Shrinking the Democratic Space: The Dictator, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Is at It Again - By Panyika Karimanzira

30^th May 2025

This week, kleptocrat and dictator Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled the Zimbabwe Media Policy.

Cloaked in colourful language and lofty rhetoric, the policy might appear progressive at first glance. But a closer, more critical examination reveals a different reality.

To the discerning citizen, this policy is yet another addition to the regime’s ever-expanding arsenal of repressive tools. Far from promoting transparency or freedom of expression, it resurrects the spirit of the long-repealed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). It now joins the ranks of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act of 2023—infamously dubbed the “Patriotic Act”—and the Cyber and Data Protection Act. Collectively, these laws constitute a systematic erosion of Zimbabwe’s democratic space.

The Zimbabwe Media Policy is a framework designed to curtail free speech and media independence. It grants the state sweeping powers—not only over traditional media but also over social media—thus extending its surveillance and control into the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

Central to this policy is a requirement for licensing under a centralised, government-controlled system. In the hands of a dictator, such a mechanism becomes a potent weapon. Media outlets and journalists operate at the mercy of the state. Those who refuse to conform, or who dare to expose corruption and abuses of power, face harsh reprisals.

Journalists are particularly vulnerable. Recent pre-trial detention cases—such as that of Blessing Mhlanga and, before him, Hopewell Chin’ono—demonstrate the real consequences of exposing the corruption and shenanigans of the ruling elite, as well as speaking truth to power. Under this policy, reporters who shine a light on government failures or corruption risk imprisonment.

Foreign journalists are also targeted. They must obtain security clearance from the intelligence services, pay hefty fees, and surrender copies of any documentaries produced during their stay in Zimbabwe. This not only discourages external scrutiny but also tightens the regime’s grip on its international image.

Clause 4.8 (Page 31) of the policy outlines a chilling array of penalties: loss of licenses or accreditation, forced content removal or blocking, mandatory apologies and corrections, disqualification from media awards, and potential legal action.

Big Brother is not just watching us —he is silencing us.

About the author

Panyika Anselm Karimanzira is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a board member of and spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at anselm.karimanzira@yahoo.ie OR panyika.karimanzira@rohr-zimbabwe.org 

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

9^th March 2025

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

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

ZANU-PF’s Corruption is Destroying Zimbabwe

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

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

A Lawless Regime Built on Violence and Fear

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Economic Collapse Under Mnangagwa

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

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

Mnangagwa Will Never Fix Zimbabwe—The People Must Demand Change

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

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

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

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

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

 The Time for Lies is Over

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

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

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

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

By Renee Brenda Langa

5th January 2025

“Usarega kunyengetera ndidzoke kumba.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#FreedomForAll
#TinodaRunyararo
#WeWantPeace

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

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

Zimbabwean President Continues to Abuse Power - Courts Weaponised Against Activists

 26th August 2024

In Zimbabwe, the fight for democracy and human rights has taken a dark turn as the judiciary, once a pillar of justice, increasingly becomes an instrument of repression. Under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the courts have been systematically used to silence dissent, target activists, and shut down opposition voices, casting a long shadow over the country’s political landscape. 

Since assuming office in 2017, President Mnangagwa promised to break away from the oppressive regime of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe. However, despite these promises, the situation for political activists, journalists, and opposition members in Zimbabwe has deteriorated significantly. Human rights organisations and international observers have consistently raised concerns about the use of the judiciary as a tool for political control. The courts in Zimbabwe have become notorious for their bias against activists. High-profile cases have seen opposition leaders and civil society members arrested on dubious charges, often with little evidence presented in court. These arrests are frequently followed by lengthy detentions, denying the accused their right to a fair trial and due process. Bail is often denied on questionable grounds, with some activists languishing in prison for extended periods without trial.

Once vibrant and active in Zimbabwe, civil society organisations have also felt the heavy hand of state repression. The government has cracked down on NGOs, particularly those involved in human rights work, accusing them of being foreign agents or destabilising forces. Legal challenges and administrative hurdles have been deployed to limit the activities of these groups, making it increasingly difficult for them to operate. This crackdown extends to media organisations, where independent journalists and outlets that criticise the government face harassment, arrests, and even physical attacks. Laws restricting freedom of expression and access to information are selectively enforced, ensuring that only pro-government narratives dominate the public discourse. 

The international community has not been silent on these issues. Various human rights bodies, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the Zimbabwean government’s actions. Western governments have also issued statements expressing concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. However, despite these condemnations, the situation on the ground remains dire, with little sign that the government is willing to change course.

The weaponisation of the judiciary in Zimbabwe under President Mnangagwa represents a significant threat to the country’s democratic future. By using the courts to silence activists, suppress opposition, and control civil society, the government is undermining the rule of law and eroding the very foundations of justice. As Zimbabwe approaches a critical juncture in its political history, the need for international solidarity with its activists and a renewed commitment to human rights and democracy has never been greater.

The future of Zimbabwe depends not only on the resilience of its people but also on the global community’s willingness to stand up against the misuse of power and the suppression of fundamental freedoms.

About the author

Newton Tapiwa Mpofu is a Zimbabwean political activist based in the United Kingdom

The Illusion of Agricultural Prosperity SADC Leaders Duped by Zimbabwe’s Showcase Farm

23 August, 2024

During a recent visit to Zimbabwe, leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were treated to what appeared to be a triumphant display of agricultural success. The tour included a stop at a flourishing farm that was presented as a testament to Zimbabwe’s agricultural renaissance. However, beneath the surface of this grand spectacle lies a far more troubling reality. The farm showcased to SADC leaders belongs to none other than Zimbabwe’s president, a fact that casts a long shadow over the authenticity of the visit. 

The leaders were shown a picture-perfect image of green fields, well-fed livestock, and thriving crops, all designed to create the impression that Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is on the path to recovery after years of decline. Yet, this carefully curated display is far from representative of the nation’s broader agricultural landscape.

In reality, Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector is struggling. The collapse of commercial farming, which began with the chaotic land reforms in the early 2000s, has left the country with a severe shortage of food and agricultural productivity. The showcased farm, heavily subsidised and supported by the state, is a rare exception in a country where most farms are languishing under poor management, lack of inputs, and inadequate infrastructure. The farm in question is not just any farm it is a personal project of the president, heavily funded and meticulously maintained to serve as a propaganda tool. While this farm may indeed be productive, it operates under conditions that are far removed from those of the average Zimbabwean farmer. With access to the best resources, top-quality inputs, and government-backed support, it is hardly surprising that this farm is flourishing.

The success of one farm, particularly one owned by the head of state, does not equate to the revival of an entire sector. The president’s farm is a bubble, an insulated environment that bears little resemblance to the realities faced by most farmers in Zimbabwe. For the majority, farming remains a daily struggle against poor soils, erratic rainfall, and a lack of financial support.The decision to showcase this farm to SADC leaders raises serious concerns about the transparency and honesty of Zimbabwe’s government.

By presenting this farm as a symbol of national success, the president is not only misleading his regional counterparts but also undermining the credibility of Zimbabwe’s agricultural recovery.SADC leaders left Zimbabwe with the impression that the country is on the brink of an agricultural boom, but the truth is far more sobering. The majority of Zimbabwe’s farmers continue to face severe challenges, from land degradation to the impact of climate change, and the sector is far from the vibrant and thriving industry that the president’s farm suggests.

If SADC leaders had been shown the true state of agriculture in Zimbabwe, they would have witnessed a very different scene. Across the country, smallholder farmers are struggling to make ends meet, often without access to the necessary tools, seeds, and fertilisers to ensure a good harvest. Many farms are underutilised or lie fallow, while others are barely productive enough to sustain the families that depend on them.

The government’s focus on presenting a false image of success does little to address these underlying issues. Instead of investing in genuine agricultural development that benefits all farmers, resources are being funnelled into maintaining a facade that serves the ruling elite's interests.

The visit by SADC leaders to Zimbabwe should serve as a wake-up call to the region. Rather than being swayed by carefully staged displays, there is a need for a more honest and transparent assessment of the situation on the ground. Only by confronting the true challenges facing Zimbabwe’s agriculture can the region hope to support real, sustainable development. Zimbabwe’s leaders may have succeeded in pulling the wool over the eyes of their regional counterparts this time, but the long-term consequences of such deception are dire. The future of Zimbabwe’s agriculture depends not on the success of one highly privileged farm but on the collective progress of all its farmers. It’s time for SADC to demand the truth and work together towards a genuine agricultural recovery that benefits the entire nation.

About the author 
Newton Tapiwa Mpofu is a Political Activist based in the UK.

Unlawful Arrests of Activists in Zimbabwe: A Brazen Assault on Human Rights by the Mnangagwa Regime – by Sakhile Ncube

14^th August, 2024

Zimbabwe has witnessed an alarming escalation in the unlawful arrests of citizens who criticise the way the country is being run. Over 100 innocent citizens, mainly members of opposition and human rights activists have been arrested, abducted, tortured and imprisoned in the past few months. These arrests and abductions have been at the behest of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and coordinated by state agencies and the ruling ZANU-PF functionaries.

Most of the arrests and abductions were related to lawful gatherings and based on fabricated charges to silence dissent. The Mnangagwa-led government has intensified its crackdown, targeting anyone who dares to challenge its authority or calls for change.         

The latest wave of repression began roughly two months ago, but it is part of a broader pattern of authoritarianism that has characterised the Mnangagwa regime since its inception. This period has seen an intensification of efforts to quash opposition in the lead-up to the 2024 SADC Summit, which Zimbabwe is set to host on August 17.

The recent arrests and abductions of activists include “ the Avondale 78”, Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi, Robson Chere, and Vusumuzi Moyo. Among those detained are a mother with her 1-year-old baby and another mother whose son died whilst she was in remand prison and was denied bail to go mourn and bury her child. These are heart-wrenching illustrations of the regime’s complete disregard for basic human decency and international law.

However, this pattern of political violence and repression is not new. The abduction and arrests of prominent figures like Gandhi Mudzingwa, Kisimusi Dhlamini, Andrison Manyere, and Jestina Mukoko—a well-known Zimbabwean human rights activist and director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project—marked some of the earlier signs of ZANU-PF led government’s ruthlessness. Jestina Mukoko, who is also a journalist and former newsreader with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, was a notable victim of this repression.

Another deeply troubling incident occurred on March 9, 2015, when Itai Dzamara, a prominent activist and journalist, was abducted in Harare. His disappearance garnered significant international attention and concern, shining a spotlight on the severe issues of repression in Zimbabwe. Dzamara’s case, along with many others, underscores the persistent and escalating nature of political violence under the ZANU-PF regime, which has continued to grow more brazen in its tactics.

The deployment of the army and police ahead of the 2024 SADC Summit further reflects an atmosphere of fear and repression in the country.  These recent events are part of a broader campaign to intimidate the population and stifle peaceful protest or opposition. The unjust detention of activists, journalists, and even innocent bystanders under false pretences is a direct violation of Zimbabwean citizens’ constitutional rights, particularly Section 58, which guarantees freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful protest.

The ZANU-PF regime, under the leadership of Emmerson Mnangagwa, bears full responsibility for these egregious violations of human rights. Since coming to power, Mnangagwa has presided over a government that systematically undermines democratic principles and has turned the state apparatus into a tool for repression. The regime’s actions are not only unconstitutional but also constitute crimes under international law, as they involve the illegal detention, torture, and harassment of innocent citizens.

These arrests and abuses are taking place across Zimbabwe, affecting urban centres like Harare and Bulawayo, as well as rural areas where activists have been organising against the government. The regime’s reach is extensive, and its crackdown has permeated every corner of the country, leaving no safe space for those who seek to express dissent or advocate for change.

The root cause of this crackdown lies in the ZANU-PF regime’s desperation to maintain its grip on power amidst growing public dissatisfaction and calls for political reform. The Mnangagwa administration is acutely aware of the increasing discontent among Zimbabweans, who have been subjected to years of economic mismanagement, corruption, and political repression. The unlawful arrests are a clear attempt to silence these voices and prevent the mobilisation of any movement that could threaten the regime’s hold on power. Through increasingly autocratic measures and strategic placements of loyalists in key positions, Emmerson Mnangagwa appears determined to consolidate power and extend his rule in Zimbabwe well beyond 2030, seeking to entrench his regime’s influence for decades to come.

Unfortunately, the response from regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been disappointingly muted. Despite Zimbabwe’s gross human rights violations, the SADC committee has largely turned a blind eye to the suffering of Zimbabwean citizens, opting instead to maintain a stance of non-interference This inaction has emboldened the Mnangagwa regime to continue its oppressive tactics with impunity.

The international community, particularly human rights organisations and foreign governments must take a stronger stance against the Zimbabwean government’s blatant disregard for the rule of law. The failure to hold Mnangagwa and his regime accountable not only undermines the credibility of regional and international bodies but also allows the continued suffering of Zimbabwe’s population.

In recent years, Zimbabwe has seen an exodus of citizens fleeing the country to escape the abductions, abuse, and torture that have become commonplace under the ZANU-PF regime. The deterioration of public services, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools, starkly contrasts with the luxurious lifestyles of government officials, who frequently seek medical treatment abroad at the expense of the suffering masses back home.

This ongoing crisis demands urgent attention and action. The people of Zimbabwe deserve to live in a country where their rights are respected and their voices are heard. The international community must no longer stand idly by as the Mnangagwa regime continues to trample on the fundamental freedoms of its citizens.

#ZanuPFMustGo 
#FreeAllPoliticalActivists 
#StopViolationOfHumanRights

About the author
Sakhile Ncube is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is a Committee Member in the Executive Committee of the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She can be contacted by email at jsakhile@yahoo.com

 

Condemning Police Brutality and Unjust Arrests: Solidarity with Zimbabwean Student Activists – by Valentine Monalisa Mudonhi

24^th July 2024

Police brutality is a significant human rights issue, manifesting in various forms, including the use ofexcessive force, unjustified shootings, illegal detentions, and abuse during custody. In Zimbabwe, student activists exercising their fundamental right to protest and express dissent have been subjected to brutal and unwarranted physical assault.

I stand in solidarity with student activists and all individuals who fight for justice and human dignity.

I strongly condemn the unjust arrest and beating of over 50 ZINASU student activists attending their annual conference that took place today, the 24th of July 2024, at the ZESA Training Centre in Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe, by Zimbabwean police officers. Their crime? Simply meeting and discussing their student affairs. This act shows how ZANU-PF, under the leadership of Emmerson Mnangagwa, blatantly violates human rights and the freedoms of assembly and expression.

The fact that student activists were beaten and arrested for exercising their right to assemble is not only unacceptable but also unconstitutional.

The Zimbabwean constitution permits private meetings in Section 58, which states that everyone has the right to freedom of assembly and association. There was no justifiable disruption of their meeting.

What’s most concerning is the selective application of the law. ZANU-PF, an actual political party (unlike students), holds gatherings left, right, and centre, even clogging the airport and moving in protected areas, yet no law enforcement agents stop them.

The Constitution is supreme; everyone must respect and uphold it without fear or favour. Every citizen is entitled to equal protection and benefit from the law. We cannot have one law for one group and another for everyone else.

#FreeZimbabwe 🇿🇼
#StopUnjustArrest
#StopViolationOfHumanRights

About the author
Valentine Monalisa Mudonhi is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Organising Secretary for the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at valentinemudonhi@gmail.com OR valentine.mudonhi@rohr-zimbabwe.org

Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe

17^th January 2024

By Ronald Mutumbi

Human rights abuses in Zimbabwe are a serious and ongoing problem that affects the lives and dignity of millions of people. According to various sources, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, ZimRights and ROHR Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwean government has been responsible for numerous violations of civil and political rights.

The State-sponsored human rights violations include murder, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, harassment, persecution and prosecution of opposition politicians, journalists, political and human rights activists, human rights defenders and critics of the ruling party of all kinds.

These are carried out by uniformed forces and unidentified assailants, suspected to be state security agents with impunity.

Peaceful protests are met with excessive, disproportionate, and lethal force, including the use of tear gas, batons, and live ammunition, resulting in injuries and deaths.

Restrictions on various human rights including rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly are imposed through the enactment and selective application of repressive laws, such as the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill (Commonly referred to as “The Patriotic Act), the Private Voluntary Organisations Act (PVO), the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and the Cyber and Data Protection Act of 2021  which collectively aim to shrink the democratic space and control the activities of nongovernmental organisations and individuals.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, also face criminalisation, harassment, and violence because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The recent outbreak of cholera countrywide, just like the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, has exposed the government’s failure to provide adequate health care, food, water, and sanitation to the population, especially the most vulnerable groups.

The pandemic was used as an excuse to impose lockdown measures that limited the people’s access to information, education, and livelihoods, to crack down on any criticism or protest as well as for corrupt activities by the political elite and their cronies with the “Drax scandal” being a case in point.

The human rights situation in Zimbabwe is alarming and requires urgent attention and action from the international community, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community, as well as from the Zimbabwean authorities themselves. The government should respect and protect the human rights of all its citizens and ensure that those who commit or order human rights violations are held accountable and brought to justice. The government should also engage in dialogue and cooperation with civil society, the opposition, and the media and implement the necessary reforms to restore democracy, the rule of law, and human dignity in the country.

About the author
Ronald Mutumbi is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is the Organising Secretary for the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, a not-for-profit organisation registered in 2007. Among other things, ROHR Zimbabwe aims to promote a culture of human rights through community mobilisation, capacity building, and active responses to human rights violations. It also advocates for peace, justice, freedom, accountability, and democratic reforms in the country. Ronald can be contacted by email at ronald.mutumbi@rohr-zimbabwe.org or  ronmutumbi@gmail.com  

ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE OF FULEZA GIBSON “NDAWANA” SIBANDA MEMORY

3^rd November 2023

By Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu.

Today, 3rd November 2023, marks the 38th year since the enforced disappearance of my maternal grandfather, Fuleza Gibson "Ndawana" Sibanda.

He disappeared at the hands of Zimbabwean state machinery at the height of the Gukurahundi genocide in Matabeleland in Zimbabwe.

Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda was abducted by four men, two of whom were in Police uniform and two in civilian attire on 3rd November 1985, at the Brethren in Christ Church in Mpopoma, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

He was never to be seen again.

This state-sponsored tragedy left a permanent scar on our family and the community.

I'm always in fear of the Zimbabwean State Machinery, hurting and forever in sorrow. There is no closure.

For more details see the article via link below;-

https://rohrzimbabweblog.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-enforced-disappearance-of-fuleza.html

About the author:

Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu is a human rights activist and the Information & Publicity Secretary for the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She can be contacted via email michelle.mpofu@rohr-zimbabwe.org or michellempofu11@gmail.com

THE ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE OF FULEZA GIBSON “NDAWANA” SIBANDA

25^th July 2023

By Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu

Now that I am beyond the reach of the murderous regime in Zimbabwe, I can tell the story of the enforced disappearance of my maternal grandfather, Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda.

My name is Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu. I am the daughter of Sindisiwe Sibanda, daughter of Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda.

Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda disappeared at the hands of Zimbabwean state machinery at the height of the Gukurahundi genocide in Matabeleland in Zimbabwe.

Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda was abducted by four men, two of whom were in Police uniform and two in civilian attire on 3^rd November 1985, at the Brethren in Christ Church in Mpopoma, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

He was never to be seen again.

This state-sponsored tragedy left a permanent scar on our family and the community.

The impact of Fuleza Gibson “Ndawana” Sibanda's disappearance was felt not only by his immediate family but also by us, his grandchildren. The fear of being abducted became a constant worry, and our family was never able to heal from the trauma of losing our loved one in such circumstances.

To this day, there is no information about Sibanda’s whereabouts or well-being. This uncertainty and lack of closure are incredibly distressing to us as a family.

The distress is ongoing, and the psychological impact on us is indescribable. The spectre of enforced disappearance hovers over us daily.

Sibanda's disappearance affected his wife, our grandmother, who struggled to take care of their children, who were left without a provider. The children had to grow up without a father figure. This gravely affected my grandmother’s ability to provide emotional support to her children, my mother included.

The trauma of Sibanda's abduction also affected us, his grandchildren. Not only because we never got to meet our grandfather but also because we live in fear of a repeat of what happened to our grandfather. The fear of being abducted or losing a loved one remains a constant worry, which affects our mental health and well-being. 

We grew up in an environment where the government could take people away and make them disappear without a trace. We are made to feel helpless, especially because there is no recourse to the law as the judiciary is captured.

This instilled a deep sense of fear and mistrust in the government.

The abduction of Sibanda is one of many cases of enforced disappearances in Zimbabwe. Families are left without closure, and the perpetrators are never held accountable. The lack of justice exacerbates the trauma of the families and undermines the rule of law.

The Zimbabwean government must take responsibility for the enforced disappearances and bring the perpetrators to justice. Families deserve closure, and justice is essential for healing and rebuilding trust in the government.

The abduction of Fuleza Gibson Ndawana Sibanda had a profound impact on our family and the community. The trauma of his disappearance continues to affect our family up to this day.

It is essential that the Zimbabwean government take responsibility for enforced disappearances and bring perpetrators to justice to ensure that no family must endure this type of trauma again.

Note

The story of Fuleza Gibson Ndawana Sibanda was covered by the main newspapers in Zimbabwe back then and also in a book entitled “Voices from the Rocks: Nature, Culture and History in the Matopos Hills of Zimbabwe” by Terence Osborn Ranger.

About the author

Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe based in the United Kingdom. She can be contacted by email at michellempofu11@gmail.com.

Comment on British Prime Minister’s resignation – by Panyika Karimanzira

 By Panyika Karimanzira

 Thursday 7^th July 2022

I wish our citizens and politicians in Zimbabwe could take a leaf from the recent developments in British politics which culminated in the resignation of Mr Boris Johnson from both being the leader of the ruling party, The Conservatives and the British Prime Minister today Thursday 7^th July 2022.

Mr Boris Johnson’s tenure was marked by scandals that included allegations of sleaze. Citizens on their part did not hesitate to point out instances of sleaze when they occurred and did not fear to criticise Boris Johnson and the government. They also punished the Conservative Party in recent by-elections.

Conservative Members of Parliament also criticised their leader both inside and outside Parliament and sometimes even voted with the opposition on motions that sought to keep the Prime Minister in check.

Some of them even voted for a motion of Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister which Mr Boris Johnson survived not so long ago.

Now members of Mr Boris Johnson’s Cabinet and Parliament resigned in large numbers in the last 2 days thereby making his tenure untenable and forcing him to resign.

That is how it should be in a democratic society. When Prime Ministers, Presidents, Ministers or other people holding positions of responsibility fail, they should resign. Ministers and Members of Parliament should also be willing to resign if they are not happy with the leadership in Government.

Nobody should masquerade as being entitled to rule forever or indispensable. There should be no sacred cow in our politics.

Here are links to videos in English, IsiNdebele and ChiShona on this matter by Panyika Karimanzira;-

Video in English
Video in IsiNdebele
Video in ChiShona

About the author and disclaimer:
Panyika Karimanzira a.k.a. Mandulo Pasichigare a.k.a. Shangoni WaHamisi is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom and is writing in his personal capacity in this instance. He can be contacted via email anselm.karimanzira@yahoo.ie

 

Robert Kamanga of ROHR Zimbabwe calls for the release of abducted Moreblessing Ali

Saturday 4^th June 2022 

By Shangoni WaHamisi

As part of ROHR Zimbabwe’s campaign dubbed #BringbackMoreblessingAli, on Satrurday 4^th June 2022, Robert Kamanga, the Treasurer of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, via this video , is calling for the release of Moreblessing Ali, a Zimbabwean political activist who was abducted by ZANU-PF members in the Nyatsime area of Chitungwiza on 24^th May 2022 and has never been seen since then, as at 4th June 2022. Robert Kamanga also says “ZANU-PF must go” because of the persecution of citizens who hold different political opinions from those of ZANU-PF.

This case is one of the latest in a fresh wave of State sponsored abductions and attempted abductions.

This case is one of the latest in a fresh wave of State sponsored abductions and attempted abductions.

In a case of attempted abduction only a few days ago on Friday 27^th May 2022there was an attempt to abduct Mduduzi Mathuthu, the Editor of ZimLive.com. He was lucky to have been away from home when  five men purporting to be Policemen, driving in an unmarked car, without registration number plates turned up looking for him.

The Zimbabwe government has got a history of state sponsored abductions, persecution, forced disappearances and murder of its critics, especially political and human rights activists as well as journalists. 

Most notable of these was the case of Paul Chizuze, a human rights activist who was abducted on 8^th February 2012 and Itai Dzamara, a journalist and pro-democracy activist who was abducted on 9^th March 2015. Both men have never been found since.

By Shangoni WaHamisi

About the author

Shangoni WaHamisi  is the pen name for Panyika Karimanzira a.k.a. Mandulo Pasichigare, a United Kingdom based Zimbabwean human rights activist who is a Board Member and Spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. Mandulo Pasichigare can be contacted via email Shangoni.WaHamisi@yahoo.co.uk

ROHR Zimbabwe exhorts Zimbabweans to confront the Government over the abduction of Moreblessing Ali.

Thursday 2^nd June 2022

By Mandulo Pasichigare,

To mark the start of ROHR Zimbabwe’s campaign dubbed #BringbackMoreblessingAli, on Monday 30^th May 2022, Silvanos Mudzvova, a member of The Advocacy & Mentorship Team of Restoration ofHuman Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, via this video , exhorted Zimbabweans to pile pressure on the regime to release Moreblessing Ali, a political activist who was attacked, badly injured and bundled into a car at the shops in the Nyatsime area of Chitungwiza by ZANU-PF supporters on Tuesday 24^th May 2022 and has not been seen or heard from since then.

On Thursday 2^nd June 2022, Nontokozo Malaba Ncube, the Vice Chairperson of the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe followed up with a call for the release of Moreblessing Ali under the same campaign via another video .

This case is one of the latest in a fresh wave of State sponsored abductions and attempted abductions.

In a case of attempted abduction only a few days ago on Friday 27^th May 2022 there was an attempt to abduct Mduduzi Mathuthu, the Editor of ZimLive.com. He was lucky to have been away from home when  five men purporting to be Policemen, driving in an unmarked car, without registration number plates turned up looking for him.

The Zimbabwe government has got a history of state sponsored abductions, persecution, forced disappearances and murder of its critics, especially political and human rights activists as well as journalists.

Most notable of these was the case of Paul Chizuze, a human rights activist who was abducted on 8^th February 2012 and Itai Dzamara, a journalist and pro-democracy activist who was abducted on 9^th March 2015. Both men have never been found since.

By Mandulo Pasichigare

About the author
Mandulo Pasichigare is the pen name for Panyika Karimanzira a.k.a. Shangoni WaHamisi, a United Kingdom based Zimbabwean human rights activist who is a Board Member and Spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. Mandulo Pasichigare can be contacted via email Mandulo.pasichigare@yahoo.ie .

Olivia Chamboko - #WeAreNotIndependent

18 April 2022

What is there to celebrate when Itai Dzamara is still missing 7 years later, and the perpetrators of his abduction have not yet been brought to justice?

What is there to celebrate when the soldiers who killed people in the streets of Harare on 1st August 2018 are still walking scot-free?

What is there to celebrate when the Zanu-PF thugs who killed Mboneni Ncube are not in prison? 

What independence when we have no freedom in our own country? What independence when we have no justice in our own country? What independence when we have no democracy in our own country? 

No Yet Uhuru 💔 🇿🇼 

They can have all the festivities they want but this land we call Zimbabwe is not yet free. Yes, we won independence from British colonial rule but we are still to be free from ZANU PF oppression.

The words of Father Zimbabwe Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo ring loudest on a day like this, he said "The hardest lesson of my life has come to me late. It is that a nation can win freedom without its people becoming free."

The fight for a genuinely independent Zimbabwe continues unabated.

 About the author;-

Olivia Chamboko is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe’s UK Chapter. She is based in the United Kingdom and can be contacted by email on chambokoolivia@yahoo.co.uk

How dare you say "HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY ZIMBABWE"?

18^th April 2022

By Magadaline (Maggy) Moyo

When my sister Nomsa Tshuma witnessed the painful death of her husband, Elvis Nyathi, a fate she herself narrowly escaped, at the hands of rogue South Africans simply because he was a foreigner that supposedly took their job whilst there are no jobs in Zimbabwe. 

When we watched that Video of Elvis Nyathi being burnt alive to ashes by heartless South Africans simply because he had left Zimbabwe out of desperation. When lack of opportunities due to the dire economic situation caused by an uncaring and unprincipled government that pursues distractive policies and a narrow agenda that benefits only an elite few and their surrogates at the expense of the general citizenry forced him to seek a livelihood elsewhere.

Elvis Nyathi, like millions other Zimbabwean emigrants decided to take a job that most South Africans deemed demeaning because he knew the struggles back home. To him this was his Gold.

Now you are telling me “Happy #### 42yrs…”

How is my sister Nomsa Tshuma and her four children going to heal from the trauma of watching that Video of Elvis Nyathi being burnt alive to ashes in South Africa when in Zimbabwe we don't have such basics as just a simple running clinic with Paracetamol let alone mental health facilities?

42 Years of “independence” and Elvis's children are not attending school for lack of school fees. His eldest child wrote his O-Level exams but was denied his results simply because the family had not paid his school fees. Elvis Nyathi’s 14yr old child dropped out of school to herd cattle and the last-born could not attend school, both because the family could not afford school fees.

42 Years of pain and suffering!! 

42 Years of overcrowded prison walls of innocent people who speak against human rights atrocities!! 

42 Years of our youths turning to Crystal meth and other harmful substances to numb the pains of being orphans to HIV AIDS and other easily manageable health conditions and living in hopelessly dire poverty!!

42 Years of the pain experienced by oppressed women whose husbands are kidnapped and made to disappear in thin air by a rogue State because they dare speak out against the oppressive regime!!

 

42 Years of many children like Anna a.k.a Memory Machaya losing their lives during child birth because of forced marriages!!

 

42 Years of the pain of Gugurahundi victims who lost parents, brothers and sisters and even denied a memorial stone to console themselves and the pain they have felt after losing almost 20 000 people at the hands of specially trained army brigade!!

42 Years of seeing the likes of Marry Mubaiwa being dragged to before the Zanu-PF courts whilst on her death bed despite being someone who once was a partner of and has children with a Vice President!!

 

YOU SAID 42 YEARS? Do you fathom the pain felt by Sylvia Maphosa's children after their mother was killed by Zimbabwean army at age 52 whilst coming from work.

 

42 Years that include the pain of losing the likes of the Dzamara brothers, Itai and Patson who died fighting for a truly independent Zimbabwe!!

 

42 Years of dictatorship, 42 Years of tears of Zimbabwean children. 42 Years of being insulted as youth that we are not capable to lead Zimbabwe!!

About the author;-
Magadaline (Maggy) Moyo is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe’s UK Chapter. She is also the Coordinator of These Walls Must Fall Campaign in Manchester and works with various grass root organisations fighting for social justice and promoting the welfare of the girl child in Southern Africa. She is based in the United Kingdom and can be contacted by email on nombuso430@gmail.com

Years of teacher tears by Nontokozo Malaba Ncube

14 February 2022

Years of teacher tears

Over the years, the Zanu PF regime’s response to teachers’ grievances has been lip service from a place of lack of concern and a mere want to get the impoverished teachers back to work. Beginning of this year, we saw teachers facing brutality to hold them down from airing of their overdue and frequently overlooked yet very legitimate concerns.

We saw detention of the lawfully demonstrating 16 teachers. They appeared in court with feet chained as though there are criminals. The regime wished to send a message of terror to mute the voices of the hungry teachers. The teachers’ cry has been of hunger while doing their best to serve the nation’s education. A hungry teacher’s presence in the classroom is mediocre and mere fulfilment of duty.

On the 8th of February, the Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education , Mrs Thabela threatened the clearly incapacitated teachers, calling for their names to be submitted for terror and torture, but the ZINUSH refused. The government has been using the principle of divide and rule, causing boards like ZINUSH and ZIMTA to sell teachers out on their struggle, but this time ZINUSH refused and it remains for ZIMTA not to sell out the struggle.

In the desperation to let the wind blow over and not out of real concern, the president releases a mocking open letter proposing;

a) The current salary of 18 000 RTGS, a deduction of interbank rate equivalent of US$100 which will be paid to teachers in hard currency,

b) The reminder of the salary which is 6000 RTGS to be increased by 20%.

There was mention of US$175 to be given to teachers in hard currency, counting in the US$75 Covid-19 allowance which the government can withdraw at any moment.

In my summation, the remaining RTGS salary, with its increment sums up to US$30 using the black market rate which teachers will use to buy foreign currency in an economy that now prices everything in US dollars. The salary therefore is US$ 130 plus US$75 Covid-19 allowance. In Zimbabwe rainy season tomatoes are going for US$1 for four. The teachers’ March payment of US$205 buys 51 tomatoes.

The letter promises non-monetary incentives like fees for teacher’s children of 20 000 RTGS, money not enough for half the schools in the urban area, money not half of universities’ fees, money with no promise of revising the amount in a casino economy of inflation like Zimbabwe. There were promises of building teachers’ blocks and flats, this by a government that fails to make roads, and all roads in the nation are potholed. There were other flimsy promises like duty free

vehicles bought by teachers, as teachers who earn US$130 can ever be able to buy cars.

This is such an unprogressive dialogue that the government intends with the release of such a letter. It is mockery of the teachers by government officials whose single sit in the cabinet earns them allowances way more than a teacher’s whole month’s salary.

The teachers deserve more than US$540 which they have settled for in their demand. There’s need to restore their dignity and eradicate the poverty and shame they have endured in society for years and with no consolation. There’s need to redeem the education sector and the future of all Zimbabwean children which Zanu pf clearly does not care about, maybe because their children learn abroad at expensive institutions.

#SaveOurEducationZw

#ZimbabweanLivesMatter 

About the author;-

Nontokozo Malaba Ncube  is a UK based Zimbabwean human rights activist and Acting Chairperson of  Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe North Branch. Nontokozo Malaba Ncube can be contacted by email on nmncube44408@gmail.com

Mnangagwa embarrassed Zimbabwe and himself at COP26

4^th December 2021

By Shangoni WaHamisi

It came as no surprise to the average person when Mnangagwa and his delegation of more than 100 to the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow embarrassed themselves and were further embarrassed by the demonstrators who sought to tell the world what sort of person he is.

The core business of COP26 was to deliver on the commitments made at COP25 in Madrid in December 2019. It was to get the nations of the world to come up with tangible commitments and deadlines by which they would have met certain targets pertaining to air pollution.

The issue of tackling Climate Change is entails sacrifices and tough choices in order to ensure that there is a world for future generations.

Mnangagwa’s government seems to be heading the opposite direction. Not only has it awarded dubious contracts to the Chinese who have gone on to destroy the environment through irresponsible mining and other activities but it has presided over unprecedented levels of land degradation mainly by the activities of miners, both small scale and large scale.

He has also revived the highly pollutive old trains of the 60’s and introduced them back into the mainstream transport infrastructure.

The water reticulation systems in all cities and towns are on their knees due to neglect and so are sewer systems, leading to the proliferation and prevalence of unhygienic conditions around the country. Electricity outage for sustained periods is the order of the day, leaving the majority of the poor population with no choice but to resort to the use of firewood which, in essence, means more air pollution as well as deforestation.

All this is underpinned by the diversion of public funds to private pockets through corruption which has become a hallmark of Mnangagwa’s tenure. Add to this a whole host of bad policies.

Mnangagwa has created an ecosystem of corruption at the apex of which he sits. Almost all his government’s policies are designed to benefit Mnangagwa, his family, cronies and opportunist ZANU-PF crooks.

Despite all the rhetoric, it is quite clear that Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF are out of their depth and are utterly clueless as to how to turn around Zimbabwe’s fortunes. They just do not know how to behave both at home and in the international arena. They are a shame to the nation.

Their attendance at COP26 in Glasgow was just another episode of their shamelessness hypocrisy. They were more of climate tourists than delegates and their behaviour before and during the summit confirms that. It was all about boozing, partying and grandstanding.

They were hoping to get some funding from the United Nations budget for climate change tackling initiatives, but it was not to be. Just as well they went back to Zimbabwe empty handed. The money would have ended up in their personal accounts anyway.

Faced with an indomitable crowd of determined activists armed with irrefutable records of their atrocious history and an expanse of social media platforms, Mnangagwa and his entourage as well as his local (ZANU-PF UK) stooges (UK) came a cropper.

They were beaten hands down at the demonstrations as well as on all the media “live” panels they dared to participate in. Typically they then started to resort to verbal and physical abuse to the extent of arranging the vandalizing of activists’ property and compiling a list of all the activists that attended the Glasgow demonstrations and some prominent names who were not even there at the COP26 demonstrations in Glasgow.

Glasgow will always haunt them.

About the author;-

Shangoni WaHamisi is a pen name for UK based Zimbabwean human rights activist and Spokesperson for Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. Shangoni WaHamisi can be contacted by email on Shangoni.wahamisi@yaho.co.uk

RAISING THE FLAG HIGH – MAVIS HARRISON

4^th October 2021

Amongst the activists who are raising the ROHR Zimbabwe flag high is non-other than Mavis

Harrison, the Deputy Organising Secretary for the North Branch of the UK Chapter of ROHR Zimbabwe.

Activism is about fighting for human rights, raising awareness on human rights issues as well as pointing out cases of human rights abuses when they occur.

It also often means working with like-minded organizations and individuals who are also in the same struggle. 

Such has been the case with ROHR Zimbabwe’s relationship with MyRight2Vote, an initiative of the popular Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni who is fronting the fight for the diaspora vote. ROHR Zimbabwe members have participated in a number of activities with the Chief, including demonstrations at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London and petitioning the British Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street (21/10/2021 & 02/12/2021) and COP26 in Glasgow (1st & 2nd November 2021).

We are proud of Mavis Harrison, not only for taking part in these events but also for helping with the publicity of the events.

In one instance where she tweeted about the occasion of Chief Felix Ndiweni presenting a petition at 10 Downing Street on 2nd December 2021, the tweet went viral, earning more than 1000 likes and being re-tweeted more than 200 times within a few hours.

Activism also stimulates dialogue on difficult subjects. It encourages finding solutions and educates people. Judging by the comment section many people are getting educated more about human rights as well as Traditions and Culture and their importance in today's politics.

Commenting on Mavis Harrison's tweet, the popular  France based Zimbabwean hip-hop artist, Awa Khiwe said "So people who are calling @Felix Ndiweni a sell out don't want the people in the diaspora to vote. It is not the first time a Zimbabwean leader has communicated with @BorisJohnson about Zimbabwean issues. Are they also sell outs? I come in peace".

This particular tweet is confirmation of the power of social media as a tool at our disposal as human rights activists. It is more powerful than ZBC and is dreaded by the regime. Little wonder the regime is now introducing the “Patriotic Bill” which once passed will become the Patriotic Act, a piece of law purportedly designed to outlaw what they broadly call “unpatriotic acts” which include criticizing the President or the government of Zimbabwe from abroad. This is exactly what our members and activists do. This includes Mavis Harrison who has been part of most of our demonstrations at the Embassy in London and petitioning at 10 Downing Street.

Inserted by

Information & Publicity Department
ROHR Zimbabwe