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
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, the 26 Zimbabwean's who took up this physical challenge met up at Brighton Pier at 06:00am on Friday (18th of August 2017).
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 28 hours were Rashiwe, Patience and Salome - so a big "hats off" to these 3 remarkable women.
From May to August 2016 two dedicated Zimbabwe Diasporan/supporter [Rashiwe Bayisayi and John Burke] walked over 100 miles to find a suitable route from Brighton Pier to the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 The Strand, London. Then they walked the 68 Miles with the other walkers on this innovative Zimbabwean March.
Born out of an idea floated by Rashiwe Bayisayi, following the play "After Independence" written by May Sumbwanyambe - the walk represent the struggle to walk back HOME
In 2017 - The duo have walked a further 120 miles to refine the new route to London, then plan on the further 60+ miles on Friday 18th August to Saturday 19th August, finishing at the ZimFest - Which ZHRO have sponsored .
Again, starting at Brighton Pier, assembling from 6:00am and leaving promptly at 7:00am. Heading North East and aiming for the "Devil's Dyke" 12 km away and uphill to the top of the South Downs. At the top of Devil's Dyke will be a short but, unique performance by Silvanos Mudzvova {ZHRO mmber and exposer of exploiters here in the UK and elsewhere}.
This year 2018 we will be repeating the same route, Brighton Pier to Kempton park, via Guildford. Training for this test of endurance will beging in March right up to August - when participants will need to be comfortable with 30km walks.