Petition Handover

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Written by: John Burke

Published: 17 March 2023

Last Updated: 23 March 2023

Hits: 2442

Would you credit it? a train strike today gave some problems. Especially affected was Washington Ali, trying to get to London from the Isle of Wright! He did get to the Zimbabwe Embassy - but by 15:00. A real victim of the travel disruption. The weather however was 'on-side' - forecast rain - actual sunny which will always life the spirits.

Zimbabwe Embassy Rendezvous 

From 11:30 to 13:20 The demonstrators congregated outside the Zimbabwe Embassy {429 The Strand, London WC2R 0JR} arriving from all directions, with a travel-tale from many. First, saw Moses Mbano who had got a great deal of a train fare from Newcastle to Kings Cross. He got to the Embassy at 11:30am. Next was Rashiwe and John after a 4km {exercise} walk from London Bridge Station - since there were no trains running to Charring Cross. Their walk past St Paul's Cathedral and the High Court gave them a great display of London Architectural heritage. They also noted all the tiny side-streets with Old Churches, Cobble stone Court Yards and High-End Mercedes with chauffeurs awaiting their corporate Chairmen!

The demonstrtors had the "Zanu PF Must Go" banner, which was unfurled when they arrived and was shown many times in the photos and videos on the day. It certainly amused the passers-by who were curious as to what it all meant. Many were happy to be informed, but shocked as to the treatment of Job Sikhala. The Zimbabwean Embassy Staff, remained locked in the Embassy, presumeably through embarrassment as to the actions of the regime in Zimbabwe, after all the efforts by the regime's propaganda team to hide all their wrong-doings, violence and continued {apparently State Sanctioned monthly GOLD smuggling operations}!

So after lots of photos, the group departed just a fraction after 1:20 pm to head towards Whitehall

Swaziland Exiled Contingent

Hon Gaw'zela Twitter Handle @ZelaHon and Former Siphofaneni MP | President of SWALIMO | Advocating For Democratic Reforms In Swaziland, came to support the #FreeWiwa demo at the Embassy with 5 of his own supporters. These fine people were gladly welcomed, due to the close relationship between Zimbabwe and Swazi freedom demonstrators here in London - Many times have the Zimbabwe Opposition team have been to the Swazi High Commission near Buckingham Palace.

The Stroll to Whitehall

The group moved off with the "Zanu PF Must Go" Banner on display, down The Strand, past the Charring Cross Railway Station, across Trafalgar Square, and onto Whitehall itself. In good voice, chanting all the way - again piquing the interest of the tourists and Londoner's alike. 

Outside Downing Street

When they arrived at their preferred meeting place - in front of the statue of General Montgomery, opposite the gated entrance to the short street named "Downing Street", Chief Ndiweni was already waiting. The Chief, having had a difficult train journey from the East Coast, due, like many, due to the day's Train Strike. Many greetings were exchanged. And due deference was paid to Chief Ndiweni, mainly due to his long standing resistance to the coercion/corruption/overt political influence made by the ruling Zanu PF regime!

Drums, shakers and singing ensued to symbolise the injustices inflicted upon the peoples of Zimbabwe, both at home and in the global diaspora. They also completed the attendance register for all those present, to confirm the day's demonstration and significance for Zimbabweans.

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