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

MNANGAGWA’S ENDLESS APPOINTMENTS - WHEN WILL ORDINARY ZIMBABWEANS BENEFIT?

 by Chiedza Kambari (Deputy Organising Secretary ROHR Midlands Branch – UK Chapter)

17^th October 2026

Zimbabweans have every reason to question the priorities of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. Almost every day, the nation hears announcements about people being appointed, reassigned or given new positions in government and ZANU PF. But the question remains: what are ordinary Zimbabweans gaining from all these appointments?

On 8 October 2026, Kudakwashe Tagwirei was appointed Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion, while Professor Mthuli Ncube was reassigned to the Ministry of Finance. Dr Egepha Victoria Jokomo was also appointed Permanent Secretary for Skills Audit and Development, with effect from 1 November 2026.

On 15 October 2026, further changes were announced within ZANU PF. Kudakwashe Tagwirei was appointed Secretary for Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion in the Politburo, Justice Mayor Wadyajena was appointed to the Central Committee, and Obert Moses Mpofu was redeployed to the Council of Elders.

These appointments raise important questions about the government’s priorities, the distribution of political power and the results expected from those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

Zimbabweans need solutions, not just announcements!

Across the country, young people are struggling to find jobs, families are battling the high cost of living, and many citizens are finding it increasingly difficult to provide for their children. Hospitals need medicines, schools need resources, and communities need reliable water, electricity and better infrastructure.

At a time when so many people are struggling, President Mnangagwa must explain how these appointments will translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

What will Kudakwashe Tagwirei deliver in his economic portfolio? How will Mthuli Ncube improve public financial management? What measurable achievements are expected from Dr Egepha Victoria Jokomo? And how will the ruling party ensure that its leadership structures serve the nation's interests?

These are legitimate questions that deserve clear answers.

Public office is a responsibility, not a personal reward.

Appointments should be based on the country's needs, with clear responsibilities, transparent processes, and measurable outcomes. Where public money is involved, citizens have every right to demand accountability and an explanation of how resources are being used.

Zimbabwe cannot afford to treat the creation, redistribution or reshuffling of positions as evidence of progress in itself. The real measure of leadership is whether people have better opportunities, improved public services and a realistic chance of escaping poverty.

The government must also demonstrate that economic policies benefit ordinary citizens rather than concentrating opportunities and influence in the hands of a small circle of powerful individuals.

Zimbabwe needs development that can be felt in people’s homes, not merely announced in official statements.

President Mnangagwa and his government must recognise that Zimbabweans are watching and asking difficult but necessary questions. Citizens want jobs, affordable living costs, accountable institutions and an economy that creates opportunities for everyone.

Every appointment should come with responsibility. Every leader should be judged by performance. Every government policy should be assessed by its impact on the people.

The question is no longer simply who has received another position. The question is what that person will do to improve Zimbabweans' lives.

Zimbabwe belongs to its people, and its resources and institutions must serve the public interest. Leadership must be about delivering results, not simply distributing positions.

The people of Zimbabwe deserve answers, accountability and meaningful change. Enough announcements without results. It is time for leadership to deliver.

About the author
Chiedza Kambari is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Deputy Organising Secretary of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at kambarichiedza@gmail.com OR at Chiedza.kambari@rohr-zimbabwe.org

Zimbabweans Must Not Be Forgotten

By Munyaradzi Masaka

29^th September 2026

Zimbabwe’s decision to donate food supplies to communities in drought-affected Botswana has raised an important question about the country’s own food-security situation: while Zimbabwe is extending a helping hand to its neighbour, are enough Zimbabweans receiving the help they need at home?

In September 2026, Zimbabwe donated 10 tonnes of food supplies to communities in Botswana’s drought-prone Bobirwa District through Zim Aid, the country’s foreign-assistance programme. The gesture demonstrates regional solidarity between neighbouring countries.

However, the government must also confront the reality facing vulnerable Zimbabweans.

The World Food Programme’s 2026 assessment says 35% of Zimbabwe’s urban population is food insecure, while 57% of rural households experience food insecurity during the lean season. WFP also reports that high food prices, limited employment opportunities and economic pressures continue to restrict many households’ ability to obtain adequate food.

FEWS NET has similarly warned that food insecurity could deteriorate through early 2027, with some of the worst-affected areas potentially reaching Crisis (IPC Phase 3) conditions as households exhaust their own food stocks and face high staple prices and reduced incomes.

These figures should not be ignored.

There is nothing inherently wrong with Zimbabwe helping a neighbouring country facing drought. African countries have historically supported one another during difficult times, and humanitarian solidarity is important.

But charity beyond our borders should not distract from responsibility at home.

When families struggle to put sufficient food on the table, when unemployment limits people's ability to buy basic necessities, and when rural households face declining food stocks, government policy must ensure that vulnerable citizens are adequately protected.

The central question is therefore not simply, “Why did Zimbabwe give food to Botswana?” The more important question is: “What is Zimbabwe doing to make sure that no Zimbabwean family is left without sufficient food?”

A government is ultimately accountable for the welfare of the people it governs. Assistance to neighbours can coexist with domestic support, but Zimbabweans have a legitimate right to ask whether resources, policies and social-protection programmes are reaching those who need them most.

Zimbabwe should be able to lend a helping hand to its neighbours without leaving its own vulnerable citizens behind.

The country’s food-security figures provide an opportunity for government to reassess its priorities, strengthen social protection, address unemployment and improve household purchasing power.

The people of Zimbabwe deserve not only promises of a better future but also practical policies that ensure food, dignity, and opportunity are available to them today.

By Munyaradzi Masaka

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 can be contacted by email at masakamunya8219@gmail.com

 

Zimbabwe Is Losing Its People: When Will Government Put Citizens First?

 By Munyaradzi Masaka

9^th September 2026

Zimbabwe is facing a crisis that can no longer be explained away as a series of unfortunate incidents.

From deadly road accidents to rising education costs, from struggling families trying to survive through informal trading to the repeated deployment of police to enforce urban “clean-up” operations, ordinary Zimbabweans are increasingly asking one fundamental question:

Who is government actually working for?

The responsibility of any government should be to protect its citizens, create opportunities, provide essential services and build an environment in which families can look to the future with hope.

Yet today, many Zimbabweans are struggling simply to survive.

Roads that are becoming death traps

The continuing loss of life on Zimbabwe's roads is perhaps one of the clearest signs that something fundamental is wrong.

On 27 May 2026, a passenger bus and a haulage truck collided along the Gokwe–Kwekwe Road. Reports initially differed over the number of fatalities, but police and media reports confirmed multiple deaths and injuries.

Then, in August, another devastating crash near Chivhu claimed 27 lives, according to police and Associated Press reporting. The crash involved a minibus carrying church members and a haulage truck on the Harare–Masvingo Road.

These are not simply numbers.

Behind every death is a mother, father, child, brother, sister, friend or breadwinner.

Every accident leaves families grieving and communities asking whether these tragedies could have been prevented.

Of course, individual drivers must be held responsible when reckless or dangerous driving causes deaths. But government cannot simply point at motorists and walk away from the wider problem.

Zimbabwe needs safer roads, proper road maintenance, effective traffic enforcement, vehicle inspections, emergency response systems, and a public transport system that puts human life before profit.

When dangerous road conditions persist for years, when overloaded or poorly maintained vehicles remain on the roads, and when road users continue to die, the government must answer difficult questions.

How many more Zimbabweans must die before road safety becomes a genuine national emergency?

A clean-up campaign — but what exactly are we cleaning?

The government's continuing campaigns against illegal vending and informal activities in urban areas raise another uncomfortable question.

Zimbabwe certainly needs clean, orderly and safe cities.

Nobody should oppose proper waste management, functioning drainage systems, clean streets or organised urban spaces.

But there is a fundamental difference between cleaning a city and removing the livelihoods of people who have nowhere else to go.

Recent reports indicate that the government has ordered a crackdown on illegal vending in Harare's central business district, insisting that order must be maintained.

But where are these vendors supposed to go?

For many Zimbabweans, vending is not a lifestyle choice. It is survival.

A person who cannot find formal employment may sell vegetables, clothes, airtime, food or other goods simply to feed a family.

If government removes that source of income without creating meaningful employment alternatives, the problem has not been solved.

It has merely been moved somewhere else.

And this is why the police's involvement deserves public scrutiny.

Should the police primarily be dealing with people trying to earn a living, or should the state be creating economic conditions in which people do not have to depend on informal trading to survive?

The answer should be obvious.

Police officers have an important role in maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. But poverty is not a criminal offence.

Why are citizens struggling to educate their children?

Education should be one of the strongest investments a country can make in its future.

Yet parents across Zimbabwe continue to face increasing pressure from school fees, levies, examination costs, uniforms, transport and other education-related expenses.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has recently reminded schools and parents about approved fees and levies and warned schools against forcing parents to purchase uniforms and stationery exclusively from particular suppliers.

The government has also had to intervene repeatedly over school fees and education costs.

This should make every policymaker stop and ask:

What happens to the child whose parents simply cannot afford the cost of education?

A country cannot talk seriously about development while ordinary families are struggling to keep their children in school.

Zimbabwe has historically placed great value on education. That achievement must not be allowed to disappear because families can no longer afford the rising costs of sending children to school.

The bigger question: where is the economic opportunity?

Perhaps all these problems are connected.

The person selling goods on a pavement may be there because there is no formal job.

The young person looking for work may eventually leave Zimbabwe because there are few opportunities.

The family struggling to pay school fees may have parents whose wages cannot keep pace with the cost of living.

The person travelling on a dangerous road may have no reliable alternative public transport.

The informal trader removed from the streets may have no other source of income.

These are not isolated problems.

They are symptoms of a deeper national crisis.

Zimbabwe needs an economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, supports businesses, develops infrastructure and gives young people a reason to believe that their future can be built at home.

Government must accept responsibility

It is easy for authorities to blame the driver after a road accident.

It is easy to blame vendors for making cities untidy.

It is easy to blame parents for failing to pay school fees.

But leadership requires looking beyond the immediate problem.

Why are the roads unsafe?

Why are people forced into informal employment?

Why are families struggling to afford education?

Why are so many young Zimbabweans leaving the country in search of opportunities elsewhere?

These are questions that cannot be answered simply by deploying more police officers.

The government has a responsibility to create the conditions in which citizens can live safely, work with dignity and educate their children. We do not need a future where the police chase vendors from one street to another.

Zimbabwe does not need a future where parents fear every journey because of unsafe roads.

It does not need a future where education becomes increasingly unaffordable.

And it certainly does not need a future where young people grow up believing that their only chance of a decent life is to leave the country.

Zimbabwe deserves better. We deserve better.

The Zimbabwean people deserve a government that treats human life as its most valuable national asset.

We deserve safe roads.

We deserve affordable and accessible education.

We deserve employment opportunities.

We deserve functioning cities.

We deserve accountable institutions.

We deserve police services that protect citizens and enforce the law fairly.

Most importantly, Zimbabweans deserve hope.

A government should not merely manage today's problems. It should build the Zimbabwe of tomorrow.

Every road death should therefore be a call to action.

Every child struggling to remain in school should be a call to action.

Every unemployed young person should be a call to action.

Every vendor being removed from the streets should force us to ask why that person had no better economic opportunity in the first place.

The government cannot continue treating symptoms while ignoring the disease.

The government must stop asking how to control struggling citizens and start asking what it can do to stop citizens from struggling in the first place.

Because at the end of the day, development is not measured by how many people can be removed from the streets.

It is measured by how many citizens can live safely, work with dignity, educate their children and look towards the future with confidence.

We the people deserve nothing less.

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 can be contacted by email at masakamunya8219@gmail.com

 

Are Mnangagwa’s Priorities Right?

7th September 2026

Emmerson Mnangagwa, the despotic president of Zimbabwe, never ceases to amaze. His priorities are brazenly self-serving to the point where his sanity is called into question.

Zimbabwe is reeling under collapsing infrastructure, be it in the health, transport, services, and many other sectors, and citizens are dying unnecessarily because of this collapse.

Yet he goes on to offer to build a church for a whopping US$2 million.

You have to ask yourself whether national priorities are in the right place, especially as public hospitals continue to face shortages of medicines, equipment, and other essential resources.

Surely improving healthcare, hospitals, and other public services should come first.

Only recently, on 11^th August 2026, a ferry disaster on Lake Kariba claimed nearly one hundred lives when an old, ramshackle vessel operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) capsized. The tragedy was driven in part by the government’s chronic underinvestment in critical infrastructure. Victims’ families were offered a pitifully small sum in funeral assistance, yet no commitment was made to upgrade transport infrastructure—doing nothing to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again

There are too many road accidents to mention, all claiming many lives. Most are caused by the condition of our roads, resulting from a lack of investment and corruption.

Zimbabwe’s education sector is now effectively sustained by the private sector—with the government having long since abandoned its duty of care to the nation’s children. Public schools remain in name only. The last meaningful infrastructure improvements were likely made during the Rhodesian era, and arguably in the earliest years following independence.

And yet, here we have an unashamed president and his cronies flaunting ill-gotten wealth and promoting a self-serving patronage system intended to win the backing of self-seeking public figures, church denominations, and their gullible followers.

Shame on you, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

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

 

Zimbabwe’s Warning Signs: From Kariba’s Waters to the Corridors of Power

 24^th August 2026

By Rumbidzai Thelma Chidewu
Human Rights Activist and Secretary General, Constitution Defenders’ Forum (CDF) UK Federation

Zimbabweans are once again forced to ask a painful but essential question: Who does the government truly serve?

Across the nation, a growing sense of alarm is taking hold: decisions made by those in authority increasingly appear to safeguard political interests and the powerful, while ordinary citizens bear the full brunt of their consequences.

From the tragedy on Lake Kariba, to the demolition of people’s homes, to proposals that could bar ordinary citizens from obtaining professional driving licences, and now the appointment of additional Senators under Constitutional Amendment No. 3, a deeply troubling picture is emerging.

These developments may seem unrelated, but together they converge on one fundamental issue: Where is the accountability to the people?

The Lake Kariba Tragedy: A Disaster That Demands Answers

The loss of life in the Lake Kariba ferry disaster is far more than an unfortunate accident — it is a national tragedy that demands rigorous scrutiny of safety standards, inspection protocols, passenger capacity, and emergency preparedness.

Survivors and witnesses reported that the vessel began taking on water shortly after departure and was severely overcrowded. Authorities later confirmed the ferry had sailed well beyond its authorised passenger limit. This alone raises urgent questions:

- Who inspected the vessel before it cast off?
- Who bore responsibility for ensuring passenger limits were respected?
- Were sufficient life jackets provided, and were passengers briefed on emergency procedures?
- Was the vessel genuinely fit to carry the number of people on board?

 Most importantly: How many lives could have been saved had basic safeguards been in place?

Lake Kariba is vast, and its waters are a critical lifeline for communities with few transport alternatives. The government cannot leave citizens with no choice but to wait indefinitely or board an overloaded vessel — people should never have to risk their lives simply to travel.

This tragedy calls for more than words of condolence. Zimbabweans deserve a fully transparent, independent investigation, accountability where negligence is proven, and binding measures to ensure such a catastrophe can never happen again. A responsible government does not only respond after lives are lost — it acts to prevent avoidable deaths in the first place.

Demolishing Homes: The Human Cost of Enforcement

The ongoing demolition of homes and structures deemed “unauthorised” is causing profound hardship. There is, of course, a legitimate need for proper urban planning — no country can function sustainably when land is developed without regard for infrastructure, services, and environmental safeguards.

Yet we must ask: How were these situations allowed to arise in the first place, and who bears the cost of administrative failure?

Many families poured their savings, years of labour, and hopes for a better future into the homes they built. If authorities knew these areas were being settled, why was development permitted to continue unchecked for years? If land was allocated unlawfully, those who authorised or facilitated those allocations must also be held to account. Officials cannot simply turn a blind eye until it is politically convenient — then walk away while ordinary citizens lose their livelihoods and shelter.

The law must be upheld, but enforcement must be fair, proportionate, and humane. Demolishing a family home without providing a viable alternative creates a humanitarian crisis. Government has a dual duty: to uphold the rule of law and to protect the dignity of its people.

Five O‑Levels and the Right to Earn a Living

A further cause for widespread concern is the proposal before Parliament to require professional driving licence applicants to hold five O‑Level passes — including English and Mathematics.

Road safety is paramount. Professional drivers carry lives in their hands; they must be trained, competent, medically fit, and held to high standards. But academic qualifications are not the same thing as driving ability. A person may lack five O‑Levels yet be an experienced, careful, and highly skilled driver — just as someone with impressive academic credentials can still be unsafe behind the wheel.

If the goal is safer roads, the focus should be on rigorous professional training, practical and theoretical testing, medical assessments, ongoing monitoring, and stricter enforcement. Education is to be encouraged — but we must not erect unnecessary barriers that prevent hardworking Zimbabweans from earning a living.

The critical question remains: Will this requirement actually improve road safety, or simply place another hurdle in the path of people already struggling to make ends meet in a harsh economic climate?

Constitutional Amendment No. 3: Power, Representation, and Democracy

The appointment of additional Senators under Constitutional Amendment No. 3 also merits full public scrutiny. The Constitution may provide the legal mechanism for these appointments — but legality is not the measure of legitimacy.

Democracy is not merely about whether something can be done legally. It is about whether the exercise of power strengthens public trust, accountability, fair representation, and democratic governance. The inclusion of figures linked to various political parties has fuelled legitimate debate about political co‑option and the future of opposition politics.

Zimbabweans should be asking more than: “Is this constitutional?” We must also ask:

- Does this strengthen Parliament’s independence?
- Does it enhance democratic representation?
- Does it give ordinary citizens a stronger voice?
- Or does it expand the Executive’s influence over an institution meant to hold power to account?

These are not acts of disloyalty — they are the questions of a free people. Holding government to account is not being anti‑government. It is the duty of every responsible citizen.

 
Zimbabwe Needs Prevention — Not Just Condolences

A dangerous pattern has taken root: something goes wrong, people suffer, the government expresses regret, investigations are promised — and once public attention fades, the root causes remain unaddressed.

We can no longer accept this cycle. A responsible government must be proactive.

- Vessels must be inspected before they sail — not after they sink.
- Land allocation must be lawful before people settle — not after homes are built.
- Humanitarian impact must be weighed before demolitions are carried out.
- Policies must be proven effective before they become law.
- And constitutional changes must be debated publicly before they alter the balance of power.

 
Zimbabwe Belongs to Its People

Let us be clear: The President is not Zimbabwe. The Government is not Zimbabwe. No political party is Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe belongs to its people.

Those who hold public office are temporary custodians — not owners of the nation. Citizens deserve a government that listens before disaster strikes; that acts before homes are destroyed; that consults before policies affect livelihoods; and that prioritises the common good over political advantage.

The Kariba tragedy must be more than a period of mourning — it must be a national wake‑up call. Demolitions must force us to confront administrative failure. New licensing rules must be judged by their real‑world impact. And constitutional changes must spark a deeper conversation about the kind of country we want to build.

Zimbabwe does not need a government that only acts when harm is already done. It needs:

✅ Preventative leadership, not just post‑crisis sympathy

✅ Institutions that are accountable to all

✅ Leaders who listen before deciding

✅ Laws that protect the vulnerable equally

✅ A political culture where the people’s interests come first

The time has come to demand not just development — but justice. Not just laws — but fairness. Not just stability — but genuine democracy.

The people are watching. The people are asking. And the people have a right to answers.

When the Church Aligns Itself with Oppressive Power

 By: Anonymous Elder

 8^th August 2026

When a church leader openly declares allegiance to an oppressive government, the consequences extend
far beyond the individual leader. The congregation and, ultimately, the wider nation can suffer when the Church abandons its prophetic responsibility and becomes aligned with the very structures that oppress people. 

The Church’s primary allegiance must be to Christ. Its calling is not to legitimise political power, but to proclaim truth, defend human dignity, pursue justice, show mercy and provide refuge to those who are vulnerable and oppressed.

When a church leader places political allegiance above Christ-centred leadership, the Church risks losing its prophetic voice. Instead of speaking truth to power, it may become an instrument through which oppressive and exploitative power is legitimised. Those who are suffering may then become afraid to speak, knowing that the institution from which they expected compassion and protection has aligned itself with those causing their suffering.

The Church must be a place where the wounded can find refuge, where the oppressed can find a voice, where truth can be spoken without fear, and where every person is treated with dignity. This does not mean that the Church must be politically neutral or that Christians cannot participate in government or support particular political positions. Rather, it means that no political authority should receive an allegiance that competes with allegiance to Christ.

When political power demands silence in the face of injustice, the Church must choose truth. When government becomes oppressive, the Church must remain a refuge for those who suffer. And when leaders become all too powerful, the Church must retain the courage to remind them that earthly authority is neither absolute nor eternal.

A Christ-centred Church does not ask first, “Which political side am I on?” It asks, “What does faithfulness to Christ require of me in the presence of power, injustice and human suffering?”

That is where the Church’s prophetic calling begins.

This is true of the Church in Zimbabwe as of the Church in the rest of the world.

About the author
Anonymous Elder is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He/she has requested anonymity for now. Any inquiries regarding this article should be sent via email to humanright@rohr-zimbabwe.org

MY STORY - THE PRICE OF SURVIVAL IN ZIMBABWE

By: [Chiedza Kambari], Deputy Organising Secretary – Midlands Branch, ROHR Zimbabwe

31^st July 2026

My father held a diploma in Business Management, a qualification that should have opened doors, that should have given our family dignity and stability. Instead, he sat at home for ten long years: skilled, educated, and willing to work, yet unable to find a single job anywhere.

I will never forget 2008. We had gone three days without a single meal. Desperate to keep us alive, my father walked all the way from Marondera to Harare miles and miles on foot, just to beg for help from relatives. He came back with a little money someone had given him, bought a small sack of mealie meal, and for the first time in days, we had something to eat. Not long after, he was called to work as a teacher. We thought things would finally get better. But every month, his salary was so small it could not even cover the bus fare to Harare, let alone feed and clothe us properly. Life stayed hard, year after year.

When the unity government was formed, we dared to hope. We celebrated, believing things would change, that jobs would return, that food would be affordable, that suffering families like ours would finally breathe easier. But today? Things are far worse than they ever were.

To ZANU-PF: we ask you, please have mercy on your people. See the hunger, see the wasted skills, see the parents walking miles on foot just to feed their children. We are not asking for special treatment, we are asking for a country where hard work is rewarded, where education counts for something, and where no one has to choose between starving and suffering.

My father’s story is not unique. It is the story of millions: educated people forgotten, hard work unrewarded, hope slowly starved away while a few live in plenty. This is not the future we dreamed of. And until we build a nation that truly cares for every one of its citizens, we will not stay silent.

About the author
Chiedza Kambari is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Deputy Organising Secretary of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at kambarichiedza@gmail.com OR at Chiedza.kambari@rohr-zimbabwe.org

Zimbabwe’s Shrinking Democratic Space: Why I Oppose the Patriotic Act, CAA#3, Abductions and Corruption

By Samuel Jambaya

21^st July 2026

Zimbabwe stands at a critical moment in its history. Ideally, a people who fought hard and made huge sacrifices for freedom should never live in fear of speaking their minds. Yet political repression, abductions, arbitrary arrests, and repressive laws are steadily eroding the country’s democratic values.

Among the laws that I strongly oppose is the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill (commonly referred to as "The Patriotic Act”, which was signed into law by the Zimbabwean President on July 14, 2023. I believe it threatens freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right of every Zimbabwean to participate in democratic debate without fear of punishment. This law discourages citizens, journalists, activists, and opposition members from exercising their constitutional rights and expressing differing political opinions.

I also hate the Constitution Amendment Act #3 (CAA#3), which was signed into law on 7 July 2026. It robs the citizens of their right to vote for the President. It promotes corruption in that a president can easily buy the few hundreds of MPs to get their vote and then preside over a country of more than six million citizens of voting age.

I also hate state-sponsored human rights violations including abductions, torture, murders and enforced disappearances.

Some of the prominent cases are that of Tonderai Ndira, who was abducted and later killed in 2008, Itai Dzamara, who disappeared in 2015 and remains missing, and Tawanda Muchehiwa, who was abducted in 2020 and later released after being tortured. These cases have become symbols for many Zimbabweans who believe justice and accountability remain incomplete.

When citizens live in fear of being abducted, arrested, tortured, killed or intimidated because of their political beliefs, democracy itself is weakened. A government should protect the rights of its people, not create an environment where fear replaces freedom.

Corruption is yet another blight wrought by Emmerson Mnangagwa, his cronies and ZANU-PF. These few people have milked the country to its knees; little wonder they are changing the constitution to lengthen their term of office so that they avoid prosecution whilst they work out how to establish a Mnangagwa dynasty.

We continue to question why allegations raised in the internationally publicised Gold Mafia investigation have not resulted in transparent accountability. The documentary unearthed extensive gold smuggling, money laundering and corruption involving the first family and individuals connected to powerful interests.

The “Gold Mafia” is an example of how Zimbabwe’s natural resources are enriching a privileged few while millions of ordinary citizens struggle with unemployment, poor healthcare, inadequate education, collapsing infrastructure and persistent poverty.

Zimbabwe is richly endowed with gold, diamonds, platinum and other valuable resources. These resources should improve hospitals, schools, roads, clean water supplies and employment opportunities. Instead, many citizens see little benefit while corruption allegations continue to dominate public discussion.

The negative consequences of restrictive laws, political intimidation and unmitigated corruption discourage investment, weaken democratic institutions, reduce public confidence in government, encourage skilled professionals to leave the country and limit citizens’ willingness to participate freely in national affairs.

Zimbabwe deserves better. It deserves leaders who respect the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, investigate corruption without fear or favour, and ensure that national wealth benefits every citizen rather than a privileged minority.

As a Zimbabwean, I believe that patriotism means defending justice, accountability, democracy and the rights of every citizen—not remaining silent in the face of injustice. A prosperous Zimbabwe can only be built on transparency, respect for human rights and equal justice under the law.

About the author: -
Samuel Jambaya is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a member of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, and is also active with the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF). He can be contacted via email at jomueljambaya@gmail.com.

 

In the Face of CAA3, We Are Down but Not Out

By Genius Khatazile Mamwadhu

19^th July 2026

As a community of human rights activists representing the ordinary Zimbabwean citizen, we put up a strong and spirited fight against Constitution Amendment Bill # 3 (CAB 3), from the time it was first whispered in ZANU-PF circles to its enactment on 7 July 2026.

It was never going to be easy to prevail against the machinations of a dictator determined to establish a dynasty, shield himself from possible future prosecution for his role in the Gukurahundi genocide, and evade accountability for the many atrocities committed by ZANU-PF and state machinery at his behest over four decades—not to mention the desire to protect what he looted from Zimbabwe’s resources.

Emmerson Mnangagwa deliberately avoided a referendum on a matter of great national importance and has instead forced his way forward, using looted national resources to buy the support of Members of Parliament.

He has also bought off most social influencers and anyone he believed might stand in his way as he marches toward crowning himself the “King of Zimbabwe.”

He also deployed State machinery to crush dissent. The CIO ensured that attempts to mobilise against CAB 3 were suppressed, and leading voices were hounded into silence. Some were abducted and tortured, some were incarcerated, and others were driven into exile.

The police stood ready with baton sticks and tear gas, while army tanks were visibly positioned to send a clear warning: citizens should think twice before taking to the streets.

The memories of the killings of unarmed protesters in January and August 2018 remain fresh, and the sight of army tanks stationed in strategic positions across the country is deterrent enough.

We must therefore acknowledge that we lost this battle, and that is deeply painful.

However, we will continue to fight the Mnangagwa regime until we overturn CAA 3 and all the unjust, repressive laws the regime has enacted.

We are back to the drawing board.

We are down, but not out.

About the author: -
Genius Khatazile Mamwadhu is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a member of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) and is also active with the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF). He can be contacted via email at mamwadhukhatazile@gmail.com.