By Staff Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS living in the United Kingdom recently gathered in Durham to reflect on the worsening social, political, and economic situation back home.
The meeting brought together activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens, who voiced frustration at the state of Zimbabwe’s public services and governance.
Participants spoke passionately about the collapse of the health system, pointing out that hospitals are running without basic medicines, leaving many patients vulnerable and unable to access lifesaving care.
Former Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer and human rights activist, Shepherd Yuda, noted that the country’s public health crisis has become “a slow death sentence for the poor.”
Concerns were also raised about the growing scourge of drug misuse among Zimbabwe’s youth. Attendees said that children as young as 13-years-old are being trapped in cycles of drug abuse, early marriages, and social instability — problems they believe are being worsened by the lack of mental health support.
Speakers strongly condemned what they described as rampant corruption at the highest levels of government. Several participants accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa and members of his inner circle of enriching themselves while ordinary citizens suffer.
“The brain drain we are witnessing is not by choice,” said Patson Muzuwa, one of the organisers.
“It is forced by the mismanagement and greed of a few elites who have destroyed the nation’s future.”
Attendees also reflected on the freedom of being able to gather and speak openly in the UK, contrasting it with the repression faced in Zimbabwe. Many expressed relief at having the space to criticise the regime without fear of police harassment.
However, participants acknowledged the risks of their activism, warning that under the Patriotic Act of 2023, those who openly criticise the government abroad could face arrest and persecution if they return home.
The meeting included contributions from Nobukhosi Dube, Melbar Dick, Luckmore Masanzu, Martha Mutima, Xoliso Sithole, Desire Kunaka, Blessing Tariro Makeyi, Ettar P. Mhlanga, Ruth Matipa and Ralph Dube. Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) UK executive member Hatirarame Jenatry Muranganwa (Chihota) and Prince Justin Chihurani also participated. Josephine Jenje Mudimu and Dadirayi Mukwedeya, who are also active campaigners, were however missing after they reportedly gave apologies.
The gathering resolved to champion unity among Zimbabweans in the diaspora to keep raising awareness and campaigning for a democratic and accountable government back home.
