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 

ROHR ZIMBABWE COMES TO THE AID OF BLESSED MHLANGA’S FAMILY DURING HIS INCARCERATION

By Information & Publicity Team 

18^th April 2025

In a typical case of lawfare by the regime in Harare, Blessed Mhlanga, a journalist with privately owned Heart and Soul Television, a part of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), was detained on 24^th February 2025 on incitement charges. His “crime” was to interview Blessed Geza, the war veteran who popularly called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.

Arbitrary arrest and detention are a violation of Article 9 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which reads, “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile”.

Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) further states that anyone arrested has the right to be brought promptly before a judge and should be released pending trial, unless there are good reasons to keep them in custody.

Also, according to Section 50(1)(d) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, bail is a constitutional right. Denial of bail should not be used to punish or pre-judge an accused, yet, 53 days after his detention and counting, Blessed Mhlanga has been denied bail thrice.

When a person is in Blessed Mhlanga’s predicament, they not only suffer physically and psychologically, but their finances are exhausted quickly, they lose earnings, and their families suffer big time as a result.

The UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe decided to mobilise funds to help Blessed Mhlanga’s family. It appealed for donations/contributions from its members. This evolved from a resolution passed in the Zoom meeting of the UK Chapter on 29^th March 2025.

The appeal went out on 29/03/2025 via WhatsApp, and £530 had been raised by 08/04/2025, thanks to the generosity of ROHR Zimbabwe members. 

We sent the £530 to Mrs Florence Mhlanga via Western Union on 08/04/2025. This was converted to USD 678.00, which she collected on 12/04/2025.

We invited Mrs Mhlanga to a bespoke WhatsApp group for only those who contributed on Monday, 14/04/2025, and we were able to interact with her before excusing her on 17/04/2025.

We shared the Western Union transfer details (MTCN) on the bespoke WhatsApp group.
For transparency purposes, we also shared the list of contributors with Mrs Mhlanga.

The following is the list of the ROHR Zimbabwe human rights activists who contributed to this fund;-

BLESSED MHLANGA CONTRIBUTIONS UPDATE - As of 09:00 hrs Tuesday 08/04/2025.

Vongayi Mufara  £20
Panyika Karimanzira  £25
Paradzai Mapfumo  £25
Charles Kanyimo  £10
Angeline Huni  £10
Nolanga E Ndlovu  £20
Tafadzwa Chivaura  £50
Mollin Muteto £10
Godfrey Mandibaya  £10
Xolisani Masuku  £10
Lilie Khanye  £20
Olivia Chamboko  £10
Lilian Nleya £10
Silvanos Mudzvova £25
Lorraine Zakeyo  £10
Paul Mukweza  £20
Harriet Ndlovu  £10
Marian Mangani  £20
Sandra S Chidemo £10
Weston Mupfururirwa £15
Farisai Kapepa £10
Delina Mutyambizi £15
Dickson Chikwizo £10
Michelle Mpofu £5
Vengai Mutsawu £5
Edineth Mtengwa  £20
Romancia Chiomba  £5
Prince Maisiri £5
Dulcie Munjeri £10
Memory Kishindo £5
Linda Mafu £10
Velisiwe Ndlovu £5
Mellisa Mbavarira £5
Shingirayi Kandi £5
Thenjiwe Ndlovu £10
Alvina Chibhamu £20
Phylis Magejo £5
Phyllis Chibanguza £10
Emily Mafuwe £20
Grace Makoni £10

Total = £530
Sent to Florence Mhlanga (to receive USD 678.00) via Western Union on Tuesday, 08/04/2025.

One of our members, Tawanda Matangambiri, contributed USD 10.00 via an ongoing GoFundMe, which is a separate initiative.

Message from Blessed Mhlanga and Family

“In my darkest hour, in the worst of times, you have stood with me and my family. My wife has made me aware of your selfless sacrifices and compassion.
It is these efforts from you that made me a journalist to speak for others and help build a selfless nation.
Being in prison is expensive, not only financially but emotionally and to family support.
Your contributions have lessened the burden on us.
To all those who contributed, may God bless you, and thank you for the solidarity and advocacy.

You are our family.

With love
Blessed and Florence Mhlanga and family”

We appreciate that this appeal was done on short notice due to the urgency of the matter.

Therefore, we extended the appeal to 30th April 2025 to give everyone a chance.

If anyone wants to contribute, please transfer to the ROHR Account details as follows;-

ROHR ZIMBABWE BANK DETAILS:-
Account Name: RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ZIMBABWE
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 46330349

Parallel to the fundraising effort, we advocated for Blessed Mhlanga's release via our social media platforms.

Below are some of the links to our posts;-

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BkgDpsirb/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15vcgGLXrw/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DgudeW6wR/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15kFTkXfEK/
https://x.com/ROHRZimbabweorg/status/1911340133099397616?t=nO9XiApt41wzvAyH4Kb6nQ&s=19
https://x.com/rohrzimbabweorg/status/1912793686418522471?s=48

The following is the list of the ROHR Zimbabwe human rights activists who contributed to round 2 of 2 of this fund;-

Maruwiza Nkhambala £10
Tsitsi Margaret Nkosi £20
Renee Brenda Langa £10
Panyika Anselm Karimanzira £10
Frazor Muzondo £15
Henry Makambe £5
Weston Mupfururirwa £10
Mollin Muteto £10
Romancia Chiomba £5
Omega Mpofu Kadengu £10
Dickson Chikwizo £5
Harriet Ndlovu £10
Lorraine Zakeyo £5
Lilie Khanye £20
Shingirayi Kandi £5
Praisego M Moyo £10
Tatenda Mupfururirwa £10

Round 2 of 2 Total = £245.00
Sent it to Mrs Florence Mhlanga (Received USD 305.00) via Western Union on Thursday, 15 May 2025.

All in all, in rounds 1 and 2 combined, we contributed and sent £775 (USD 983.00).

We invited Blessed Mhlanga to our bespoke WhatsApp group after his release from prison, where all those who contributed towards this fund had an opportunity to interact with him.

He is a genuinely inspiring personality.

Inserted by;-
Information & Publicity Department
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe
Email: - humanrights@rohr-zimbabwe.org
Mobile: - +447538534375

Are the General Zimbabweans Independent?

By Vongayi Mufara

18^th April 2025

Today, 18^th April 2025, marks Zimbabwe's 45^th Independence Day—a moment to honour the hard-won freedom from colonial rule in 1980. Yet, decades later, we must ask: are ordinary Zimbabweans truly independent?

Independence is not just the lowering of a colonial flag. It is the right to live with dignity, access opportunities, speak freely, and be governed justly. For many Zimbabweans today, these rights remain a distant dream. Rampant corruption by ZANU-PF elites, the erosion of judicial independence, systemic unemployment, a collapsing healthcare system, and the brutal silencing of dissent paint a grim picture of a nation held hostage by its leadership.

So while Zimbabwe may be free on paper, the people are not truly free. Real independence means freedom from fear, hunger, and oppression—not just from foreign rulers, but from ZANU-PF tyranny as well. Until then, this day serves more as a reminder of the promises broken than of the freedom achieved by those who fought for it.

About the author
Vongayi Mufara is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Chairperson of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe and Organising Secretary of the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at vongayi.mufara@rohr-zimbabwe.org

Zimbabwe’s Fight for Democracy: The People vs. Tyranny

4th April 2025

The people of Zimbabwe—the workers, students, journalists, activists, and everyday citizens—are being crushed under the weight of a brutal and corrupt regime led by Emmerson Mnangagwa. For decades, we have endured abductions, torture, economic sabotage, and silence enforced at gunpoint. As a human rights activist, I, Memory Kishindo, will not be silent. Our voices will rise, and we will not be intimidated into silence.

Zimbabwe is bleeding. Our hospitals have become death traps. Our schools are falling apart. Our youth are fleeing the country in desperation, while the elite dine in mansions and fly in private jets. What kind of country jails its citizens for demanding better? What kind of leadership kills to stay in power?

We remember 2008, when opposition supporters were hunted down, tortured, and murdered for daring to dream of change. That election was stolen with blood. We remember 2018, when Mnangagwa's army opened fire on civilians in broad daylight, killing six innocent souls during protests. Promises of justice were made, but none delivered. No soldier has been held accountable. Not one.

Today, nothing has changed—if anything, it’s worse. In February 2025, investigative journalist Blessed Mhlanga was arrested for doing what every ethical journalist should do: telling the truth. His crime? Conducting interviews with a war veteran who spoke out against the regime and reporting the reality of what many Zimbabweans endure. He now faces baseless charges under laws meant to silence dissent and protect the powerful. Like so many before him, he has become a target for simply refusing to be silent.

Zimbabwe has become a land where speaking the truth is a death sentence, where protesting for basic rights earns you a prison cell—or worse. Our people are starving, our dreams shattered, and yet the regime celebrates fake victories and stolen elections.

But we are not giving up. We are not turning back. The time to act is now. Every day we wait, more of us are lost to this tyranny. We have waited long enough. It is time to rise, to organize, to shout louder than ever before. The regime fears unity, it fears truth, and most of all—it fears a people who are no longer afraid.

We want a Zimbabwe where we can speak freely, live with dignity, and raise our children in peace. We want leaders who serve, not steal. We want freedom—not in slogans, but in reality.

The world must know: Zimbabwe is not free. But we will fight until it is.

About The Author: 

Memory Kishindo is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is a member of The UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She is also a member of CCC UK. She can be contacted by email at kishindomemory51@gmail.com

Joint Press Release – meeting with FCDO – London 20.03.2025

Written by: Diaspora Collaborative Statement by ROHR Zimbabwe, ZHRO, MyRight2Vote, ZAPU & CCC

####-- Collaborative Press Release 

20^th March 2025 3:30pm

Thursday, 20th March 2025, our ‘diaspora collaborative group’ held a face-to-face meeting with three important members of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, (FCDO) at their offices in King Charles Street, London: SW1A 2AH. We were also unexpectedly joined by British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Peter Vowles, who devoted 15 minutes from his busy schedule to be with us in the meeting.

There will be further joint statements about this welcome development very shortly.

Initiated by the FCDO, in requesting such an event, their initiative was as a result of a subtle change in focus by FCDO plus the 12 joint petitions delivered to the PM and the FCDO by our ‘diaspora collective group’ over the last 30 months. Summarised at the web link below;

Web Link to Petition Summary: 30-months-of-petitions

MyR2Vote/Z-DC.com {Zimbabwe Diaspora Coalition} was represented by Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Ndiweni; ROHR Zimbabwe were represented by Panyika Karimanzira (ROHR Zimbabwe Spokesperson) and Renee Brenda Langa (UK Chapter Deputy Information & Publicity Secretary), ZHRO was represented by John Burke (Founder) and Rashiwe Bayisayi, ZAPU was represented by Christopher Maphosa (PEC Europe Province Chairperson), Cannicious Nkala (Admin Sec. Europe) and Mlindelwa Vundhla (NPC Europe Chair) and with CCC Southend-on -Sea represented by Tatenda Changambika (standing in for Stanford Biti).

Ends --###

Vision 2030 - Mnangagwa’s Grand Lie to Keep Zimbabwe in Chains - by Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu

9^th March 2025

Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF government want Zimbabweans to believe in Vision 2030—a so-called master plan to turn the country into an upper-middle-income economy. But let’s not be fooled. This is nothing more than a carefully packaged lie designed to keep them in power while the nation sinks deeper into poverty, corruption, and repression.

Mnangagwa and his cronies in ZANU-PF have spent decades looting Zimbabwe’s wealth, rigging elections, and silencing anyone who dares to demand justice. They don’t care about Vision 2030. They care about staying in control, growing their offshore bank accounts, and crushing any opposition that threatens their grip on power. Until they are held accountable, Vision 2030 will never be anything more than a propaganda tool to distract the suffering masses.

ZANU-PF’s Corruption is Destroying Zimbabwe

Mnangagwa’s government is bleeding Zimbabwe dry. The country loses over $1.8 billion every year to corruption, yet schools and hospitals are collapsing. Roads are in ruins. Millions struggle to afford food. Meanwhile, ZANU-PF elites live in luxury, buying mansions in Dubai and South Africa while ordinary citizens are crushed by unemployment and hyperinflation.

Contracts for public infrastructure projects are handed out to Mnangagwa’s allies, with no accountability or transparency. The so-called mega deals he boasts about? They only benefit those at the top while Zimbabweans are left to suffer. His government does not work for the people—it works for a corrupt cartel that treats Zimbabwe like its personal piggy bank.

A Lawless Regime Built on Violence and Fear

Under Mnangagwa’s rule, Zimbabwe has become a lawless state where power, not justice, determines who is free and who is jailed.

·        Opposition figures are beaten, arrested, or even disappeared for speaking out.

·        Elections are rigged through intimidation, vote-buying, and suppression of independent observers.

·        The courts serve ZANU-PF, not the people, ensuring that Mnangagwa and his allies never face accountability.

·        Journalists and activists who expose corruption are harassed, jailed, or forced into exile.

ZANU-PF is not a government—it is a criminal organization that uses the state to brutalize its own people. How can Zimbabwe develop when its own leaders are the biggest enemies of progress?

The Economic Collapse Under Mnangagwa

Mnangagwa inherited a collapsed economy from Robert Mugabe, but instead of fixing it, he made it worse. His government prints money, causing inflation to skyrocket and wiping out people’s savings. Basic goods are priced in US dollars, but workers earn worthless Zimbabwean salaries.

He promised jobs. Instead, youth unemployment is at an all-time high, and thousands of Zimbabweans are fleeing to South Africa, Botswana, and the UK for survival. Vision 2030 is meaningless when the people of Zimbabwe are too hungry to think about the future.

Mnangagwa Will Never Fix Zimbabwe—The People Must Demand Change

For Zimbabwe to move forward, Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF must go. Their time is up. The people must rise and demand:

1.      An End to Corruption – Arrest and prosecute Mnangagwa’s corrupt allies and recover stolen wealth.

2.      Free and Fair Elections – Scrap the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and establish an independent electoral body.

3.      Justice for the Oppressed – Release political prisoners, end persecution of activists, and ensure an independent judiciary.

4.      Economic Reform – Restore property rights, attract real investment, and support local businesses instead of feeding ZANU-PF’s cartel.

 The Time for Lies is Over

Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF have failed Zimbabwe. They are parasites feeding off the suffering of the people. Vision 2030 is not a roadmap to prosperity—it is a smokescreen designed to buy them more time in power.

Zimbabweans must wake up. The future will not be handed to us—it must be taken. Until we demand real change, Vision 2030 will remain nothing more than Mnangagwa’s cruel joke, a deception to keep Zimbabweans hoping for a future that will never come under ZANU-PF rule.

About the author
Michelle Mpofu is a UK-based Zimbabwean human rights activist. She is the Secretary for Information & Publicity for the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe and Treasurer for the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She can be contacted by email at michellempofu11@gmail.com OR michelle.mpofu@rohr-zimbabwe.org 

RESIST THE 2030 POWER GRAB - by Nolanga Evangelista Ndlovu

By Nolanga Evangelista Ndlovu 

9th February, 2025

In late 2024, Zimbabwe faced a profound constitutional crisis as President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa sought to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit, aiming to remain in power until 2030. This move starkly contravenes the nation's constitution, which unequivocally restricts any individual to a maximum of two five-year terms as president. The populace had anticipated the conclusion of Mnangagwa's rule in 2028, placing their faith in constitutional governance. However, it appears that the current administration is intent on manipulating the law to serve its own avaricious ambitions.

Mnangagwa's political trajectory is deeply entwined with the malfeasance within ZANU-PF. Serving as a close advisor to Robert Mugabe, he held various influential positions, including roles in foreign affairs, trade and commerce, judiciary services, and the secret service. The latter was notoriously employed to suppress dissent, leading to widespread human rights abuses. From the 1980s to the present, political violence has been a grim constant, with countless individuals subjected to torture, disfigurement, and extrajudicial killings.

This pervasive climate of fear and repression has compelled hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans to flee their homeland, seeking refuge from persecution and potential death. For many, this marks the beginning of an interminable suffering, rendering the prospect of returning to the land they once cherished increasingly remote.

As a former regional board member of ZimRights in Bulawayo, I have tirelessly advocated for justice and an end to political violence and inhumane treatment of regime opponents. This activism has made me a target of the ZANU-PF government, extinguishing any hope I might have had of returning to Zimbabwe.

Beyond the political turmoil, the nation's public services have deteriorated precipitously under ZANU-PF's misrule. The healthcare system is virtually non-existent, a dire situation exacerbated by the cessation of life-saving medications previously supplied by USAID. Basic services such as electricity, water, and transportation have become increasingly unreliable, with conditions worsening daily. How much longer will this regime be permitted to decimate the remnants of Zimbabwe's infrastructure and social services?

The current administration stands accused of:

1. Distorting the constitution to benefit a select few and entrench a counter-revolutionary cabal.
2. Exploiting the national treasury for personal enrichment, indulging in extravagant spending and opulent lifestyles.
3. Neglecting the masses while enriching a minority at the majority's expense.
4. Allowing hospitals to operate without essential drugs, causing widespread suffering.
5. Failing to provide education for children due to pervasive poverty.
6. Illicitly transferring funds to hidden foreign accounts, leaving the majority in abject poverty.

It is imperative to address these egregious violations of constitutional rights and shield the nation from this corrupt and ruthless cabal. Leveraging Zimbabwe's 62 mineral resources holds the potential to transform the country into an upper-income nation.

NO TO THE ZANU-PF REGIME'S 2030 AGENDA

The proposed extension of President Mnangagwa's term not only subverts the constitution but also undermines the democratic aspirations of the Zimbabwean people. This blatant power grab must be resolutely opposed to preserve the nation's democratic integrity and ensure a prosperous future for all citizens.

About the author 

Nolanga Evangelista Ndlovu is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is a member of The UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She is also a member of CCC UK and a former Bulawayo regional board member of ZimRights. She can be contacted by email at evangenoe@gmail.com

Hope in the Face of Oppression in Zimbabwe - by Renee Brenda Langa

By Renee Brenda Langa

5th January 2025

“Usarega kunyengetera ndidzoke kumba.”

“Jongwe zvorokukuridza mudiwa muka. Ndoringe nzira ndoyambukira mhiri kwehova, tarira ndokunoenda vamwe, ndokunoenda vamwe. Hongu, kure kwegava usipo mutsvubvu. Usarega kunyengetera ndidzoke kumba.”

In my view, the song “Ndinouya” by Gwevedzi resonates deeply with the experiences of Zimbabweans enduring the oppressive realities of life under the leadership of Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ZANU-PF regime. The crow of the rooster, traditionally symbolising the start of a new day, becomes a call for awakening and hope amid hardship. The poignant line “Ndoringe nzira, ndoyambukira mhiri kwehova” evokes a deep longing and an unrelenting search for freedom—an echo of the struggles of those in detention, in exile, or simply striving for better prospects in their homeland.

These evocative lyrics encapsulate the emotional turmoil felt by many forced to flee Zimbabwe due to political instability, economic collapse, and systemic human rights abuses. They reflect the painful reality of activists and families awaiting justice and restoration in a fractured nation.

Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, the hope for progress that briefly followed Robert Mugabe’s rule has largely faded. The 2018 elections were marred by allegations of rigging and violence against opposition supporters, signalling a continuation of oppressive governance. In the years since, political repression has worsened, with arbitrary arrests, detentions without trial, and abductions of activists becoming distressingly common. The disappearance of Itai Dzamara in 2015 remains a harrowing reminder of the regime’s disregard for dissent and human rights.

Particularly alarming is the plight of the detained. As of June 2024, 78 opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members remain imprisoned without bail, accused of participating in an “illegal gathering.” Their continued detention illustrates the state’s use of the judiciary as a tool of repression. Amnesty International, ROHR Zimbabwe, and other human rights organisations have condemned these abuses and urged immediate investigations into reports of torture, as well as the release of these political prisoners.

For those driven into exile, the song’s imagery of gazing across distant horizons symbolises enduring hope for the day they might return to a free and just Zimbabwe. Their struggle is shared by those still within the country, living under a government that continues to prioritise power at the expense of its citizens’ welfare. Under Mnangagwa’s regime, economic instability has deepened, corruption has worsened, and poverty has become more widespread, forcing millions to leave in search of safety and opportunity.

In this climate, the rooster’s crow takes on new meaning—not just as a call to rise, but as a reminder that true change often emerges in the darkest hour before dawn. It becomes a symbol of resilience and the collective yearning for justice, accountability, and renewal.

Zimbabwe’s future hinges on both external advocacy and the courage of its citizens to demand reform. As Christians, we are called to pray fervently for the nation’s freedom and restoration. This includes praying for the detained, the displaced, and the persecuted, trusting that God’s justice will prevail. Yet, prayer must be coupled with action—raising awareness, lobbying international bodies, and holding leaders accountable for their actions.

As the rooster crows each morning, it serves as a reminder of God’s promise to bring light into darkness. For Zimbabweans at home and abroad, this is a time to press on, to speak out against oppression, and to hold fast to the hope that one day the chains of injustice will be broken and freedom will reign in the land.

#FreedomForAll
#TinodaRunyararo
#WeWantPeace

NB: The video accompanying this article can also be viewed on YouTube via the following link;-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4ogxo5BjzM

About the author
Renee Brenda Langa is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Deputy Secretary for Information & Publicity for the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe and Secretary for Information & Publicity for the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at reneelanga378@gmail.com OR renee.langa@rohr-zimbabwe.org