Dorcas Kudabvanji Must Stay Campaign

Dorcas Kudabvanji is 42 years old, was born in Zimbabwe and is now living in Romford in Essex. She has five children, Prosper aged 23, Kudakwashe aged 19, Primrose aged 16, Nyasha aged 12 and Tinashe aged 7. 

Her father was Malawian and despite never living in Malawi, Dorcas is a Malawian Citizen. Zimbabwe is in a state of turmoil as the government run by Robert Mugabe crush all opposition using violence and intimidation. In 2001 and 2002 Dorcas donated money to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) who oppose Mugabe and challenged him in the elections held last year. As a result of this in March 2002 she was abducted by members of Mugabe's party Zanu PF and held for 4 days. She was beaten, forced to chant Zanu PF slogans and interrogated about other supporters of the MDC. 

After her release she went to stay with her sister but her husband received a number of telephone calls from Zanu PF members asking where she was. In May she fled Zimbabwe leaving her husband Clever, and children behind her and came to the UK where she claimed asylum. Her claim was refused as she was told she could go and live in Malawi as she is a citizen of that country.

However, she has never lived in Malawi and has no family there to go to. If she were to be deported to Malawi her family may not be able to join her there as they are not Malawian. Malawi has a terrible food crisis and it would be very difficult for her if she were deported there when she has no means to support herself.   

What you can do to help
      Fax/write to the Home Secretary David Blunkett, using the model letter 'Attached', which you can copy/amend/write your own.
Fax no: 020 7273 3965 from outside the UK + 44 20 7273 3965

Or write to:

David Blunkett
Home Secretary
Home Office
50 Queen Anne's Gate
London SW1H 9AT

Please take time to send a copy of anything sent to:
Dorcas Kudabvanji Must Stay Campaign
c/o NCADC
Cambridge House
131 Camberwell Road
London SE5 0HF
Enquiries/further information:
Allison Bennett
Phone: 020 7701 5197
ncadc-london@ncadc.org.uk