Zimbabwe Deserves Truth, Not Manufactured Support: Questions Raised by the Al Jazeera Investigation

 By Munyaradzi Masaka

24^th October 2026

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with severe economic and social hardship, matters of government accountability, public‑resource stewardship, and the nation’s international standing demand urgent public scrutiny.

A recent Al Jazeera investigation titled “Murder For Hire & The UK's Far Right” has raised concerning questions surrounding alleged efforts to manufacture political support in the United Kingdom — including a reported plan to stage a rally calling for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe.

According to the report, Jack Ross, an associate of Turning Point UK, was allegedly involved in organising what is described as a contrived political rally. These allegations prompt important considerations regarding political integrity, transparency, and the tactics used to shape international public opinion. Those named in the investigation have contested parts of its findings, and all claims require fair, evidence‑based assessment.

If British citizens were recruited or remunerated to create the appearance of genuine grassroots backing for the Zimbabwean government, Zimbabweans are entitled to know who authorised these arrangements, who funded them, and what objectives they were intended to serve.

Legitimate political support is earned through sound governance, respect for human rights, democratic accountability, and policies that improve citizens’ livelihoods — it should not be manufactured to persuade the international community that a government enjoys popular backing.

Zimbabweans both at home and overseas have good reason to question whether their country’s global standing is being strengthened through authentic diplomatic outreach, or through questionable political manoeuvring.

At a time when many citizens face mounting unemployment, poverty, inadequate public services, and rising living costs, any alleged use of public funds for political publicity merits close examination. Where public money may have been deployed, the government should clarify the source of those funds and the legal authority under which they were spent.

This is not an argument against sanctions relief or improved relations between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. On the contrary, constructive bilateral ties could deliver tangible benefits to ordinary people, businesses, and future generations in both nations. Yet such progress must be built on credible dialogue, economic reform, respect for human rights, and mutual trust.

Nor should it be assumed that every British citizen who expresses support for Zimbabwe has been paid or is acting in bad faith. Many people genuinely stand in solidarity with Zimbabweans and their right to prosperity, dignity, and self‑determination.

The core concern is whether any parties deliberately sought to misrepresent public sentiment for political gain.

In my view, accountability must apply irrespective of political allegiance or diplomatic standing. No government should be exempt from legitimate questions about how it spends public funds or how it represents its citizens abroad.

The Zimbabwean government should provide a transparent response to the allegations set out in the Al Jazeera report. Where supporting evidence exists, relevant bodies should conduct independent investigations to establish the full facts.

Zimbabwe’s international reputation should not rest on staged events or manufactured acclaim. It should be built on the well‑being of its people, the strength of its democratic institutions, and the confidence citizens place in their leadership.

Zimbabwe deserves genuine international respect — not an illusion of support. Its people deserve answers, transparency, and leadership that places national interest above political image.

About the author
Munyaradzi Masaka is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is in the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. He is also active with the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) and Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO). He can be contacted by email at masakamunya8219@gmail.com

Zimbabwe under the So-Called Second Republic: A Human Rights Crisis and the Erosion of Democratic Freedoms.

By Tafadzwa Chivaura (Chairperson - ROHR Zimbabwe Midlands Branch - UK Chapter)

25th October 2026

It deeply troubles me that the future of Zimbabwe and its people continue to be held hostage by the prolonged rule of ZANU-PF. Under the so-called Second Republic, concerns about human rights violations, the erosion of democratic principles, and the concentration of political power have continued to raise serious questions about the country's commitment to constitutionalism, accountability, and the rule of law. The very people who should be enjoying the freedoms and protections guaranteed by the Constitution are increasingly concerned about their ability to exercise their rights without fear of intimidation, persecution, or political victimisation.

Vision 2030 was initially presented as a national development agenda promising economic transformation and prosperity. However, the introduction of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026, popularly known as CAB3, and its reported enactment into law in July 2026, raises profound concerns about the future of democracy and constitutional governance in Zimbabwe. When constitutional changes are perceived as serving the interests of those in power rather than the will of the people, the very foundation of democratic governance is placed at risk. Any attempt to extend presidential tenure or alter the constitutional framework in ways that weaken meaningful electoral accountability must be subjected to rigorous public scrutiny and constitutional safeguards.

The greatest danger is the possibility that citizens who oppose the extension of presidential terms or question government policies may be treated as enemies of the state. In a democratic society, dissent is not a crime, criticism is not treason, and demanding accountability is not an act of disloyalty. Every Zimbabwean has the fundamental right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and political participation. When citizens fear intimidation, arbitrary arrest, harassment, or persecution for expressing their political views, these freedoms become meaningless in practice. A government that claims to represent its people must protect the rights of its critics, not seek to silence them.

What saddens me most is the apparent imbalance of power between ordinary Zimbabweans and the political elite. The rights, freedoms, and future of millions should never be determined by the narrow interests of a few individuals. Human rights are universal; they are not privileges to be granted or withdrawn at the discretion of those who hold political office. Every Zimbabwean, regardless of political affiliation, social status, or economic standing, deserves equal protection under the law, equal access to opportunities, and the freedom to participate in shaping the nation's future.

This leaves me with a fundamental question: What can the people of Zimbabwe do to defend their constitutional rights and challenge political decisions that they believe undermine democracy? The answer must begin with public awareness, peaceful civic engagement, constitutional accountability, independent institutions, and solidarity among citizens. Zimbabweans must be able to question government decisions, organise peacefully, demand transparency, and participate freely in national debates without fear of retaliation. Civil society organisations, independent journalists, legal practitioners, and democratic institutions all have an important role to play in safeguarding fundamental freedoms and ensuring that those in positions of authority remain accountable to the people.

Meanwhile, the country's economic circumstances continue to raise serious concerns. Many Zimbabweans struggle to find stable employment, access reliable public services, and secure a dignified standard of living. The limited opportunities available to ordinary citizens stand in stark contrast to claims that the Second Republic has transformed the country for the better. While some may point to particular development projects or economic achievements, such claims must be assessed against the lived experiences of the wider population. Development cannot be measured by political slogans alone; it must be reflected in jobs, functioning industries, affordable basic necessities, reliable public services, and improved living standards for ordinary families.

A nation cannot claim meaningful progress when its citizens are unable to exercise their rights freely, earn a decent livelihood, or hold their leaders accountable without fear. Economic hardship and restrictions on civil liberties can reinforce one another, leaving vulnerable communities with fewer opportunities to challenge decisions that affect their lives. The people of Zimbabwe deserve more than promises of prosperity under Vision 2030. They deserve tangible economic opportunities, respect for human dignity, and institutions that serve the public interest rather than narrow political or personal interests.

Equally troubling are concerns about constitutional changes and the extent to which the public has been afforded a genuine opportunity to participate in decisions affecting the country's democratic future. The Constitution is not the property of any political party, president, or group of officeholders. It is the supreme legal framework through which the rights of citizens are protected and the powers of government are limited. Any proposed amendment must comply with the applicable constitutional procedures, including referendum requirements where legally required. Constitutional legitimacy depends not merely on the formal passage of legislation but also on respect for the law, transparency, public participation, and the democratic principles underpinning the constitutional order.

The political environment also raises concerns about patronage, corruption, and the use of public resources. When access to opportunities appears to depend on political loyalty rather than merit, fairness, or equal treatment, public institutions risk losing the confidence of the people they are meant to serve. Government resources belong to the nation, not to individual officeholders or their political allies. Public funds must be managed transparently and accountably, with corruption investigated impartially and those responsible held to account through lawful processes. Zimbabweans should not have to demonstrate loyalty to political leaders to access opportunities, services, or the benefits of their country's resources.

At the heart of this debate is the right to vote. Voting is not merely an exercise conducted during election periods; it is a fundamental instrument through which citizens participate in public affairs, choose their representatives, and hold political leaders accountable. For this right to have genuine meaning, elections must take place within a framework that protects political freedoms, allows citizens to make informed choices, and ensures that opposition voices can participate without intimidation or discrimination. The people's mandate must never be treated as the personal property of those elected to serve them.

The future of Zimbabwe should not be determined by fear, political patronage, or constitutional arrangements that place the interests of those in power above the rights of citizens. It should be shaped by respect for human dignity, the rule of law, democratic accountability, and the equal participation of every Zimbabwean.

Ultimately, the question is not simply whether the Second Republic claims to have delivered development. The more important question is whether Zimbabweans can live freely, express themselves without fear, participate meaningfully in public affairs, access economic opportunities, and hold their leaders accountable under the law.

No political party is greater than the Constitution, no president is above the law, and no government has the right to treat the fundamental freedoms of its citizens as a political favour. Zimbabwe belongs to its people, and its future must be determined through lawful, inclusive, and democratic processes that respect their rights and aspirations. The struggle for a democratic Zimbabwe is, at its core, a struggle to protect human dignity, restore public accountability, and ensure that the freedoms promised by the Constitution are enjoyed by all, not merely proclaimed in words.

About the author
Tafadzwa Chivaura is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is the Chairperson of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at tafadzwachivaura@yahoo.com OR at Tafadzwa.chivaura@rohr-zimbabwe.org

Zimbabwe Needs Responsible Leadership, Not Political Drama

By Anna Katsande – Political Activist and Human Rights Defender

23^rd  October 2026

Zimbabwe faces serious challenges that require urgent attention, responsible leadership, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens. Unfortunately, instead of seeing our political leaders concentrating on the problems affecting the nation, we continue to witness political disputes, public exchanges, and statements that raise serious questions about leadership, accountability, and respect for the people of Zimbabwe.

The reported remarks attributed to Tatenda Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister, regarding Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and President Emmerson Mnangagwa deserve public scrutiny. Statements suggesting that the Vice President cannot challenge the President, alongside the use of indirect expressions such as “imbwa inorohwerwa payabira”, raise important questions about the culture of political loyalty being promoted within the ruling party.

As a political activist and human rights defender, I believe that Zimbabwe deserves better than a political environment where loyalty to individuals appears to take priority over the nation's needs. My concern is not about taking sides in internal disputes within ZANU-PF. My concern is about the people of Zimbabwe, whose lives are affected by the decisions, priorities, and conduct of those entrusted with public office.

Leadership Must Be About Service, Not Personal Loyalty

A minister is appointed to serve the nation, uphold the responsibilities of public office, and contribute to the country's development. The position should not be treated as an opportunity to demonstrate unquestioning loyalty to one individual at the expense of meaningful national discussion.

When political leaders appear to suggest that only one person deserves praise, or that questioning the President is unacceptable, they risk creating a political culture in which personal loyalty becomes more important than accountability.

No country can develop properly if its political culture discourages honest discussion and constructive criticism. Leaders must understand that respect for the President does not mean abandoning the right to question decisions, raise concerns, or demand better governance.

In any healthy democracy, leadership should be measured by service delivery, integrity, transparency, and the ability to improve people’s lives. It should not be measured by how loudly an individual praises the head of state or how aggressively they defend a political faction.

Zimbabweans Need Schools, Hospitals, Roads, and Basic Services

While political leaders exchange words and appear to compete for recognition within their party, ordinary Zimbabweans continue to face problems that require immediate attention.

Our teaching and health professionals need decent salaries and adequate resources to perform their function. Our schools need adequate learning materials, better infrastructure, and an environment in which teachers and learners can perform their duties effectively. Children deserve classrooms that are safe, properly equipped, and suitable for learning. Education should be a priority because Zimbabwe's future depends on the opportunities we provide to the next generation.

Our health facilities also require serious attention. Patients deserve access to essential medicines, functioning equipment, adequate staffing, and timely medical care. No citizen should feel abandoned when seeking treatment. Access to healthcare is a human right fundamental to human dignity, and improving the health system should be a priority for any government that claims to represent its people.

Road infrastructure must also be taken seriously. Poor roads affect businesses, farmers, commuters, schoolchildren, and people who need urgent medical assistance. Safe and reliable roads support economic activity, connect communities, and improve access to essential services.

Beyond these issues, Zimbabweans need reliable access to clean water, electricity, employment opportunities, affordable necessities, and a functioning public service system. Families are concerned about how they will meet their daily needs, young people are concerned about their futures, and communities want to see tangible improvements in their living conditions.

These are the matters that should dominate public discussion. The country needs practical solutions, clear plans, and measurable progress, not endless political performances.

Ministers Must Demonstrate Dignity and Respect

Public office carries responsibility, and the way a minister communicates matters. Leaders are expected to demonstrate maturity, professionalism, and respect, particularly when addressing sensitive political issues in front of citizens.

Political disagreement is normal, but it should be expressed in a manner that encourages constructive discussion rather than hostility, humiliation, or intimidation. The use of insults, threatening metaphors, or language that appears designed to silence others can undermine public confidence in leadership.

A minister should be able to communicate firmly without abandoning dignity. Strong leadership does not require belittling others, issuing indirect warnings, or making public statements that turn political disagreements into spectacles.

People should be able to look at their leaders and see examples of responsibility, tolerance, and sound judgment. When leaders behave in ways that appear disrespectful or unnecessarily confrontational, they risk damaging the very public trust they should be working to build.

Respect must not be demanded from citizens while those in positions of authority fail to demonstrate it themselves. It is earned through conduct, honesty, service, and a willingness to listen to people's concerns.

Political Disagreements Should Be Resolved Responsibly

If senior political figures within ZANU-PF have disagreements, they should find responsible ways to address them. They can engage in dialogue, consult one another, and use appropriate party or institutional processes to resolve their differences.

The public should not be turned into an audience for political quarrels that do little to improve people’s lives. Citizens face real challenges, and they should not be expected to spend their time watching political leaders trade accusations while urgent national priorities remain unresolved.

This does not mean that political disagreements should always be hidden from public view. Where matters affect the public interest, transparency is essential. However, transparency should not be used as an excuse for personal attacks or political theatre. The important distinction is between a meaningful public debate about policy and a spectacle centred on personalities.

Zimbabwe needs leaders who can disagree without losing their sense of responsibility.

About the author
Anna Katsande is a human rights defender and political activist based in the United Kingdom. She is in the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She is also active with the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) and Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO). She can be contacted by email at annastarchihaka@gmail.com

Zimbabwe’s Government Must Lead by Example: You Cannot Demand What You Fail to Deliver

By Munyaradzi Masaka

22^nd October 2026

The Government of Zimbabwe recently issued a directive requiring property owners across the country to repair, refurbish, repaint and maintain dilapidated buildings and their surrounding environments, warning that those who fail to comply may face legal penalties, including a Level Five fine or imprisonment of up to six months.

According to reports, the directive applies to landlords, homeowners, churches, shopping centres, business complexes, industrial properties and office buildings. Nobody should oppose efforts to ensure that buildings are structurally sound, public spaces are clean, and neighbourhoods are safe for residents.

However, an important question must be asked: What about the Government's own buildings, public institutions and infrastructure that have been neglected for years?

If private property owners are expected to take responsibility for their buildings, should the Government not be the first to demonstrate that responsibility?

The Government Must Practise What It Preaches

Across Zimbabwe, citizens have witnessed the deterioration of public infrastructure, including government offices, public housing, hospitals, schools and other state-owned facilities. Some buildings have visibly fallen into disrepair, raising concerns about maintenance, public safety and the responsible use of taxpayers' money.

In April 2026, The Herald reported that the Government had acknowledged the deteriorating condition of its housing stock. The Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Professor Paul Mavima, attributed the situation partly to years of inadequate funding for repairs and maintenance.

This raises a fundamental question about priorities. If the Government acknowledges that its own properties have suffered from years of underfunding, what concrete measures are being taken to restore them to acceptable standards?

The Government cannot reasonably demand accountability from citizens while appearing unwilling or unable to demonstrate the same level of accountability in managing public assets.

A government building is not merely a structure. It represents a public institution, an essential service and the resources entrusted to the state by the people. When such buildings deteriorate, it is legitimate for citizens to ask those responsible how maintenance budgets are being spent and what plans exist to address the problem.

Will the Law Apply Equally to Everyone?

The reported penalties raise another important concern about equality before the law.

An ordinary landlord who fails to comply with a lawful order may face financial penalties or imprisonment. A church leader responsible for a neglected building may also face enforcement action. Homeowners and business operators are similarly expected to comply with applicable regulations.

But what happens when a government-owned building is neglected? Who is held accountable when a public institution fails to maintain its premises? Will the responsible department face meaningful consequences? Will officials be required to explain why public property has been allowed to deteriorate?

These are not unreasonable questions. They are essential questions in any society that values transparency, good governance and the rule of law.

The issue is not whether property owners should maintain their buildings. They should. The issue is whether the same principles of responsibility and accountability will be applied consistently, regardless of who owns the property.

The Government must clarify how the requirements will apply to public buildings and what mechanisms will ensure compliance by government departments and state institutions.

The law must not become a burden imposed primarily on ordinary citizens while public authorities escape scrutiny.

Beautification Must Not Become a Substitute for Service Delivery

Zimbabwe's urban challenges go beyond the appearance of buildings.

Residents in various communities continue to raise concerns about unreliable water supplies, deteriorating roads, inadequate drainage, waste collection, sewage problems and other essential services. These problems affect public health, economic activity and the everyday lives of citizens.

A freshly painted building may improve the appearance of a street, but paint alone will not repair a broken sewer system, provide clean drinking water or restore a damaged road.

Likewise, a government office may look attractive from the outside while the institution inside struggles to deliver the services citizens need.

The National Clean-Up Campaign and efforts to improve the built environment should therefore be accompanied by a comprehensive programme of public infrastructure maintenance, reliable service delivery and responsible financial management.

Beautification must be part of national development, not a substitute for it.

Where Is the Accountability for Public Money?

Government buildings and public infrastructure are maintained using resources that ultimately belong to the people. Citizens contribute through taxes, fees and other forms of public revenue, and they have a legitimate interest in knowing whether those resources are being used effectively.

Zimbabwe's 2026 national budget includes a programme specifically concerned with the construction, maintenance and management of government buildings. The budget also sets targets for the number of public buildings to be maintained. <Link url="https://zimtreasury.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Approved-2026-Estimates-of-Expenditure.pdf" title="See Zimbabwe's 2026 national budget estimates"/>.

This makes it reasonable to ask for public reporting on the condition of government properties, the maintenance work completed, the resources allocated and the results achieved.

How many government buildings require urgent repairs? How many have been refurbished? Which institutions are responsible for neglected properties? What timelines have been established to address unsafe structures?

These questions deserve clear answers supported by published information rather than political promises.

Parliament, local authorities, the Auditor-General and other relevant oversight institutions should help ensure that public assets are properly managed and that failures are investigated.

Where negligence, misuse of public funds or misconduct is established, the responsible individuals should be held accountable through lawful and fair procedures.

We Deserve Fair Treatment, Not Selective Enforcement

It is important to recognise that some property owners may struggle financially to undertake extensive renovations. While the law must be respected, local authorities should communicate requirements clearly, provide reasonable compliance periods where the law permits and distinguish between cosmetic improvements and repairs necessary to address genuine safety risks.

A building with a dangerous structure presents a different concern from a property that simply needs repainting.

Enforcement should therefore be proportionate, transparent and focused on legitimate public interests, especially the protection of human life and public health.

The same approach should apply to public institutions. Where a government building poses a safety risk, the authorities should take prompt action to protect occupants and members of the public, arrange necessary repairs and disclose how the problem will be resolved.

Accountability must be practical, not merely rhetorical.

Leadership Begins at the Top

A government that wants cleaner cities, safer buildings and better-maintained neighbourhoods must demonstrate those standards through its own conduct.

If the state expects landlords to refurbish their properties, it must maintain its own buildings. If it demands cleanliness from churches and businesses, government premises must meet the same expectations. If it insists on compliance with the law, public institutions must respect the law and accept scrutiny when they fail.

Zimbabwe does not need policies that simply transfer responsibility to citizens. It needs leadership that accepts responsibility alongside the people.

The Government should publish a nationwide assessment of dilapidated public buildings, establish clear maintenance targets, disclose the resources allocated to repairs and report regularly on progress. Local authorities should also make enforcement decisions transparent and apply the law fairly. These measures would demonstrate that the campaign is genuinely about improving the country rather than merely threatening property owners with punishments and jail terms,

We deserve safe homes, clean streets, reliable public services and well-maintained public institutions. We also deserve a government that recognises its own responsibilities before demanding compliance from everyone else. There is nothing wrong with asking citizens to maintain their properties. There is, however, something fundamentally wrong if the authorities enforce standards against private owners while failing to address comparable neglect in public buildings. Before demanding that every landlord, church, business and homeowner beautify their property, the Government must demonstrate that it can properly maintain the buildings and infrastructure entrusted to it. Leadership is not measured by the severity of the penalties imposed on ordinary citizens. It is measured by the standards leaders set, the services they deliver and the accountability they accept.

Zimbabwe belongs to its people, and public resources must be managed in the public interest. Citizens should not have to ask why the law is strict with them but seemingly less demanding of those in authority. If the Government wants a cleaner, safer and more beautiful Zimbabwe, it must begin with itself. You cannot demand excellence from the people while excusing failure within your own institutions. Lead by example, practise what you preach, and let accountability begin at the top.

About the author
Munyaradzi Masaka is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is in the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. He is also active with the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) and Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO). He can be contacted by email at masakamunya8219@gmail.com