What Independence 18th April 2025
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Our Request: “On the 18th April it will be 45 years since the Independence in Zimbabwe, fought by ZIPRA and ZANLA. However very little is evident of actual independence in today's Zimbabwe. In addition, as ZHRO we have created a "Walk for Freedom" campaign since 2017 {see ZHRO Walks 2017 - today } to question what is happening in Zimbabwe.” We as ZHRO created the website TAKE2ZIMBABWE to question if any Independence had occurred? We think not - thus the TAKE2 logo - as inspired by the Film makers clapper board - "Take Two" 
Downing St. Police Unit have approved our PETITION delivery 13:30 FRIDAY 18th April
A Call to Action: 45 Years of Stagnation – The “Walk to Nowhere” Campaign
On 18th April 2025, Zimbabwe will mark 45 years since its historic Independence, a hard-won victory achieved through the sacrifices of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA). This milestone should be a time of celebration, reflection, and pride in the promise of a free and prosperous nation. Yet, for many Zimbabweans—both at home and in the diaspora—the reality of independence feels hollow.
Decades of misrule, corruption, and repression have left the country in a state of stagnation, where the dreams of 1980 have faded into a "nowhere" of unfulfilled potential.
To mark this bittersweet anniversary, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) is launching a bold new campaign: the “Walk to Nowhere”—a combined Independence protest and a symbolic 45-mile (or 45-kilometre) walk. This initiative builds on ZHRO’s established “Walk for Freedom” campaign, which, since 2017, has seen activists cover grueling distances—such as the 105km trek from Brighton to London—to highlight the ongoing human rights abuses and lack of democratic progress in Zimbabwe. Now, on this 45th anniversary, we invite Zimbabweans and their supporters worldwide to join us in a poignant demonstration that mirrors the nation’s journey: 45 years, 45 miles, and still nowhere near true freedom.
As Many Zimbabweans and their friend move towards London and other places to question 45 years since Independence - we will hand over the Petition to the PM and copies to the FCDO and Commonwealth Office later this evening SEE the Petition Here Click to Read/Download
An excellent day all round, with a good number of supporters present. The Photo Log on our professional Flickr Platform of the day looks really good {Check it out CLICK HERE}
We were in the ambit of 10 Downing Street for quite some time, however it was very noisy as the Rolling Thunder Veterans motor biker crew - in large numbers were opposite the gates to 10 Downing Street and they were revving their engines! Our video log at the door to Number 10, you can clearly hear the drone of their engines - that's why our video was a bit close up!
Dickson, Chief Ndiweni, Phylis Melody, Josephine and Henry all spoke well as to the reasons they were at the door with our written petition (see link above if you wish to read it too!).
You can hear what we all said at the flickr links {CLICK HERE} Let's not forget that we were there to protest at the 45th anniversary of Zimbabwe's "Independence", an Independence that has yet to materialise for the majority of Zimbabweans either in Zimbabwe, or in the global diaspora!
We all have profound questions about this 45 years since the 18th April 1980 - 45 YEARS! What can anybody say to make this anniversary a day for "celebrations" - No way - what has happened in Zimbabwe for 45 years is a tragedy, a phenomenal wasted opportunity.
Zimbabwe SHOULD be in the same class as DUBAI - but instead it's regressed to a failed third (maybe fourth) World, literal cess-pool - since the sewage systems have never been adequately maintained - FOR 45 YEARS! We have written about this aspect several times (CLICK HERE) to suggest that a good sewage system has Public Health Benefits - No Typhoid or Cholera!!
But what else has been neglected in this 45 years? Read our detailed AI deep researched petition as above {click here if you need a second look!} It makes difficult reading since the oppressive, dictatorial regime has such LIMITED skills - However when it comes to Maintaining their power, Vote Rigging, Political Violence, Propaganda, Abductions, Murder, Rape, Genocide, Corruption and Looting - this is the regime's main priorities.
As a government however, they are clueless clowns as we have attested to many times in our section called "Mismanagement" {CLICK HERE to Review} there are several detailed and well researched articles within this section; it is an appalling testament to the evil of Zanu PF.
45 Walk to Nowhere
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- Written by: John Burke
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Our Request: “On the 18th April it will be 45 years since the Independence in Zimbabwe, fought by ZIPRA and ZANLA. However very little is evident of actual independence in today's Zimbabwe. In addition, as ZHRO we have created a "Walk for Freedom" campaign since 2017 {see ZHRO Walks 2017 - today } to question what is happening in Zimbabwe.” We as ZHRO created the website TAKE2ZIMBABWE to question if any Independence had occurred? We think not - thus the TAKE2 logo - as inspired by the Film makers clapper board - "Take Two"
Update 10th April 2025: Downing St. Police Unit have approved our PETITION delivery 13:30 FRIDAY 18th April
A Call to Action: 45 Years of Stagnation – The “Walk to Nowhere” Campaign
On 18th April 2025, Zimbabwe will mark 45 years since its historic Independence, a hard-won victory achieved through the sacrifices of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA). This milestone should be a time of celebration, reflection, and pride in the promise of a free and prosperous nation. Yet, for many Zimbabweans—both at home and in the diaspora—the reality of independence feels hollow.
Decades of misrule, corruption, and repression have left the country in a state of stagnation, where the dreams of 1980 have faded into a "nowhere" of unfulfilled potential.
To mark this bittersweet anniversary, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) is launching a bold new campaign: the “Walk to Nowhere”—a combined Independence protest and a symbolic 45-mile (or 45-kilometre) walk. This initiative builds on ZHRO’s established “Walk for Freedom” campaign, which, since 2017, has seen activists cover gruelling distances—such as the 105km trek from Brighton to London—to highlight the ongoing human rights abuses and lack of democratic progress in Zimbabwe. Now, on this 45th anniversary, we invite Zimbabweans and their supporters worldwide to join us in a poignant demonstration that mirrors the nation’s journey: 45 years, 45 miles, and still nowhere near true freedom.
Why 45?
The number 45 is more than just a marker of years since Independence. It is a stark symbol of Zimbabwe’s arrested development. After 45 years, millions of Zimbabweans endure poverty, unemployment, and repression under a regime that has clung to power since 1980, led by the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). The liberation armies fought for self-determination, equality, and justice, yet today’s Zimbabwe is plagued by economic collapse, rampant corruption, and a ruling elite that prioritizes power over the people. The “Walk to Nowhere” reflects this paradox—a long, arduous journey that has led not to progress, but to a dead end.
The “Walk to Nowhere” Campaign
The “Walk to Nowhere” is both a physical and symbolic act of protest. From 18th April 2025, for a YEAR, ZHRO calls on activists, diaspora communities, and allies to participate in walks spanning 45 miles (approximately 72 kilometres) or 45 kilometres (approximately 28 miles)—distances that echo and reflect upon the 45 years since Independence. These walks will take place across the globe, from the streets of Harare (given sensible precautions see below) to the countryside of the UK, South Africa, Europe, USA and beyond, wherever Zimbabweans and their supporters reside.
- Purpose: To protest the lack of genuine independence and demand accountability, democracy, and human rights in Zimbabwe.
- Route: Walks can follow circular routes that return to their starting point—symbolizing a nation trapped in a cycle of stagnation—or end at significant locations like embassies or public squares, amplifying the call for change.
- Message: Participants are encouraged to carry placards with slogans like “45 Years, Still Nowhere,” “Independence for Who?” and “Walk for Freedom, Walk for Justice,” drawing attention to the disconnect between the promise of 1980 and the reality of 2025.
- Donations: Donations to support this campaign, of any amount can be made via this link {DONATION} or the QR Cash-Back PDF CLICK HERE.
This campaign builds on ZHRO’s legacy of endurance and activism. Since 2017, our “Walk for Freedom” has seen dedicated individuals brave long distances to spotlight issues like electoral fraud, maternal mortality, and the denial of diaspora voting rights (see more at ZHRO/15-105km-"Walks/45 for Freedom 2017- 2025"). The “Walk to Nowhere” takes this spirit further, using the symbolic power of 45 to confront the world with Zimbabwe’s plight.
A Global Movement
The beauty of this campaign lies in its accessibility. Whether you walk 45 miles or 45 kilometres, alone or in a group, in Zimbabwe or abroad, your steps will join a chorus of voices demanding change. For those unable to cover the full distance, shorter “solidarity walks” or virtual participation through social media (using hashtags like #WalkToNowhere and #Zim45) can amplify the message. Drumming, singing, and speeches—hallmarks of ZHRO’s past protests—will accompany the walks, turning them into vibrant demonstrations of resilience and hope.
In Zimbabwe, where protests are often met with violence, we urge participants to prioritize safety and adhere to local laws, while still making their voices heard. Abroad, the diaspora can use their freedom to speak louder, pressuring governments and international bodies to address Zimbabwe’s crisis.
Reflecting on 45 Years
As we walk, we reflect. ZIPRA and ZANLA fought for a Zimbabwe where every citizen could thrive, not just survive. Yet, 45 years later, the maternal mortality rate remains alarmingly high (462 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to WHO’s 2024 report), youth unemployment soars, and political dissent is crushed. The “Walk to Nowhere” is a call to reclaim the independence that was promised—a reminder that the struggle continues.
Join Us
From the 18th of April 2025 to 18th April 2026, let’s walk together—not to celebrate a hollow milestone, but to demand the Zimbabwe our forebears envisioned. Register your walk with ZHRO, organize locally, and spread the word. After 45 years of going nowhere, it’s time to chart a new path.
For more details, visit https://zhro.org.uk/45 or follow us on social media. Together, we walk for freedom, justice, and a future worth fighting for.
Observer Report - CDF Meeting UK
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ZHRO | Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation
zhro.org.uk | Angmering, West Sussex, United Kingdom
OBSERVER REPORT
Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF)
Inaugural UK Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, 6 June 2026 | University of Leicester Campus
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Report Author |
John C. Burke — Managing Trustee, ZHRO (Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation) |
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Event Date |
Saturday, 6 June 2026 |
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Venue |
University of Leicester Campus, Leicester, United Kingdom |
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Attendance |
In excess of 100 Zimbabweans drawn from across the United Kingdom |
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Report Status |
Observer Report — Civil Society Record |
1. OBSERVER'S JOURNEY & CONTEXT
This report is submitted in the personal capacity of John C. Burke, Managing Trustee of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO), who attended the event as an observer on Saturday 6 June 2026 — travelling from the ZHRO headquarters in Angmering, West Sussex, arriving at the University of Leicester campus at approximately 11:00 am.
ZHRO was established as a human rights advocacy organisation representing Zimbabweans in the diaspora, and has maintained a sustained campaign over nearly a decade — including multiple petition deliveries to the offices of successive Prime Ministers at 10 Downing Street — on issues of democratic rights, the right of return, the Diaspora Vote, and constitutional protection. Through long-standing partnerships with Chief Felix Ndiweni and his referendum strategies (z-dc.com) and through alliances with ROHR Zimbabwe and other civil society formations, ZHRO has consistently championed the constitutional rights of all Zimbabweans, wherever they reside.
It is in that spirit — and as one who has attended the Zimbabwe Vigil since 2013 — that this observer attended the inaugural UK Town Hall Meeting of the Constitution Defenders Forum.
SPECIAL REPORT Democracy Under Siege
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TENDAI BITI IN THE UK AS MNANGAGWA’S CONSTITUTIONAL STEAMROLLER ADVANCES
4–6 June 2026 • Chatham House, London & John Foster Hall, Leicester
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On Thursday 4 June 2026, Tendai Biti — former Finance Minister of Zimbabwe, co-founder and Convener of the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), and one of the country’s most prominent democratic voices — arrived quietly in the United Kingdom. His arrival was deliberately low-key: ZANU-PF’s operatives and sympathisers, who operate with considerable freedom across the UK and Europe, have a documented history of disrupting opposition engagements and reporting movements back to Harare.
His timing is not accidental. Back in Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ruling party is driving the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill — universally known as CAB3 — through Parliament at breakneck pace. Tabled for its First Reading on Tuesday 3 June 2026, CAB3 represents, in the words of its critics, a constitutional coup in slow motion: the systematic dismantling of independent oversight and the concentration of power in the executive. Biti has come to Britain to ensure that the world does not look away.
He spoke at Chatham House on the afternoon of 4 June, and on Saturday 6 June he addresses a major CDF UK Federation Town Hall in Leicester. ZHRO was represented at the Chatham House engagement; this report brings together our member’s account of that meeting alongside the wider political context.
THE CHATHAM HOUSE ENGAGEMENT — 4 JUNE 2026
Chatham House — formally the Royal Institute of International Affairs — is one of the world’s leading think-tanks on international affairs and foreign policy, located at St James’s Square in central London. An invitation to speak there carries substantial weight and speaks to the growing international recognition of Zimbabwe’s constitutional crisis.
The engagement took place under the Chatham House Rule, which permits participants to use the information received but prohibits attribution to any specific speaker or organisation. The specific contents of the discussion and the identity of other participants in the audience are not disclosed here. What follows is the report prepared by ZHRO/CDF member Blessing Tariro Makeyi, reproduced verbatim.
CDF MEETING FEEDBACK — REPORT
Meeting Feedback – Engagement with Convener Tendai Biti – Report by Blessing Tariro Makeyi
Venue: Chatham House, London — 4 June 2026 all photos courtesy of Blessing Tariro Makeyi
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The Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) UK Diaspora Chapter attended a meeting convened by Tendai Biti at Chatham House, London. The engagement provided a valuable platform for diaspora voices to interface with a senior figure in Zimbabwe’s opposition and civic landscape. The discussion was substantive, touching on the deteriorating constitutional order in Zimbabwe, the threat posed by CAB3, and the broader erosion of democratic institutions. Biti’s framing of the crisis as one requiring both legal resistance and sustained public mobilisation resonated strongly with CDF’s own position. The meeting reinforced the urgency of coordinated action across diaspora formations and domestic opposition structures. CDF took the opportunity to assert its position clearly — that CAB3 represents an unconstitutional power grab and that the dismantling of oversight bodies including the ZHRC and ZGC cannot go unchallenged. Overall, the engagement was productive and affirmed that the diaspora’s role in applying international pressure remains critical. CDF will continue to seek and build on such engagements as part of its broader advocacy strategy. Report by: Blessing Tariro Makeyi (ZHRO / CDF) Also attending as CDF Members: Edgar Tafadzwa Mafusire, Ruvimbo Makumbe. Plus Founder Mr Tendai Biti |
WHAT IS CAB3 — AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill is the Mnangagwa regime’s most audacious assault on Zimbabwe’s constitutional architecture since the 2013 constitution was adopted. Its stated justifications are administrative efficiency and fiscal discipline. Its real effect is the systematic hollowing out of every independent body that might constrain executive power.
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CAB3: KEY PROVISIONS UNDER ATTACK
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Critics — including Biti, CDF, ZHRO, and a growing number of international legal and human rights bodies — argue that CAB3 is not a reform bill but a constitutional coup. It is being pushed through a parliament whose electoral mandate is itself contested. The speed of its passage, deliberately timed to outrun organised opposition, is itself a statement of intent.
WHO IS TENDAI BITI — AND WHY DOES HIS VOICE CARRY WEIGHT?
Tendai Biti is not a comfortable exile issuing statements from a safe distance. He has lived and continues to live the consequences of his opposition. He was arrested and detained by the Mnangagwa regime. He has been physically assaulted. He has faced politically motivated prosecutions. He sought and was granted refuge in Zambia before returning to Zimbabwe to continue his work.
His credentials are formidable. As Finance Minister in the GNU (Government of National Unity) from 2009 to 2013, he rescued Zimbabwe from the abyss of hyperinflation — introducing the multi-currency system that stabilised an economy where a single loaf of bread had cost trillions of Zimbabwean dollars. That record gives him an authority that no amount of regime propaganda can erase.
He is co-founder and Convener of the Constitution Defenders Forum, which now has a significant and growing UK diaspora chapter. His visit to Britain this week — conducted discreetly to avoid interference — demonstrates that the international dimension of Zimbabwe’s democratic struggle is intensifying, not receding.
SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2026 — CDF TOWN HALL, LEICESTER
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ALL ARE WELCOME
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The Leicester meeting follows directly from the Chatham House engagement and represents the grassroots dimension of Biti’s UK visit. Where Chatham House provides the platform for high-level international dialogue, John Foster Hall is the community space — the diaspora coming together to hear directly from their political leadership and to coordinate their contribution to the democratic struggle.
THE STEAMROLLER: MNANGAGWA’S ENDGAME
The metaphor of the steamroller is apposite. ZANU-PF does not debate, negotiate or accommodate. It rolls forward, flattening opposition, institutions and law in its path. CAB3 is the latest and most brazen advance. The regime calculates that by the time the international community fully appreciates what has happened, the constitutional damage will be irreversible.
That calculation may be correct — unless the diaspora, civil society, and democratic governments act with urgency. Biti’s visit to the UK this week is an explicit request for that urgency. The message from Chatham House to Leicester is consistent: the window for meaningful resistance is open, but it is closing.
ZHRO POSITION
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ZHRO unequivocally opposes CAB3 and calls upon the UK Government — as a fellow Commonwealth member and as a state that bears historic responsibility for the conditions under which Zimbabwe’s constitution was crafted — to make clear that the unilateral dismantling of constitutional oversight will have consequences for UK-Zimbabwe relations. We commend Tendai Biti’s courage in visiting the United Kingdom and we commend our member Blessing Tariro Makeyi, alongside Edgar Tafadzwa Mafusire and Ruvimbo Makumbe, for representing both ZHRO and CDF at the Chatham House engagement. |
ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATION
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