Walk for Freedom Reflections
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- Written by: Walk Route Masters
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Given the harrowing circumsatnces of a change in Home Office policy and a decision [somewhere by someone] to forcibly remove 100 Zimbabweans every month - this aspect dwelt on the minds of all the walkers at sometime or another during the 30 hours on foot!
105km Achieved in 2019
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- Written by: Walk Route Masters
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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 - Thank You
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- Written by: Moses Mbano
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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…
A Personal Experience
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- Written by: Henry Itayi Makambe
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On a sweltering day beneath the English sun, we took our first steps from Brighton Pier - more than just a seaside landmark it became the symbolic starting point of a deepening personal and collective mission, a walk for freedom, justice and a better future for Zimbabwe.
This was not just a physical journey It was a testament our commitment to a Zimbabwean free from corruption, injustice and oppression.
Zimbabwe our beloved homeland is burdened by systematic corruption, human rights abuses, economic collapse, electoral fraud and repeated constitutional violations. For many back home these aren't just headlines - they are dialy realities. Families suffer, voices are silenced and futures are stolen. We walked to shine a light on these injustices and to remind the world - and ourselves - that we will not be silent.
The journey from Brighton to Hampton Court was no easy feat. The heat bore down on us. Legs grew heavy, feet blistered and exhaustion threatened to overcome us. There were moments when quitting felt like a tempting option - but we pressed on. We grouped ourselves not just for company but for strength. When one of us faltered others offered encouragement. When someone's pace slowed another stayed back to walk with them. In the struggle we rediscovered the power of unity - a glimpse of Zimbabwe we're fighting for.
As we walked through the English countryside and passed stretches of farm lands and cattle, many of us were reminded of Zimbabwe's once - thriving agricultural sector, now a shadow of its former self. Once the breadbasket of Africa these farms now lie underused, neglected or forcibly seized. The contrast between what was and what could be felt both painful and motivating.
This walk was never about comfort - it was about conviction. It was about saying;
"We see what is happening and we wont turn away".
We walked for those who cannot. For the brave voices silenced in prison cells, for the children robbed of education, for the citizens whose votes are disregarded and for the millions who still dare to hope. Our steps may not have changed everything overnight - but they added to a growing call for change. And more importantly, they reminded us of our collective power.
We walked for Zimbabwe AND we will keep walking until freedom is not just a hope, but a reality!
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