We have had so many written reactions from the people who have walked or have an opinions upon the walks and Walk for Freedom - thaty we need to create this new sub-directory
- Details
- Written by: Samuel Jambaya
- Hits: 57
ZHRO: Ten Years of Walking for Freedom — Zimbabweans Will Not Be Silenced
For ten years, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) has stood with Zimbabweans in the struggle for human rights, dignity, justice and democratic change. The Walk for Freedom is more than an event—it is a powerful reminder that Zimbabweans, both at home and in the diaspora, have not forgotten their rights and will not surrender their voices.
As we mark 10 years of the Walk for Freedom, we celebrate a decade of peaceful resistance, solidarity and speaking out against injustice. We walk for those whose voices have been silenced, for families who have lost loved ones, for political activists who have faced intimidation and persecution, and for every Zimbabwean who dreams of a country where human rights are respected.
Zimbabweans are angry. They are frustrated by poverty, unemployment, corruption, political intimidation and restrictions on civic space.The Patriotic Act has become a major symbol of these concerns. Human-rights organisations have criticised provisions of the law that can restrict freedom of expression, assembly and association.
We ask: How can demanding accountability become a crime? How can speaking for your fellow citizens become an offence?
We walk because we believe that human rights must never be treated as a crime.
We also mourn the loss of Kelvin Bonzo, whose death has raised serious concerns among Zimbabweans. Allegations surrounding his death must be investigated independently and transparently, and anyone responsible must be held accountable regardless of political connections.
Kelvin’s death must not simply become another statistic. His family deserves justice. Zimbabweans deserve answers.We are also deeply concerned about the state of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. A country where people struggle to access adequate medicines, treatment and functioning healthcare facilities is a country failing its citizens. Healthcare should preserve life—not leave vulnerable people feeling abandoned.
The message of the Walk for Freedom is clear:
-
- We want justice.
- We want accountability.
- We want freedom of expression.
- We want freedom of assembly.
- We want respect for human dignity.
- We want democratic change.
We want a government that serves the people.
ZHRO’s continued support for Zimbabweans demonstrates that the struggle for human rights does not end at Zimbabwe’s borders. Zimbabweans in the diaspora have a voice, and that voice matters.
After ten years of walking for freedom, we are still walking because the work is not finished.We will not be intimidated.
-
- We will not be silenced.
- We will not forget those who suffered.
- We will continue to speak.
- We will continue to demand justice
Our demand is for peaceful democratic change and accountable leadership. Zimbabwe deserves a government that respects its citizens, protects their rights and answers to the people.
We walk because we believe Zimbabwe can be better.
We walk because freedom belongs to every Zimbabwean.
We walk because silence is not an option.Ten years of walking.
Ten years of speaking. Ten years of standing for freedom.
And until Zimbabweans can freely exercise their fundamental rights without fear, we will continue to raise our voices and demand change.
ZHRO — 10 Years of the Walk for Freedom
Zimbabweans United for Human Rights, Justice and Freedom.Written by Samuel Jambaya
- Details
- Written by: Various Walkers W4F 2026
- Hits: 53
ZHRO WALKS FOR FREEDOM – by Xoliso Sithole 18th August 2026
Zimbabwe human rights organisation (ZHRO) walks for freedom are more than simply walking together as a group, they powerful express what freedom means to me as a Zimbabwean, who has experienced injustice, fear, separation and exile.
When l do these walks every time l am reminded of the country l was forced to leave and freedom that l have been denied. I did not leave my beloved country Zimbabwe because l wanted to abandon my home, my family, my community or my identity. I left my country because of the circumstances that made it impossible for me to live freely and safely.
Walking along with my other fellow Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom gives me that feeling that l am not alone. I have people to speak ,and laugh together. I do believe that as we do these walks for freedom, it shows that we carry the hopes of those who are back in Zimbabwe, who can't stand up and raise their voices, because of fear of being arrested, tortured and killed by the government.
The walks gives us as Zimbabweans community a safe place to express ourselves.
I have lived with experiences which are painful to think or speak about. I have experienced torture, political persecution, injustice and loss of my home back in Zimbabwe.
I believe waking as a group makes our voices still matters. Personal, there is something deeply emotional about carrying the message of freedom while living in exile. Though l am in the United Kingdom physically, part of me remains connected to Zimbabwe. I carry my memories, my experiences and my
hopes for my country wherever l go.
The ZHRO walks represent dignity, solidarity, remembrance and hope. I continue to hope for a Zimbabwe where people can express their political opinions without fear, where human rights are respected, and where no one is forced to leave their homeland simply because they want justice and freedom.
These walks give me a voice ,they remind me that exile may separate me from my homeland, but it cannot take away my hope for freedom.
Every step l take is a reminder that l have not forgotten, l will not give up, and l will continue to stand for freedom
10 Years of Walking for Freedom by Tanyaradzwa Emily Daka 17th August 2026
We came together for a peaceful All for Freedom walk, starting at Brighton Pier and making our way towards London. The first part some group of people got lost so we ended up waiting for them , people in the community were looking and asking questions about the walk , we were all wearing same T shirts.
And when we got to devil’s dyke everyone was tired we took a short break, singing dancing getting ready for our next part . We walked through out the bushes and the second part was the hardest part .
This year was especially meaningful as we celebrated 10 years of the walk. Ten years of coming together, standing peacefully for freedom, unity and the rights that matter to us all.
To me this was not just walking for freedom we were also making
meaningful memories with people around us.
Every step was a reminder that when people come together with a shared message of peace and hope, their voices can be heard.
Here’s to 10 years of walking together — and to many more to come
Annual Walk for Freedom -- by Mellisa Marewangepo on 17th August 2026
Resilience and Determination:
Every year we come together for our freedom walk- a day that represents courage, unity, hope and continued fight for freedom!!
This year however, my journey to the starting point did not begin on the best note. I had arranged someone to come and pick me up at 03:20 am in the morning so that l could make my way to Brighton and the Pier and join the group on our starting point. Unfortunately, l was let down the last minute. There were no buses to get me to where l needed to be and was left with little choice but to urgently book and Uber.
The journey was expensive especially at that time of the morning, but l knew l could not allow this setback to stop me from taking part. l had made commitment to the walk, to the people walking alongside me and most important to the cause that brings us together every year!!
Eventually, l arrived at the meeting point and was able to join Walk for Freedom. By then the day was beginning to feel challenging, and the hot weather made the walk even more demanding. But despite the difficulty start and heat, we kept going.
Sometimes the meaningfully journeys are not the easy ones. This experience reminded me that freedom itself is often a journey that requires determination, sacrifice and resilience. Freedom walk is more than simply walking from one place to another. It is about remembering why we walk, standing together and continuing to raise our voices for freedom and justice. Every person who joins brings their own story, experience and hope for a better future!!
Despite how my morning started, l am grateful that l made it to the meeting point and took these steps with everyone else and our feet were burning, hurting and limping hence we kept walking that’s the meaning of determination, sacrifice and resilience.
The expensive Uber, the early morning struggle and the hot weather could have discouraged me- but it did not stop me!!
We walked: We stood together: We kept going
And that is what Walk for Freedom means to me; no matter how difficult the journey becomes we continue moving forward.
Thanks to (ZHRO Guarantee Company): John Burke , Patson Muzuva Rashie Bayisayi, Sarah Bayisayi, Phylis Magejo, and the rest of the team(s) who worked together for this walk to be successful .
On behalf of the Constitution Defenders Forum UK Federation @cdfzim @CDForumUK
We extend our deepest gratitude to Zimbabwe's Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) for a decade of unbroken resolve, a refusal to let distance from home become distance from conscience, a refusal to let Zimbabwe's crisis fade into diaspora comfort. The walk continues until the Constitution is defended fully.
Standing together with ZHRO by Panganai Mauzinyu on 16th August 2026
10-year freedom walk which started yesterday the 15th of August 2026 and just ended today the 16th Aug.
It was truly fulfilling to be part of the group of who took part in walking for over 60miles which started at Brighton Pier ended today at Hampton Court Railway Station.
Thank you John Burke for organizing this walk, to all activists from different parts of England who took part Congratulations.
I strongly believe your efforts are not in vain. Looking forward to more events of this nature .
To the anonymous gentleman and his wife we met yesterday as we walked down the valley from The Devil's Dyke -- thank you for your kind words of encouragement and your support towards this cause:
- Freedom
- Justice
- Fairness
- Normalcy
- the Spirit of Ubuntu
- Respect for human life
- Democracy
--- must all be respected in Zimbabwe, Zambia, SA and throughout the whole world.
#Zimbabwe must be free. Stop the unlawful arrests on innocent citizens. Freedom of speech, Freedom of worship, Freedom of association, Freedom of being heard. #Zhro #Amnesty International #Cdf.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEN YEARS OF WALKING FOR FREEDOM: ZIMBABWEANS STILL REFUSE TO BE SILENCED
Brighton Pier to London | 15–16 August 2026 by Elizabeth Chitengo
For ten years, the Walk for Freedom has carried a powerful message from the streets of the United Kingdom to the people of Zimbabwe and beyond: Zimbabweans will not surrender their rights, their Constitution or their demand for freedom.
On 15 August 2026, Zimbabweans and supporters once again gathered at Brighton Pier to begin another gruelling journey towards London — a walk of more than 100 kilometres, organised under the banner of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO).
This year's walk marks the 10th Anniversary of Walk for Freedom, a campaign that has become a symbol of determination, endurance and resistance against human-rights abuses in Zimbabwe. ZHRO's 2026 announcement identifies John Burke among the Walk Organising Group, continuing his longstanding involvement in organising and supporting the event.
WE WALK BECAUSE FREEDOM MATTERS
- This is not simply a physical challenge.
- Every kilometre represents the struggles faced by ordinary Zimbabweans who continue to demand their fundamental rights.
We walk for those whose voices have been silenced.
- We walk for activists who have faced intimidation, arrest, abduction and alleged torture.
- We walk for journalists and citizens who must be able to speak freely without fear.
- We walk for those demanding accountability, democracy and respect for the Constitution.
- And we walk for every Zimbabwean who believes that government exists to serve the people — not to control, intimidate or silence them.
TO THE ZIMBABWEAN GOVERNMENT: WE HAVE NOT GIVEN UP
Ten years of walking should send a very clear message to those in power in Harare:
- We are still here.
- We are watching.
- We are speaking.
- We are organising.
And we will continue to peacefully demand our constitutional rights.
The Zimbabwean Constitution belongs to the people of Zimbabwe. Fundamental freedoms are not privileges that can be withdrawn whenever they become inconvenient to those in power.
Zimbabweans deserve freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, political participation, equality before the law and protection from abuse.
A government should never fear the voices of its own people.
#NOTO2030
The continued debate surrounding constitutional change makes the defence of Zimbabwe's Constitution even more important.
Our message is simple:
Do not silence the people.
Do not weaken constitutional safeguards.
Do not take Zimbabweans' democratic rights for granted.
We say #NoTo2030 because Zimbabwe's future must not be decided through political convenience at the expense of constitutional democracy.
The future of Zimbabwe belongs to its citizens.
TEN YEARS — AND STILL WALKING
From the first Walk for Freedom to this 10th Anniversary, the journey has demonstrated something powerful: distance cannot silence a determined people.
ZHRO's previous walks have taken participants through challenging terrain and overnight sections, turning physical endurance into a visible expression of solidarity with Zimbabweans fighting for freedom and human rights.
This year's walk is another chapter in that story.
From Brighton Pier to London, every step carries a message.
Every blister carries a message.
Every kilometre carries a message.
Zimbabweans will not be forgotten.
Human rights will not be forgotten.
The Constitution will not be forgotten.
Freedom will not be forgotten.
Ten years later, we are still walking.
Ten years later, we are still speaking.
Ten years later, we are still fighting for a free, democratic and just Zimbabwe.
And to those who believe that fear will silence us:
KEEP WATCHING.
WE ARE STILL WALKING.
WE ARE STILL STANDING.
WE ARE STILL SAYING #NOTO2030.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe belongs to its people.
Freedom is not a favour.
Human rights are not a privilege.
The Constitution is not a political toy.
The struggle continues.
#WalkForFreedom #ZHRO #10YearsOfWalkForFreedom #NoTo2030 #NoToCAA3 #DefendTheConstitution #HumanRightsZimbabwe #Zimbabwe #FreedomOfExpression #Democracy #JusticeForZimbabwe #ZimbabweDiaspora
- Details
- Written by: Blessing Tariro Makeyi
- Hits: 36
Ten Years, 105 Kilometres, One Demand That Refuses to Die.
On the weekend of 15–16 August 2026, Zimbabwe's Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) marked ten years of existence the only way that makes sense for an organisation built on refusal -- by walking alongside them the Constitution Defenders Forum UK Federation, and the wider coalition that has become the backbone of diaspora resistance to what is happening back home.
This was not a fun run. This was not a "wellness activity." This was ten years of a community refusing to let distance from Zimbabwe become distance from conscience measured out deliberately in blistered feet.
-
- The Timing Was Not an Accident
- they chose Heroes weekend -- Of course they did.
While the state machinery back home busies itself canonising its own approved list of heroes, ZHRO and CDF put a different question on the table, in public, in the streets: heroism to whom, and for what?
-
- Not to an elite that rides in armoured convoys while a ferry sinks on Lake Kariba and nobody is held to account.
- Not to a government that just weeks earlier, on 7 July 2026, pushed through Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 Act No. 6 now stripping citizens of their right to a referendum on constitutional change and
- handing that power to Parliament instead.
That is not reform, That is theft, dressed in legal language.
-
- And it didn't stop there. Jessie Majome forced out of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
- ZINASU students still sitting in detention for the crime of speaking.
- Young activists abducted for organising.
This is the ledger CAA3 sits on top of. Every one of those 105 kilometres was walked with that ledger in mind.
Ten Years of Not Looking Away
Here is what the tenth anniversary actually means, ten years in which ZHRO chose not to let Zimbabwe's crisis fade into the comfortable background noise of diaspora life. It would have been easier to stop. It would have been easier to let the years abroad soften the urgency. ZHRO didn't take that option. "10 years and still walking" is not a slogan for a T-shirt. It is a statement of fact about people who have simply refused to quit.
CDF stood with ZHRO on this because that is what the moment demands. Not one organisation carrying this alone — ZHRO, CDF, ROHR, ZAPU, CCC, together, the same coalition that walked the petition from the Zimbabwean Embassy to Downing Street back in July. This is what unity in the diaspora looks like when it's not just a hashtag.
This Was Never Just Symbolic
Let's be clear about what a walk like this actually does. We don't have a vote in Zimbabwe's Parliament from here. We don't sit in Zimbabwe's courts. What we have is the ability to make noise in the places that do have leverage , Westminster, the FCDO, the international press, anyone still paying attention to what CAA3 is actually doing.
Every kilometre walked is pressure. It's a message to the Africa Minister's office, to MPs, to anyone tracking the Chapter 4 Movement, that we have not gone quiet, and legislation passed in Harare does not settle this question for us in London.
The Walking Continues
This weekend closed one chapter. It did not close the campaign. Chapter 4, the Declaration of Rights the whole movement is named for is still under attack. ZINASU, Kariba, the ZHRC purge: still unanswered. Going into year eleven, the message from ZHRO and CDF is simple and it is not up for negotiation the walking continues until the Constitution is defended in full.
-
-
- Pamberi neChimurenga chevanhu.
- Mobilize. Educate. Defend.
- #WalkForFreedom
- #Chapter4Movement
- #NoToCAB3
- #DefendTheConstitution
- #10YearsAndStillWalking
-
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Chitengo
- Hits: 292
Today is not just a walk. Today is personal.
28th March 2026
We are here because we refuse to stay silent while our country is being changed in ways that do not protect the people. Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is not just politics—it affects real lives, real futures, and the kind of Zimbabwe we leave behind.
- How can we accept a law that weakens our courts?
- How can we accept power being taken away from the people and placed in the hands of a few?
- That is not democracy. That is not justice.
- We are here because we love Zimbabwe.
We are here because we believe in a future where the law protects everyone—not just those in power. Some of us left home, but home never left us. And today, even from here, we are saying: enough is enough.
- We will not be quiet.
- We will not be afraid.
- We will stand, we will speak, and we will keep walking
—for freedom, for justice, for Zimbabwe.
Thank you.
- Details
- Written by: Moses Mbano
- Hits: 852
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the incumbents that took part in the Walk for Freedom event. All participants gathered at the Brighton Pier early morning of Saturday 9th August 2025.
The writing is on the wall.
Zimbabwe is gearing for a regime change.
The walk went on in the night into Sunday as the quest to reach Hampton Court in London was in every participant’s mind.
Devil’s Dyke was our first resting and refuelling stop. At this breath-taking view point we could see far to the North - a patchwork of fields and a great deal of trees and woodlands - very green indeed. Here, we had photos taken, the gropu of 17-18 of us was clearly excited to be here, it was a challenge and 12 km (7.5miles) from the start. The group dynamics were there to see - there we sang, Rashiwe on the Drum, we had shakers to shake - there was harmony and harmoneis (in the singing - see our videos to check this out - Click Here). There was dancing too - even though most were already tired - but the spirit of our group was the perfect remady.
The determination and agility to fight for freedom amongst the people was unwavering. Zanu pf must go. We are now preparing for our decade of enthusiasm to make sure human rights and the democratic ambitions are restored in Zimbabwe. The rule of law in Zimbabwe is too one sided.
The next stop was on the villiage green at Christ's Hospital, where we sat on the grass and ate the food amply provided with Sarah delivering by car, and Talia 'serving' us all individually - including washing our hands - we were undasatandably tired out as a Walk for Freedom group. This stop is 40km (25 miles) from our start at Brighton Peir. But again like at Devil's Dyke - there was jolity and hope. There was also reality too. Many had walked made a huge jump in the distances they had practiced. In addition, the next phase would be overnight.
The overnight section saw 5 of us set off into the dusk along the second stage of the Downs Link path. We marched now at pace. A pace too fast for John, who got to Bramley and Wonersh Railway Station (only 5 km from Guildford Station) were he took over the duty of driving - and Sarah then joined with Rashiwe to head to Guildford Railway Station - our next rendezvous.
Our small group set off from Guildford Station, but before Sarah and Rashiwe had arrived - but at a slower pace now. By Pyrford Lock we were all together and met up with John (now a driver) at the Pub Car Park after dawn. We even took some photos.
Next was Walton-on-Thames for more waters and a bite to eat. Here we discovered that Josephine, Phylis and Dickson had set off (at a very slow pace - they were 'deposited' there by John after he left us at Pyrford lock in the car) to head for Hampton Court itself - a sort of a "race" now for us to catch up with them!
After a total of 34 hours walking we arrived via the Thames Footpath to the outskirts of Hampton Court - turning the last corner we saw John, waving as he had gone on ahead to meet us, Sarah and Rashiwe did the 'honours' of arriving first to the Station. We rested inside the station in the now welcome shade from the sun. Dickson, Henry and Kelvin got onto the trains to head for home. The remaining Walkers we ferryied back home in the car driven by John.
I call upon all Zimbabweans from all walks of life to hold the same event same time next year to mark a decade of Walk for Freedom.
This will put more pressure to the ruling government (or criminal administration to be more accurate!) to recognise that a change is now needed. We will fight for the good of every citizen of Zimbabwe, to emancipate all the people from the grip of lunacy orchestrated by a thuggery regime that is full of “hukoronyera, husvetasimba, hunyasire, humarapatsetse”.
All this has neared enough and Zanu Pf is now trodding on very thin soil.
Lastly I want to thank the members of the driver logistics team with their strength and support, Young man Victor, aunty Sarah and aunty Chipo you are all the best and once again thank you.
Also a big thank you to our 'camera crew' John Burke, Alwyn Mbano and many othersfor doing a great job. Thank you…
