Ruvengo (left) receives his award from ZimRights director Dzikamai Bere
EnviroPress Reporter
ZimRights has awarded Stanslous Roy Ruvengo, an environmental activist and human rights activist, the Masvingo Provincil Human Rights of the Year ward in recognition of his immense work.
Ruvengo, who also works with EnviroPress as a citizen journalist, received the award in Masvingo City at a function graced by prominent individuals in the civil society sector.
The award was handed over by ZimRights director Dzikamai Bere, who was the guest of honour, and the huma rights organization’s regional chairperson Joyce Mhungu-Chigaba.
Ruvengo was praised for his work which has spotlighted on some pressing rights violations in the province.
“The year 2024 was not easy for many human rights defenders. ZimRights is grateful and indebted to activists who continue to stand up for human rights in their communities against powerful forces. Mr Ruvengo is one such defender who led his community in protecting environmental rights and holding business to account for any violations. Masvingo indeed Zimbabwe is privileged to be home to such a man of courage he inspires us all,” said Bere.
Ruvengo, who represented Masvingo at national level, was unanimously nominated by the province’s seven districts. He has dedicated his life to promote and protect human rights in his home district of Chivi.
Earlier this year, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) visited the district to carry out investigations after Ruvengo wrote a letter detailing the violation environmental rights at Chivi Turn-Off business centre.
This related to the issues of dust pollution caused by large numbers of trucks parking at the large unpaved ground at the business centre which also faced severe water shortages.
After the investigation, the council-run truck inn was upgraded refurbished with solar powered pump for the business community, travelers and the community itself addressing the issue of right to water.
ZHRC is a constitutional body mandated to investigate rights violations in the country.
