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.

The Constitution Was Meant to Protect Zimbabweans—Not Those in Power

Why Constitution Amendment No. 3 Is a Threat to Democracy

By Rumbidzai Thelma Chidewu

13^th July 2026

A constitution is the supreme law of a nation. It exists to protect the rights of citizens, limit the abuse of power, and ensure that governments remain accountable to the people. When constitutional changes appear to serve the interests of those in power rather than the nation, every citizen has a duty to ask difficult questions.

The enactment of Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 has become one of the most controversial political developments in Zimbabwe's recent history. Many Zimbabweans believe the amendment weakens democratic governance and shifts the Constitution away from its intended purpose of protecting the people.

On 10 July 2026, Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom and democracy activists gathered outside the Zimbabwe Embassy to peacefully protest the signing of the amendment into law. Their message was clear: the Constitution belongs to the people, not to any political party or individual.

Many citizens believe the amendment offers little hope for ordinary Zimbabweans who continue to face economic hardship, unemployment, failing public services, and rising poverty. Instead, critics argue that the changes strengthen political power while doing little to improve the daily lives of the people.

The process leading to the amendment has also raised serious concerns. Opposition parties, civic organisations, and democracy advocates have alleged that intimidation, political pressure, and inducements were used to secure support for the Bill. Allegations that some public officials and Members of Parliament received financial rewards or vehicles have been widely reported in political debate, although these claims remain contested and have not been conclusively established by the courts.

Equally worrying is the growing fear among many Zimbabweans of speaking openly about political issues. Reports of arrests, abductions, and the prosecution of government critics have created an atmosphere in which many people feel that expressing a different opinion comes with serious personal risk. Democracy cannot flourish where fear replaces freedom.

The protest at the Zimbabwe Embassy was not driven by hatred or division. It was an expression of love for Zimbabwe and a desire to see a nation governed by the rule of law, constitutionalism, and respect for the will of the people.

As democracy activists, we cannot remain silent when we believe the Constitution is being used to consolidate political power rather than protect the rights of citizens. Peaceful protest is not a crime. Speaking out against injustice is not an act of disloyalty. It is the responsibility of every citizen who believes in democracy.

Zimbabwe deserves leaders who place the interests of the people above political survival. The country's future should be determined by its citizens through free, fair, and democratic processes—not through constitutional changes that many believe undermine the spirit of the 2013 Constitution.

Our call remains firm and peaceful:
No to Constitutional Amendment No. 3.
No to extending political power through constitutional manipulation.
No to fear, intimidation, and the silencing of citizens.

Yes to democracy.
Yes to constitutionalism.

Yes to a Zimbabwe where every citizen can speak freely, participate without fear, and determine the future of their nation.

History will remember those who defended democracy when it was under threat. May we all have the courage to stand on the right side of history.

About the author
Rumbidzai Thelma Chidewu is a Zimbabwean 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 rumbidzaithelmazhanje@gmail.com 

ZIMBABWE EMBASSY CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT ACT#3 DEMONSTRATION – FRIDAY 10.07.2026

Tuesday 13th July 2026

ROHR Zimbabwe, in collaboration with ZHRO and CDF, participated in a demonstration organised by
CDF to coincide with the “Zimbabwe Diaspora Business Forum” held at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London on Friday, 10 July 2026.

The purpose of the demonstration was to ensure that forum participants were made aware of the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe, including concerns relating to poor governance, the erosion of the rule of law, policy inconsistency, corruption, and the broader economic decline.

We sought to inform members of the international community, particularly potential investors, of the risks associated with investing in Zimbabwe. These include an unpredictable policy environment and the absence of effective legal recourse in instances where investments may be undermined or expropriated, exacerbated by concerns over judicial independence.

The demonstration also highlighted the recent enactment of Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 (Act No. 6 of 2026), which was a significant erosion of citizens’ rights to universal suffrage and indicative of a shift towards entrenched executive power and a step towards the establishment of a Mnangagwa dynasty.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continue opposing this constitutional amendment and to advocate for the restoration of diaspora voting rights.

During the demonstration, a small group identifying themselves as “Children of War Veterans,” aligned with ZANU-PF, attempted to counter the protest at the embassy entrance. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the significantly larger presence of demonstrators, and they subsequently withdrew into the embassy premises.

Following the successful delivery of our message, the demonstration concluded peacefully after 20:00 hrs.

For pictures and videos taken at the demonstration please follow this link.

ROHR Zimbabwe BBQ Fundraiser - A Powerful Demonstration of Unity, Human Dignity, and Collective Action

By Elizabeth Chitengo

30^th June 2026

The Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe proudly celebrates the remarkable success of the
ROHR Zimbabwe BBQ Fundraiser, held on Saturday, 27 June 2026, at The White Hart,77 Westgate End, WF2 9RL, Wakefield. More than a social gathering, this historic event became a powerful expression of solidarity, compassion, and the unwavering commitment of Zimbabweans across the United Kingdom to defend human rights and restore hope to vulnerable communities back home.

The outstanding turnout reflected the strength and determination of a diaspora community that refused to turn away from injustice. It demonstrated that although we may be separated by thousands of miles, we remain united by our shared responsibility to protect the dignity, rights, and well-being of those most at risk.

This year's fundraiser was dedicated to supporting two critical humanitarian initiatives: the Bulawayo Shelter for the Girl Child, which provides refuge, protection, and hope for girls escaping abuse, exploitation, and homelessness, and the Mutare People Living with Albinism Support Programme, which champions the rights, inclusion, and dignity of people living with albinism who continue to face discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion.

Throughout the day, the venue came alive with music, cultural performances, energetic dancing, and the infectious spirit of Gotchi Gotchi. Yet behind every smile, every performance, and every celebration was a profound purpose—to stand together for justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

The event also served as an important platform for networking and collaboration, bringing together human rights defenders, community leaders, professionals, supporters, and members of the Zimbabwean diaspora to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm our collective commitment to social justice and sustainable community development.

ROHR Zimbabwe extends its deepest appreciation to every individual who attended, donated, volunteered, performed, sponsored, and supported this initiative. Your generosity is more than financial support—it is an investment in human dignity. It is a declaration that vulnerable girls deserve safety, that people living with albinism deserve equality and protection, and that no member of our society should ever be forgotten.

 As human rights defenders, we recognise that our work does not end with one successful event. The challenges facing vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe remain significant, but so too does our resolve. Every contribution made, every partnership formed, and every voice raised strengthens our movement for justice and brings us closer to a society where the rights of every individual are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

This fundraiser reminded us of a simple but profound truth: when ordinary people unite around extraordinary values, they become a force capable of transforming lives.

We therefore call upon Zimbabweans across the globe, our friends, partners, and all people of goodwill, to continue standing with us. Together, we can provide protection where there is vulnerability, hope where there is despair, and opportunity where there has been exclusion.

The struggle for human rights is not the responsibility of a few—it is the collective duty of us all.

Together, we are stronger.
Together, we defend human rights.
Together, we restore hope.
Together, we transform lives.
Aluta Continua. Victory is certain.

Pictures and videos taken at the event can be viewed via the following hyperlink;-
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72177720334445987/

About the author
Elizabeth Chitengo is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is in the South Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at elizabethchitengo98@gmail.com 

Zimbabweans Deserve Dignity, Not Abandonment

by Chiedza Kambari

5^th July 2026

The ongoing situation involving Zimbabweans waiting for transport in South Africa is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Reports indicate that thousands of people have been stranded for days, sleeping outside in cold and rainy weather while waiting for buses that were promised but have arrived in insufficient numbers.

Among those stranded are pregnant women, children, elderly people, and individuals who are ill. Leaving vulnerable people exposed to harsh weather for such a long time is a humanitarian crisis that demands an urgent response.

It is deeply disappointing that those affected have been left to endure these conditions while waiting for assistance. Promises without timely action only increase the suffering of people who are already facing uncertainty and hardship.

Every government has a responsibility to protect the dignity and welfare of its people. Zimbabwean citizens deserve safe and organised transportation, proper shelter, access to healthcare where needed, and clear communication during times of crisis. No one should be left abandoned in the open for days.

As a Zimbabwean, I believe our leaders should focus on protecting citizens and addressing humanitarian emergencies rather than prioritising political celebrations such as Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3). Celebrating perceived political achievements while vulnerable Zimbabweans continue to suffer reflects misplaced priorities and a failure of compassionate leadership.

Human rights are not optional. Every Zimbabwean deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and humanity. I call on all responsible authorities to act urgently, honour their commitments, and ensure that no Zimbabwean is left to suffer in such inhumane conditions again.

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

ROHR BBQ FUNDRAISER - SATURDAY 27.06.2026

29th June 2026

Saturday, 27 June 2026, marked a historic and inspiring occasion as the ROHR Zimbabwe BBQ

fundraiser brought together Zimbabweans from across the United Kingdom in a vibrant display of solidarity, compassion, and community spirit. Held at The White Hart, 77 Westgate End, WF2 9RL in Wakefield, the event was a resounding success, attracting a large and diverse audience united in support of two important causes: the Bulawayo Shelter for the Girl Child and the Mutare People Living with Albinism Support Programme.

Attendees experienced an electrifying atmosphere enriched by lively music, energetic dance performances, and the infectious spirit of Gotchi Gotchi, all of which fostered a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. The event also served as a valuable platform for networking, enabling community members to connect, share experiences, and strengthen relationships while advocating for meaningful social change.

The impressive turnout reflected the deep commitment of Zimbabweans in the UK to uplift and empower vulnerable communities in their homeland. Through the generosity and active participation of all those present, significant progress has been made towards supporting young girls facing displacement and hardship in Bulawayo, as well as improving the welfare of people living with albinism in Mutare.

Beyond fundraising, the event succeeded in raising awareness and inspiring hope, demonstrating the powerful impact of collective action. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community unites behind a common purpose, reinforcing the belief that meaningful and lasting change is possible.

Pictures and videos taken at the event can be viewed via the following hyperlink;-
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72177720334445987/

About the author
Phylis Melody Magejo is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Information & Publicity Secretary of the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.   She can be contacted via email at phylis.magejo@rohr-zimbabwe.org.

Human Rights Under Mnangagwa’s Leadership — An Activist’s View

By Chiedza Kambari

17^th June 2026

I am Chiedza Kambari, a human rights activist. Since taking office in 2017, President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised change, freedom, and justice. Yet today, words and actions stand far apart. I speak here about the reality many Zimbabweans face.

Closing the Space for Free Expression

Today, journalists, human rights defenders, political opponents, and ordinary citizens face serious barriers to speaking their minds. New laws such as the Patriotic Act and the PVO Amendment Act have been used to restrict freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the right to gather peacefully. Protests are often met with force, while some people are detained, harassed, or silenced for expressing their views. There is little room for independent voices, and information that does not favour official narratives is frequently ignored or dismissed.

Justice and Livelihoods at Risk

The economic crisis has deepened hardship across Zimbabwe, affecting millions of people. Access to food, healthcare, education, and shelter has become increasingly difficult for many families. Security forces often operate without sufficient oversight, and concerns remain about the use of the courts against government critics. Women, young people, and marginalised communities face additional challenges and discrimination, limiting their ability to participate fully in public life and access protection when their rights are violated.

What We Stand For

As activists, our call is clear.

We call for independent investigations into all reported human rights abuses and justice for victims.

We call for the repeal of repressive laws and the restoration of civic freedoms, media freedom, and democratic space.

We call for free and fair elections that are open to independent observers and conducted in accordance with constitutional principles.

We call for the protection of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists, and for the release of those detained solely for exercising their fundamental rights.

We call on the international community to support Zimbabwean citizens and encourage genuine improvements in human rights and democratic governance.

We do not fight against individuals. We stand for dignity, truth, justice, and the right of every Zimbabwean to live without fear.

Human rights are not privileges granted by the state; they belong to every person. We believe in a Zimbabwe where the law applies equally to all, freedoms are respected, and justice is visible to everyone.

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.  

Zimbabwe’s Main Challenges-What Citizens Are Facing

14th June 2026 

By Chiedza Kambari

Zimbabwe continues to face a number of challenges that affect the daily lives of its citizens. Many people are struggling with the high cost of living, unemployment, inadequate public services, and economic hardship.

Concerns have also been raised about the condition of public infrastructure, including roads, water systems, and drainage networks. Recent incidents involving unsafe sewage drains have highlighted the need for greater attention to public safety and maintenance of essential services.

Many citizens and civil society groups have expressed concerns about proposed laws and policies, including Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, arguing that legislation should protect democratic rights and freedoms while promoting national development. 

Healthcare services, education, and social welfare systems also face significant pressures, making it difficult for many families to access the support they need. As a result, some Zimbabweans have sought opportunities abroad in search of better living conditions and economic stability.

Addressing these challenges requires accountable leadership, transparency, investment in public services, and policies that improve the welfare of all citizens. Zimbabweans deserve a future where they can live in safety, dignity, and prosperity.

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