Walk for Freedom: Testimonies
WALK FOR FREEDOM 2022- A REFELECTION
A friend once asked me why I put myself trough these punishing regimes, after I had multiple blisters during the "Walk for Freedom" in August 2021. That was my 3rd walk. The regime continue to torture, torment and kill Human Rights Activists and opposition political party members at will and our walks looks just like a drop in the ocean. One can easily lose hope under these circumstances. But doing nothing is being complicit with the oppressor.
I am resolved, even under the scorching sun I will go the whole distance again, maybe inspire one more soul.
With crucial elections due in 2023, the need to register and vote is paramount, one of the key messages during this year’s Walk for Freedom. I was really encouraged when one of our videos had 41k views in just 24hrs, with a number of viewers expressing a desire to join in future walks. Clearly this shows that all is not in vain indeed.
Aluta continua victoria acerta – Register to Vote and KICK OUT corruption, murder and economic mismanagement in 2023
Sipilien Birani; Leeds, West Yorkshire
Walk for Freedom Thoughts
In the highest temperatures of the United kingdom since records begun. Walk for Freedom event ZHRO.org.uk. The walk was to start from Brighton pier to Hampton Court in london covering a distance of 100km on foot.
On Friday the 12/08/2022, I Moses C Mbano and family, my wife Daisy and our son Alwyn set off from Newcastle upon Tyne to Brighton.
Saturday the 13/08/2022 was a big day this year for all Zimbabweans to demonstrate and show our commitment as we stand in solidarity with all fellow Zimbabweans from all corners of the world. Our prime motivation is to bring change to our country and to make the ruling party, Zanu PF to do the 'right thing' and allow for the transition of power into the hands of the opposition party.
I left at 10:00 in the morning [from Newcastle-upon-Tyne on the 12th August], we had a long, long drive, the temperatures peaked it was a sweltering day, cars breaking down on the road, trucks and buses alike. The congestion was unbearable as the heat "baked us". I was very tired so was everybody that travelled. All the water, drinks and juices we carried became hard to use, they were very warm. We arrived very late but we never lost the whole 'scope' of the journey. We want free and fair elections in Zimbabwe by 2023. I want to see Zanu pf suffering heavy losses through ballot papers so every Zimbabwean can celebrate another Independence.
About 21:50 on the Friday, we finally arrived in Brighton to meet up all participants in the walk for freedom the following day. I and my family are very much dedicated to this cause and 2023 is the year that will put a smile on our faces, looking at Zanu pf packing their bags.
In the morning of the 13/08/2022, I could not wake up on time as we overslept! We were extremely tired that none of us heard the phones ringing. We became two hours behind the schedule but eventually managed to track down others that had left already {at 7:00am}. It was not easy, John Burke, the organiser risked waiting along the road in the sweltering heat until I and Alwyn, my son, managed to catch up with him. The theee of us followed behind everybody else hoping to catch up with them at Devils Dyke, one of the chosen resting place.
After few hours of walking we met with all participants, the logistics were also there we had ice cold water, fresh fruits and some corn. Aunty Chipo is always the best on the logistic team, she boosted the morale, as we sang and danced, some tourist taking pictures and videos of us. It was intriguing. We set off from Devils Dyke and followed the path winding down a very steep slope, cautious of falling down the hill, we cut our way into the valley and disappeared into the farms.
Surely this cause will bear very good fruits for Zimbabwe to become the bread basket of Africa as its been empty for many years. There shall be great ululation, singing and dancing for Independant Zimbabwe. We urge all citizens to register to vote and guard their votes as freedom is coming 2023.
We had some resting stops before we met with the logistics at Christ Hospital Station. I drank water like never before. At Christ Hospital station I had drank over five litres of water, so was the other participants and big thanks to John Burke whom followed us at every stop to give us water and fruits.
At Christ Hospital we were given food, water and drinks. The next stop to meet up with the logistics was Guildford in Surrey. The sun set and it was good the temperature dropped. We walked in the darkness the whole night. My feet had blistered so badly. I felt like I had some pins puncturing my feet, it was painful. I had chances to drop out and take a ride in the car, but kept telling myself that ‘nothing good come east’ so I kept going.
By sunrise we had covered large swathe of area around 08:00 of Sunday 14/08/2023 we were back on baking heat. It was tiring and we were walking along communities, dog walkers, morning runners and cyclists were everywhere. It was good to see them as all of us had a common goal, vying to achieve.
I want to set my country free from the clutches of Zanu pf led by ED Mnangagwa. We want change of governance in Zimbabwe. We want new ideas that can take us up on the world stage. My motherland Zimbabwe. Along the rivers, canoeing and boating was a good scenery as we were now almost to the end of our Long Walk to Freedom.
It was an excruciating experience, my neck was stiff shoulders rigid as I carried a back pack with some weight in it. Out of the corner of my eye, there appeared Hampton Court Bridge at some distance. It was a sigh of relief our pace suddenly increased, we were sure the job has been done. There was great happiness upon arriving at the finishing spot, the logistics were there to meet us taking pictures as we finally threw ourselves on the pavement of Hampton Court Station. Zanu PF must go as we urge all the people of Zimbabwe to register to vote for the 2023 presidential elections.
I want to thank all the participants, the organisers of this event, the logistics and all the people that raised our spirits to keep up walking until to the end. Zimbabwe will be free in due course. My son Alwy has never been in Zimbabwe but he fights for his country without rest. My wife Daisy is also very supportive and want to see Zimbabwe transitioning. Together Zimbabweans we will make a difference, lets all go and vote. My vote your vote counts for one Zimbabwe.
from Moses Mbano; Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Walk for Freedom
By Chipo Parirenyatwa; Crawley
WALK FOR FREEDOM
ZHRO activists walked from Brighton to London. It was too hot from start to finish. The heatwave was too much but we walked through it. I participated on this walk, lots of drinking water, swollen hands and feet.
Sweating all the way. Meeting people interested to know of our cause and some people taking pictures sharing them on social media. ZHRO activists, we are determined to spread the word and fight for human rights of ZIMBABWE.
- #Freedom to all
- #Stop Abductions
- #Stop Arbitrary arrests
- #Stop Persecution
- #Stop Corruption
BY Mevis Mutsvangwa; Batley, West Yorkshire
Walk for Freedom Reflactions
At the commencment of the walk, we knew that a heat wave was imminent, temperature escalating to over 34°c.
However regardless, of this scorching heat, we were determined and focused to walk for the freedom of our people in Zimbabwe. This walk has brought awareness to the international world of the injustices, human torture, kidnapping and executions, beatings and police brutality happening in Zimbabwe.
We are all hoping for free and fair 2023 elections, I encourage voters to protect their votes.
By Hillary Chikomba; Leeds, West Yorkshire
Walk for Freedom
The walk was challenging because of heat but I endured. Walked through farms and villages far from the madding crowd it was quiet it's the best experience of my life. It reminded me of the Chimurenga the comrades who fought for our country's freedom. That thought made me stronger and determination to come out of my comfort zone and do something for the benefit of my fellow Zimbabweans.
The day was extremely hot. After West Grinstead the footpath stretched straight ahead no shade but the shade was inside me though my feet were sore and starting to blister, nothing was going to deter me from walking for my Freedom.
Aim of the walk was to educate and raise awareness to fellow Zimbabweans back home and around the globe that human rights are for everyone not politicians, the rich and the influential NO! I enjoyed my walk and my message to those who haven't been..... please come and join the walk next year. Rise Rise Rise Zimbabweans for more voices will be heard in the wilderness. Freedom is COMING.
Thanks to the organisers and all those who supported this walk.
By Plaxedes Damiso; Crawley
