The opinions below are from those ZHRO members who attended the well supported demonstration at the Zimbabwe Embassy from 12:00 noon until late! We have also collated many photos of the day (ZHRO Flickr PRO Account) - graphically recording the support and people who were behind this vital (non-celebration of:) Zimbabwe's Independence - 46 years ago on 18th April 1980 - so much potential then - but in practice NOTHING delivered - except endless promises and propaganda - carefully orchestrated globally but the MINORITY Zanu PF JUNTA!
A good number of ZHRO members attended - even those who will also attend the Demo-Petition (Delivery to 10 Downing St) on the 21st April 2026 - in just a few days time - with many in the diaspora - travel costs can be (and are) a deciding factor - so those who attend both - hat's off you you!
But as expected and warned by ZHRO there were Zanu PF disrutors on hand to try and break up the whole protest and demonstration - unfortunately (for them) the Zanu PF Minority just did not have the numbers!!
Chenayi on Twitter Chenayi at 10:40 am - 18th Apr 2026
""This is what happened …""
""We arrived at around 10:40 and guess who was waiting for us there … as soon as they saw us setting up they started getting speakers out and singing the zanu pf threatening songs""
- Tengesa uone mashura
- Pasi nemhandu etc
""A 'clash' (words were spoken etc) ensued we were [at thar time] outnumbered because the protest was still an hour and a half away from starting … thankfully we had notified the police in advance and straight after this altercation the police phoned me and I explained .. they came out in no time and diffused the situation. What was interesting is that according the police the guy in green is an embassy official. This diplomatic post must serve all Zimbabweans, not just the young not so young 4ED!!""
""Unfortunately prior to this moment the guy in the orange T-shirt pushed me and stomped my toes with his foot and started cursing at me … The really sad part is when Zimbabwe is truly free these ‘young’ women 4ED and zanu pf ‘youth’ league will also go back to enjoy their birthright.""
""We are all here in this cold country because of Zanu PF ‘s oppressive rule: -- the 'Maths' is not matching"" - Chenayi Mutambasere
Opinion: -- Why are Zimbabwe Embassy Officials involved in such 'tactics' - Even Ambassador Colonel Christain Katsande had the diplomatic good grace to conduct his "cheer-leading" efforts away from the protestors -
and is it not surprising that there are demonstrations?? When the 2013 Constitution is under attack by the illegal regime; But that's the point, they are illegal - Zanu PF have simply 'OCCUPIED' parliament without the votes to justify their claimed "Majority"
Note: This article is an ongoing project - lots more opinions to publish overthe coming days!
Team Pachedu @PacheduZW - 18th April 2026""The London demo made a huge impact than anticipated."" ""Many in Zanupf did not see the momental against CAB3 growing organically the way it is. The regime had banked on the collapse of CCC but never saw the likes of @zimbabweyauya ""Harare you are next the world awaits our reaction, get yourselves ready!"" #OneManOneVote. |
Josephine Sipiwe Jenje-Mudimbu @JenjeJosephine - 18th April 2026The "Bullies" ZANU PF regime at it as usual, invading our booked space for protest against CAB3 at the Zimbabwe Embassy today 18 April. This is the UK where you abide by the rule of the law. They were dismissed by the police and left in half. Nanyangura Yawona!!! |
Constitution Defenders Forum @cdfzim - 18th Apr 2026The CDF UK Federation is out in full force at the #Zimat46 protests currently underway at Zimbabwe House, The Strand, London. Diaspora Spokesperson @MakomboreroH says #CAB3 threatens the ideals of the liberation struggle and stands as an indictment against the current regime. |
Dhara Blessed Mhlanga @bbmhlanga - 18th Apr 2026Doing my work, I am a journalist and will always be. Here for a week and will head back to Zimbabwe in May. It was beautiful just to help @iAmKudaMaynard today as his backup. Thank you for the opportunity. |
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Maynard Manyowa @iAmKudaMaynard - 18th April 2026 OUT NOW! @bbmhlanga is back! And he’s grilling CDF activists @Chofamba , @TereraiSithole and @MakomboreroH on 2030, and Zimbabwe’s present and future. 3 interviews. No soft questions. - You Tube Interviews You Tube Interviews #Zimbabwe #CAB3 #DharaReturns |
Doug Coltart @DougColtart 18th April 2026This Independence Day, we WEAR BLACK to mourn those who died for the cause #OneManOneVote; to resist those who wish to entrench rule by the few over the many; and to stand in solidarity with all those in prison for standing up for the dignity of all. Join us! |
Hopewell Chin’ono @daddyhope - 18th April 2026Independence is not a ZANUPF affair. It is ZANUPF that wanted us to believe that it is a ZANUPF affair. Independence is a national affair. People went to fight for the liberation of Zimbabwe not on a party ticket. They went to fight as Zimbabweans, not as ZANU or ZAPU cadres. ZANU and ZAPU were merely vehicles that were used to fight for the independence of the country. |
Stanford Biti @BitiStanford 18th April 2026Let me remind you of people who funded #COPAC @FCO @AfricaProg @Europarl_EN @UN @10DowningStreet @POTUS45 @BarackObama @vonderleyen @UKHouseofLords @BBCNews @SkySportsNews @itvnews noone will allow @edmnangagwa to reverse the gains and reasons of #COPAC #NOTO2030 |
Zimbabwe Independence Day Protest – London (18/04/2026)From Kelvin Mhlanga (any relation with Dhara Blessed Mhlanga??) On Zimbabwe’s Independence Day, we gathered outside the Embassy of Zimbabwe in London not to celebrate, but to demand accountability. Independence was paid for with blood, sacrifice, and the courage of those who fought for freedom, justice, and the will of the people. Today, Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 disregards that legacy—undermining democratic principles and concentrating power in ways that betray the foundation of our nation. Those who fought for Zimbabwe’s freedom must be turning in their graves. We are still fighting for freedom in Zimbabwe today—freedom from ZANU-PF and from policies like Bill No. 3 that silence the voice of the people and weaken democracy. The demonstration was peaceful but resolute. With the Zimbabwean flag held high and placards reading “One man, one vote,” we made it clear: the struggle for true independence is far from over. This was more than a protest—it was a stand. A message that Zimbabweans, both at home and in the diaspora, refuse to be silenced. I also had the opportunity to meet individuals who continue to stand on the frontlines of this fight, including Lord Oates, Makomborero Haruzivishe, and Blessed Mhlanga. Their presence reinforced the urgency of continued resistance. Independence without justice is not freedom. The fight continues. |
Zimbabwe Independence Day Protest – London (18/04/2026)From Shamiso Moyo The people of Zimbabwe are clear on the constitution issues. Zanupf cannot single handedly change the constitution. The constitution is every Zimbabwean’s birthright. One party cannot change like it is a zanupf constitution. People are prepared to fight for their rights. The reason the war for liberation was fought was to gain our rights, freedoms and dignity. The issue of one man one vote was the reason the war was fought among other things.Forty six years later Zanupf is dragging us to the sixties when the war started. This will not be tolerated. Zanupf modus operandi is when they have factions in their party they want to settle their scores using the constitution. This is just a replay of what happened in 2017. The whole country cannot be held at ransom to settle Zanupf leadership battles. Issues of the constitution are beyond party differences and Zimbabwe as a whole must stand up to defend the constitution. The demonstration on the 18th April 2026 was calling on all democratic minds to come together and stand up to defend the national pride which is the constitution. The constitution defenders are going to mobilise everyone from the churches, diaspora community, politicians and non politicians to come and reason together to find ways of stopping Zanupf with this madness. A President must be voted by all Zimbabweans. Chiefs must be non partisan. Parliamentarians cannot decide for the whole country. We will seek support from other bodies to hear our pledge. Zanupf is setting a wrong precedent to the whole continent and this must be nipped in the bud. Dictators will all follow that direction and will bribe the parliament to vote for them. Zimbabweans must arise and challenge this madness. Zanupf has started intimidating and silencing the voices of reason and the diaspora must rise up and action on behalf of those on the ground who are being abducted and tortured for standing up. On the 18th April 2026 people at the demonstration pledged their commitment to fight against the madness by Zanupf. A petition will be handed over to the British government and people need to sign the petition so that we get enough numbers to allow it to be tabled for discussion in parliament. This is very important and we need to circulate it widely so that gets the support. I attended the demonstration as a bonafide Zimbabwean and l want the Zimbabwean pride to be respected. I cannot tolerate the country to be taken back to the colonial era where voting was for the few selected members. Mnangagwa is a worse version on Smith in every sense. Mnangagwa is aware that he can never get enough votes to stay in power and he is now trying to scrap his election so that he fraudulently stays in power for ever. He has failed to run the country and wants to continue looting through corrupt means. I say no to 2030 nonsense No to constitution mutilation Mnangagwa must go Zanupf must fall Alluta |
Zimbabwe Independence Day Protest – London (18/04/2026)From Phylis M Magejo Independence Day, a time for celebration and unity for all Zimbabweans, has sadly become a day of sorrow for many. Only a handful of individuals seem to enjoy the fruits of the motherland, their eyes fixed solely on personal wealth, while the majority continue to suffer. The liberation struggle was fought to free the children of Zimbabwe, promising a future of prosperity and hope. We once believed Zimbabwe would be a land of milk and honey, but we soon realized that a few had hijacked the economy through deceit and corruption, plunging the nation into deep poverty. For many, April 18th now serves as a painful reminder of the bloodshed and sacrifices made by our ancestors, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and babies whose lives were lost in vain. In the UK, Zimbabweans from all walks of life gathered peacefully at the embassy to protest against the oppressive Zanu-PF government, which has left its citizens languishing in poverty. The demonstration was a powerful expression of the enduring hope for change and justice in Zimbabwe. |
Zimbabwe Independence Day Protest – London (18/04/2026)From Patricia Chinyoka On 18 April 2026, I supported the protest held at the Zimbabwe Embassy, organised by Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom. On the same day, I served as the anchor on Change Radio, where I live-streamed the protest and provided commentary and updates for listeners and viewers. I joined fellow Zimbabweans to publicly denounce the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 and to express our concerns about its implications for constitutional governance, democratic accountability, and the rights of citizens. My involvement was intended to amplify the voices of Zimbabweans in the diaspora and to ensure that the protest’s message was communicated clearly to a wider audience. My concerns about Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) I’m speaking out against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) because, in my view, it takes Zimbabwe in the wrong direction. Instead of strengthening the 2013 Constitution, it waters down key protections that were put in place to limit abuse of power, keep leaders accountable, and make sure citizens can choose their leaders freely and fairly. 1) It weakens term limits and the idea of leadership change One of my biggest concerns is how CAB3 affects presidential term limits. The Constitution sets clear limits for a reason: to stop power from being held by one person or one group for too long, and to create regular opportunities for renewal and change. When changes are proposed that would, in practice, allow an incumbent to stay in office longer or avoid the spirit of those limits, it undermines the whole purpose of term limits and weakens public trust in the constitutional system. 2) It takes power away from voters I’m also concerned by proposals that would remove the direct election of the President and replace it with selection by Parliament. For me, this is a major shift: the President’s authority should come directly from the people through the ballot, not indirectly through political bargaining in Parliament. Moving away from direct elections would reduce citizens’ say in one of the most important choices in a democracy and would change the character of the system set out in the Constitution. 3) It tries to change “protected” rules without proper public consent Some parts of the Constitution are meant to be especially hard to change, precisely because they protect the foundations of democracy. In particular, where changes affect presidential term limits, the Constitution sets a higher bar, meaning the public should have a direct say, for example through a national referendum, and changes should not be designed to advantage an incumbent. If CAB3 touches these protected areas, then it shouldn’t be pushed through as “business as usual” in Parliament; the people should decide it. 4) It weakens checks and balances Finally, I’m worried about changes that concentrate more power in the Executive and weaken independent oversight. Proposals that increase the President’s ability to appoint unelected Senators can reduce Parliament’s independence. As a woman, I’m also deeply concerned by any move to abolish constitutionally created bodies such as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, which exists to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights. When oversight institutions are removed or weakened, it becomes harder to hold those in power to account. Overall, I oppose CAB3 because it chips away at the protections Zimbabweans fought for in the 2013 Constitution. Any constitutional change of this scale should be transparent, widely debated, and centred on the will of the people, not the interests of those already in power. |