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