the UK-Zimbabwe residents are asylum seekers. At the Network Forum, she promised that she would do as much as she could to help re-skill.

After the briefing on the DPM’s Visit Mr Makaza went on to call upon the guests from British Red Cross (Leicester). Cathy Stephenson and Kerri Beech thanked the Zimbabwean community in trying to help one another before they became destitute and those already in that situation. They
highlighted  some issues that they can offer help with like those in destitute situation and oher issues like applying for NASS Support etc

The meeting ended with Pelagia Hungwe closing the meeting saying “it is us to be united to help each other. Do not be Idle in the face of destitution” and the Red Cross representatives concluded assuring all ZA members present that they are the backbone and support system in times of need. Work together and not to be in isolation.

Any other business announcements were made by Mitchell Meki a ZA Member in connection with Saturday 10 July 2010 to the “ZimVigilUK”. Those going to the vigil for demonstrations should bring the contributions early so that the bus can be hired on time.

Closing Prayer was said and Anthem (Ishe Komborera Africa) before people joined in free-flow discussions and Zimbabwean meals. The next
meeting is scheduled for the 23 July .

Minutes taken by Miss Vimbainaishe Mangoma

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