END OF YEAR MESSAGE – ROHR ZIMBABWE

2025: A Year of Challenges and Resilience

2025—what a year!

We had hoped to deliver a message filled with optimism, but the harsh realities in Zimbabwe compel us to speak truthfully about the ongoing struggles.

Repressive Laws and Lawfare

Throughout 2025, the ZANU-PF-led government further consolidated power through repressive legislation and tactics, significantly shrinking democratic space. Existing laws—such as the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), the Cyber and Data Protection Act of 2021, and the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Act of 2023 (the "Patriotic Act")—were already highly restrictive. Yet, on 11 April 2025, the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act (Act No. 1 of 2025) was enacted, marking a further step toward authoritarian governance by tightening controls on civic organisations and undermining democratic foundations.

The government also intensified its use of "lawfare" to suppress dissent: prolonged pre-trial detention, extended court battles after bail, financial burdens, and efforts to erode activists' resolve. A stark example is journalist Blessed Mhlanga's 72-day pre-trial detention. Arrested on 24 February 2025 for interviewing war veteran Blessed Geza—who had called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation—Mhlanga was granted bail on 6 May 2025 and released on 7 May due to processing delays.

Our Campaigns and Activism

Despite these challenges, ROHR Zimbabwe, both independently and in collaboration with partner human rights organisations, remained steadfast in advocating for the restoration of human rights.

• Campaigns: We led a sustained, successful effort to secure Blessed Mhlanga's release, highlighting his case daily on social media until his freedom was secured.
  
  
• Demonstrations: In partnership with ZHRO, ZAPU, and three CCC formations, we mobilised and participated in a protest in London on 17 June 2025 against Auxillia Mnangagwa's invitation to speak at the F.L.A.I.R. Summit. We informed organisers, speakers, guests, and the wider public that she represents the pinnacle of corruption within a kleptocratic system that has plundered Zimbabwe's resources. We highlighted the collapsed healthcare system as a direct consequence, noting the stark contrast between lavish spending (such as over US$37,000 on her summit travel) and the lack of basic resources in hospitals amid severe challenges in maternal health. Our actions contributed to her eventual non-attendance. We proceeded with the demonstration at the venue to ensure accountability and guard against any last-minute changes.
  
  
• Engagements: On 20 March 2025, representatives from our collaborative network (including ZHRO, ZAPU, and three CCC formations) met senior officials at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London. The British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Peter Vowles, joined briefly despite his demanding schedule.
  
  
• Internal Meetings: The Board of Trustees and Executive committees across our UK Chapter organs held regular scheduled meetings. Branches also convened monthly, either virtually via Zoom or in person.

Humanitarian Efforts

We mobilised vital support for those in need:

• Members generously contributed funds, which were sent directly to Blessed Mhlanga's family during his detention.
  
  
• Branches continued ongoing initiatives, including providing ointments and raising awareness for albinism relief in Manicaland, and collecting sanitary ware and bedding for Bulawayo Shelter, a charity supporting the destitute.
  
  
• We also raised funds for bereaved members, including contributions toward the burial of our late member, Chipo Komboni, who passed away in July 2025 after a short illness.

Social Media and Public Engagement

Social media remained our primary platform for amplifying human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Through Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), our activists generated significant pressure, contributing to outcomes such as Blessed Mhlanga's release and Auxillia Mnangagwa's withdrawal from the F.L.A.I.R. Summit. Many members also shared insightful opinion pieces on our Blogspot, fostering broader societal dialogue on human rights in Zimbabwe.

Conclusion

With activists inside Zimbabwe increasingly silenced by the regime's tactics, the responsibility falls heavily on the diaspora to serve as the voice of the voiceless. We embrace this duty with honour and determination.

The Board of Trustees, the UK Chapter Executive Committee, and the Executive Committees of our Scotland, North, and Midlands branches of the UK Chapter extend heartfelt thanks to all members, supporters and sympathisers for your unwavering activism, unity, and generosity throughout 2025.

We wish you and all our stakeholders a prosperous and hopeful New Year.

The struggle continues.

END

 

The International Day of Non-Violence with Zimbabwe in Mind – by Tawanda Matangambiri

2^nd October 2025

“In these dangerous and divided times, let us find the strength to follow his lead, end the suffering, advance diplomacy, heal divisions, and create a just, sustainable and peaceful world for all.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

 “There are many causes that I am prepared to die for, but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.” – Mahatma Gandhi

October 2 marks the International Day of Non-Violence, commemorating the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India’s independence movement and a pioneer of non-violent resistance.

This day is dedicated to spreading the message of peace, with a special emphasis on education and increasing public awareness. Figures such as Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. embodied the power of non-violent struggle, leading movements like Gandhi’s Salt March and King’s Birmingham Bus Boycott to challenge oppression and injustice without resorting to violence.

In Zimbabwe, however, violence has sadly become entrenched in civic and political life. Activists are arrested for speaking out, and our democracy is on life support. Many Zimbabweans feel suffocated, searching for ways to be heard without resorting to violence.

Opposition members and activists have repeatedly faced incarceration, abduction, harassment, and even death for daring to express themselves. Election periods, in particular, have been marred by violence, intimidation, and systematic suppression. ZANU-PF supporters have routinely disrupted opposition rallies, threatened citizens, and created a climate of fear that stifles free political participation.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police, entrusted to protect the people, have instead applied the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (2019) selectively—blocking opposition rallies while freely permitting ZANU-PF gatherings.

It is disheartening that Zimbabweans have been abandoned, left with no impartial institutions to turn to. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has consolidated power by capturing the government, police, army, and nearly every public institution, leaving citizens vulnerable and voiceless.

But Zimbabwe does not need another armed liberation struggle to reclaim dignity and human rights. What our nation needs is collective maturity—an embrace of peace, democracy, and human rights as the foundations of our future.

Without a government that respects democratic values, and without citizens actively safeguarding them, the principles of non-violence risk being eroded, replaced by authoritarianism. Yet our last hope lies in unity: Zimbabweans must come together to end the rule of Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF, proving that real change can be achieved without violence.

Let us choose to be instruments of peace and non-violence. Let us demonstrate to those in power what it means to be both human and humane.

#SayNoToViolence
#Peace
#Unity

About the author
Tawanda Matangambiri is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a member of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at matangambiritawanda@gmail.com

INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY – 2025

 14^th June 2025

Yesterday, Friday 13^th June 2025 was International Albinism Awareness Day.

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious genetic condition present from birth. It occurs when both parents carry the gene responsible for the condition, even if they do not show any signs of albinism themselves. Albinism affects individuals of all genders and ethnic backgrounds and is found worldwide.

The condition is characterised by a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. This deficiency leads to extreme sensitivity to sunlight and bright light, resulting in visual impairment for nearly all individuals with albinism. It also increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Currently, there is no cure for the absence of melanin that defines albinism.

In North America and Europe, albinism affects approximately 1 in 17,000 to 20,000 people. In contrast, it is significantly more common in sub-Saharan Africa, where in countries like Tanzania, the rate is about 1 in 1,400. In certain communities in Zimbabwe and other Southern African ethnic groups, prevalence can be as high as 1 in 1,000.

ROHR Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with people with albinism under the theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”

In Zimbabwe and across Africa, individuals with albinism face discrimination, violence, and deadly neglect. We call on the government and communities to uphold their rights, ensure access to healthcare – including sunscreen – and end the harmful myths that threaten their lives.

Human rights are not negotiable.

On this occasion, Phylis Melody Magejo said; - “Individuals living with albinism have the right to equal
opportunities with everyone else. Societies should foster inclusivity and fairness for people with albinism. Remove barriers that hinder them from participating or contributing their skills and talents in communities. We say “NO” to discrimination and stigma.”

Indeed, it is very common for people with albinism to be excluded from many things in life. They face insurmountable barriers imposed by society and governments that hinder them from reaching their full potential. 

Some even die prematurely for want of such basics as sunscreen and lotions that would otherwise help prevent diseases like skin cancer. 

Petronella Mahachi said: - “Happy International Albinism Awareness Day. I amplify the voices of people with albinism and encourage all Teachers in Zimbabwe to be mindful of the needs of children with albinism and allow them to sit at the front of the class due to challenges they may face with eyesight.
#UnitedInMakingOurVoiceHeard.

Summary by:-

Information & Publicity Team
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe
Email: humanrights@rohr-zimbabwe.org

Shrinking the Democratic Space: The Dictator, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Is at It Again - By Panyika Karimanzira

30^th May 2025

This week, kleptocrat and dictator Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled the Zimbabwe Media Policy.

Cloaked in colourful language and lofty rhetoric, the policy might appear progressive at first glance. But a closer, more critical examination reveals a different reality.

To the discerning citizen, this policy is yet another addition to the regime’s ever-expanding arsenal of repressive tools. Far from promoting transparency or freedom of expression, it resurrects the spirit of the long-repealed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). It now joins the ranks of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act of 2023—infamously dubbed the “Patriotic Act”—and the Cyber and Data Protection Act. Collectively, these laws constitute a systematic erosion of Zimbabwe’s democratic space.

The Zimbabwe Media Policy is a framework designed to curtail free speech and media independence. It grants the state sweeping powers—not only over traditional media but also over social media—thus extending its surveillance and control into the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

Central to this policy is a requirement for licensing under a centralised, government-controlled system. In the hands of a dictator, such a mechanism becomes a potent weapon. Media outlets and journalists operate at the mercy of the state. Those who refuse to conform, or who dare to expose corruption and abuses of power, face harsh reprisals.

Journalists are particularly vulnerable. Recent pre-trial detention cases—such as that of Blessing Mhlanga and, before him, Hopewell Chin’ono—demonstrate the real consequences of exposing the corruption and shenanigans of the ruling elite, as well as speaking truth to power. Under this policy, reporters who shine a light on government failures or corruption risk imprisonment.

Foreign journalists are also targeted. They must obtain security clearance from the intelligence services, pay hefty fees, and surrender copies of any documentaries produced during their stay in Zimbabwe. This not only discourages external scrutiny but also tightens the regime’s grip on its international image.

Clause 4.8 (Page 31) of the policy outlines a chilling array of penalties: loss of licenses or accreditation, forced content removal or blocking, mandatory apologies and corrections, disqualification from media awards, and potential legal action.

Big Brother is not just watching us —he is silencing us.

About the author

Panyika Anselm Karimanzira is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a board member of and spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at anselm.karimanzira@yahoo.ie OR panyika.karimanzira@rohr-zimbabwe.org