https://www.flickr.com/photos/
Thanks to those who came today: Blessing Harry, Jonathan Kariwo, Munashe Madziyauswa, Chantelle Manyande, Philip Maponga, Patricia Masamba, Sofa Masamvu, Trish Matsikira, Tatenda Nyakudziwanza, Ayanna Ruwoko, Mazvita Shonhiwa, Pearl Shonhiwa. Ephraim Tapa and Tatenda Tsumba. Photos: https://www.flickr.
Our activists commented on Zimbabwean issues.
Mazvita Shonhiwa took time to reflect on Zimbabwe’s Independence commemoration on 18 April 2026. She described the event as ‘cursed Independence’ given that the majority of the people had nothing to show for it but abject poverty and suffering. She added ‘there was a buzz about Zimbabwe’s Independence Day.
Forty-six years of sovereignty. Forty-six years since the promises negotiated at Lancaster House paved the way for the birth of an internationally recognised independent Zimbabwe. The Lancaster House Agreement, reached between Britain and the Zimbabwean nationalist movements, brought an end to years of armed conflict and set the stage for elections, majority rule and Zimbabwe’s independence on 18 April 1980.
Forty-six years later, we celebrate what we have been taught to call independence.
And there I was, thinking about the fact that this was also the year I had turned 45. I am just one year younger than Zimbabwe. Growing up, I was always told, “You are a Born Free.”
It was a phrase used with pride. I belonged to that supposedly fortunate generation of Zimbabwean children born after independence. I did not experience colonial Rhodesia. I was born into Zimbabwe — a free African nation governed by its own people.
But standing at 45, one year behind my country, I found myself asking a rather uncomfortable question: Was I really born free? And, perhaps more importantly, is Zimbabwe truly free? Or we need a second awakening!’
Another activist, Trish Paidamoyo Matsikira reflected on the protest presence outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London on 5 September 2026 amidst all the shenanigans taking place in Zimbabwe. She noted that activists from all walks of life had gathered outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London, united by one shared hope: a better, free Zimbabwe.
The energy, courage and determination were powerful, as people stood up for democracy and human rights despite fears of being identified or intimidated. Activists raised concerns about corruption and opposed CAB3, which by its nature, undermined democratic principles and gave Mnangagwa and his cronies absolute power against the will of the people.
The diabolical act of demolishing poor people’s homes, leaving their families homeless and in the cold was also called out. Tax paying citizens who invested their life savings with the full knowledge of local authorities and encouragement from ZANU PF are angry that despite all this, no land baron has been held to account. By these demolitions, livelihoods have been destroyed and the right to shelter breached, in what is supposedly a free Zimbabwe.
Throughout the protest, we engaged with passers-by, explaining the political situation in Zimbabwe and raising awareness about the challenges facing ordinary citizens. Many members of the public showed their support by signing petitions and making donations towards the cause.
This was more than just a protest; it was a reminder that our voices matter. With people inside Zimbabwe having limited space to safely protest or challenge injustice, it is important for those of us outside the country to continue standing up and speaking out. The presence and solidarity shown on Saturday must be sustained, if not increased because the struggle for democracy, accountability, justice and a better Zimbabwe is ours to fight.
For Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/
Events and Notices:
- Next Vigil meeting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. Saturday 19th September from 2 – 5 pm. We meet on the first and third Saturdays of every month. On other Saturdays the virtual Vigil will run.
- The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organisation based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organisation on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe.
- The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe’s work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
- Facebook pages:
- Vigil : https ://www.facebook.
com/zimbabwevigil - ROHR: https://www.facebook.
com/Restoration-of-Human- Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe- International-370825706588551/
The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London meets regularly on Saturdays from 14.00 to 17.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.