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Zimbabwe Day 2010
Zimbabweans celebrated independence anniversary in style in Bristol
About 500 people gathered in Bristol over the weekend to commemorate the 30th Zimbabwe Independence anniversary.
The annual event organised jointly by the Bristol Zimbabwe Association and Zimbabwe Community group was held at the Vassall Centre on Saturday 17 April 2010. The commemorations supported by the Quartet Community Foundation, The Two Way Street and International Organisation for Migration was organised to give Zimbabweans in Bristol and their friends an opportunity to reflect on the ‘Past, present and future of Zimbabwe.’
The event celebrated in style commenced with a discussion and followed by live performances by Zimbabwean artist Cecilia Ndhlovu and her band. Zimbabwean Pastor Edison Maburutse of Jesus Kingdom City in Bristol led the occasion with a moving prayer and sang the Zimbabwe national anthem ‘Ishe komborera / Nkosi Sikelea’ in remembrance of the country’s brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price during the liberation struggle.
Speakers at the event included Valerie Davey, former Labour MP for Bristol West; Henry Ogbu, representing Africa Voices Forum; Dave Spurgeon, Executive secretary, Bristol Action for Southern Africa; Peter Hammond, trustee BcFM Radio and former Deputy Leader, Bristol City Council; Susan Tande and Suzeet Kwenda, both representing the women’s wing of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change and Morgan Tande, chair MDC Bristol branch.
“Our independence anniversary brings us all together irrespective of our different political persuasion and give Zimbabweans and our friends the opportunity to reflect the past, present and future of our country. We are humbled by the support and tribute goes to all those involved in putting this event,” said Forward Maisokwadzo, Chair, Bristol Zimbabwe Association.
Forward who was also the master of ceremony added: “The event was indeed a success in all respects but we aim for next year’s event to surpass this one hence watch the space.”
In a statement read by Peter Hammond, the Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Christopher Davis said:
“I am sorry I am not able to be with you today. However, I would like to send you my very best wishes. I am delighted that you have chosen to live in Bristol- your community adds so much to the colour and life of this City, for which we are grateful. I hope you all have an enjoyable and fulfilling day.”
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Independence speech read by Mthombeni said: “As we approach our nation's 30th independence anniversary, it is appropriate that we reflect on the goals and ideals of the independence struggle.
“Indeed in accepting the role of Prime Minister in this transitional Government, I did so to further both the aims and ideals of the liberation struggle and the goals of the democratic struggle that started in earnest 10 years ago.”
After the event Valerie Dave had this to say: “You have certainly developed the event over the years. It was a tribute to the Bristol Zimbabwe Group that others wanted to come from across the country to join you. Your careful arrangements made it an occasion which everyone could enjoy, and I'm sure it will go from strength to strength giving mutual support and encouragement to all those from Zimbabwe at present in Bristol.”
Nicholas Simemeza, a representative of the MDC UK & Ireland Midlands South district who also attended the celebrations had this to say: “Oh what a day to remember. Not only did we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves but we had quite some lessons learnt, which without doubt will help us when we organise an event of that magnitude.
“We still talk about how nice was the food and how well co-ordinated everything went. Thank you very much, we appreciate and may the lord keep blessing you in your tire-less efforts to keep the Zimbabwean community lost in the Diaspora, together.”
Pastor Maburutse who led with prayers again this year said: “Thanks for the invite and it really was a moving time to just be together as Zimbabweans. I believe our cohesion is enhanced in functions like that.”
At the event £110, 11 was raised as contributions towards Julia Mubvumba’s funeral arrangements who was brutally murdered in Leicester.
Morgan Tande on behalf of the Zimbabwe Community group in Bristol had this to say: “We’re thrilled to have such a big gathering here in Bristol. And above all, great thanks to many who contributed money to go towards Julia’s funeral arrangements. We met our target. Julia was an active part of our community here in Bristol and its heart rending to hear she was brutally murdered. It’s a terrible thing.”
Brief History
The macro-economic conditions and the tense political atmosphere in Zimbabwe have resulted in a number of people emigrating from Zimbabwe and the most popular destination has been the UK. These people have encountered a number of issues, which include:
- Lack of support from extended families and support networks in Zimbabwe
- Integration with the Bristol community and the cosmopolitan society
- Upholding of the Zimbabwean roots and values in a competing capitalist society.
These challenges have necessitated the formation of BZA. The Association has a membership of 150 people, which draws from expatriate Zimbabweans, refugees and well-wishers. The activities of the association are bound by a constitution adopted during an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 9 October 2004 and are guided by a committee elected at each AGM.
The Management Committee consists of six members who are elected at the AGM. The team consists of a chairperson, secretary, treasurer and three committee members.
BZA is a not-for-profit registered organisation Limited by guarantee.
About The Bristol Zimbabwe Association
BZA is a Bristol based community non-profit organisation established by Zimbabweans, friends and well-wishers to provide a wide range of services among them advice, information, welfare support, etc to the growing Zimbabwean community in the Bristol area as well as finding solutions to help the ordinary suffering people in Zimbabwe, particularly Aids orphans.
Most of our activities/ events were supported or funded by the Quartet Community Foundation, Bristol City Council’s Community Regeneration Division, Refugee Action and Terrence Higgins Trust with support from Bristol Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA).