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 co
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.
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