From August 2016 to July 2017 ZHRO members Rashiwe Bayisayi and John Burke set about finding a practical walking route from Brighton to London. Some 100 miles of walking later; By utilising the old railway route, now called the Downs Link, that took us all the way to Guildford. From Guildford the River routes allowed us to get to Kempton Park and latterly Hampton Court. We have now completed 5 such walks 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 [these last two during "Lockdown"!]. We are now preparing for 2022 on 13-14th August [Full Moon (again) to aid the night section] and see preparation articles due soon and our Facebook Page too
Walking for Activism: for fitness, for publicity; for a public reaction. But just to mingle in the wonderful British country-side and to enjoy the scenery
The ZHRO walk for freedom started on Saturday 21st September 2019 at 6:30am at Brighton Pier. The end point was Hampton Court Train Station at 8:55am on Sunday 22nd September 2019. The first leg was started by Rashiwe Bayisayi and John Burke. They walked out of Brighton and up to the South Downs at Devil's Dyke [Photo: at the top] and then, all the way to Christ's Hospital Rail Station, where they took a break after the difficult 37 km stretch but, John Burke announced that he was pulling out with foot trouble.
The next leg was from Christ's Hospital Railway Station to Guildford Railway Station. This was done by, Rashiwe and Sarah Bayisayi, who stood-in for the retiring John Burke. This was the point at which, the walkers were met by, ZHRO Chairwoman, Chipochedenga Parirenyatwa. She was at Christ's Hospital Railway Station meeting point to help the walkers by being part of the support unit - with food, drink, massage and pep talk!
Walk for Freedom was last two year's themes - and agin ZHRO will keep this. Having had so many freedoms denied in Zimbabwe in 2019, this is particularly relevant.
Walk Training
Training programme for those interested was released in March. These will be 15-20km each over the next few months. These will increase to 30 plus km by the first week in August in preparation for the main effort starting on Saturday 10th August 2018. Arrive there around 6:00am in order for a prompt 7:00am start. Pictured just outside Guildford - having left from the main Railway Station, the new route takes us to Hampton Court Rail Station.
For practice a small band walked from Hampton Court Rail Station, via Richmond Park 0n 16th March, and finished at the Zimbabwe Embassy on The Strand, London.
Walk Route
Very much as 2018. Brighton Pier to Devil's Dyke. Dropping down to Henfield and the Downs Link. Then onto Christ's Hospital [Rail station] just a short walk from the rendezvous location on the Downs Link. The long slog to Guildford [railway station meet], fianlly the night walk along the River Wey Navigation and, this year, into Hampton Court [Rail Station], London.
UK Zimbabweans walked 105km from Brighton Pier to Kempton Park, London, to raise money for charity. The protest Walk – – was organised by Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) to raise awareness of the human rights crisis in Zimbabwe.
After months of preparations, themere 7 Zimbabwean's who took up this physical challenge met up at Brighton Pier at 06:00am on Friday (10th of August 2018).
It started to rain heavily after an hour into the walk as the protest Walkers pounded the streets of Brighton. Not deterred, the determined protesters continued, with conviction, in their long "Walk for Freedom".
This extreme challenge required dedication, commitment, and desire to highlight the Human Rights situation back home. ZHRO has been instrumental in providing a platform for Zimbabwean Activists to challenge the Zimbabwean authorities on Human Rghts abuses and for a right to vote.
Completing the walk in a record 25 hours were Rashiwe Bayisayi - a feat she did last year too! .
Over the 10th and 11th August 2018, as Zimbabwe was waiting for JUSTICE from another rigged Election, a small but dedicated group of walkers set off at 7:15 am from Brighton Pier, for the second year in succession.
Ahead of them was the hill surrounding Brighton and into the next day an ordeal to walk to Kempton Park Racecourse some 65 miles away. Up until late afternoon rainfall was a big problem with several heavy and thundery showers soaking the band of Walkers. However the cooling effects of the rain were keeping feet from overheating on such a long march - a "Walk for Freedom"
The star, again, of the walk was Rashiwe Bayisayi - who completed the full 105km or 65 miles.
Walk for Freedom was last year's theme - and agin ZHRO will keep this. As it is akin to Pastor Evan Mawaire's "Open for Freedom" concept, it is particularly relevant with the advent of Mnangagwe's installation by an obvious Military Coup to replace Mugabe. Both Presidents heavily involved with Human Rights abuses, corruption and other crimes since 1980. In addition the addition of several military or retired [recently] military into senior positions in this new [Military] Government gives grave cause for concern to all Human Rights advocates.
Walk Training
Training programme for those interested will be released in March. These will be 15-20km each over the next few months. These will increase to 30 plus km by the first week in August in preparation for the main effort starting on the 10th August 2018. Arrive there around 6:00am in order for a prompt 7:00am start.
Walk Route
Very much as 2017. Brighton Pier to Devil's Dyke. Dropping down to Henfield and the Downs Link. Then onto Christ's Hospital [Reail station just a short walk from the rendezvous location on the Downs Link. The long slog to Guildford [railway station meet], fianlly the night walk along the River Wey Navigation and into London.
Register your Interest NOW
Use the Facebook Event Link to register your interest HERE. Altenatively e-mail us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.