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Peace road show in Banket
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
August 01, 2011

Hundreds of people converged in Kuwandzana to celebrate the upholding of peace through music and dance at a road show held by ZimRights in collaboration with Savannah Trust in Banket, Mashonaland West.

Residents welcomed the peace initiative by putting their differences aside to participate in and enjoy the show. Gracing the event were urban groove artists Snipper, Madiz and the energetic dance group "Explosion". All the groups' music themes were pro-peace and harmony starting at community level. Snipper's music was centred around an end to the abuse of women, "musikanahaarohwi" (girls should not be beaten up).

However, some over-zealous political loyalist tried to disrupt the occasion, but to no avail. The ZANU PF Mashonaland West youth chairperson tried to intimidate Savannah Trust and ZimRights officers on the ground. He demanded to see the police clearance letter for the function, and ironically asked how such a programme on peace could be tolerated and allowed to be held in Banket. After which he requested the officers to produce the programme for the show, topical issues to be discussed and samples of the promotional material that was being distributed. The officers however, referred the ZANU PF activist to the police for further information on the event. They also advised him to participate through dancing or taking part in the question and answer sessions like everyone else for him to receive a peace t-shirt which had gained much popularity during the show.

ZimRights applauds the police for the small town for their professionalism that saw the programme going as per plan despite efforts to disrupt it by some politicians. ZimRights pledge to continue with such programmes in violence hotspots areas such as Banket known for its intolerance for anything that is inconsistent with ZANU PF teachings and programmes. This is one of the area where gross inhuman treatment of human rights defenders and murders of MDC supporters were recorded.

Visit the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) fact sheet

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