45 years, 45 days, 45 weeks, 45 km or 45 miles; A year long campaign
The enactment of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill in Zimbabwe on April 11, 2025, has indeed raised significant concerns about the erosion of democratic space. The bill, signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, grants the government extensive powers to regulate NGOs, including the ability to oversee their operations and potentially limit their activities. Critics, including civil society groups, argue it stifles independent voices and restricts freedoms of association and expression, further shrinking civic space in the country.
ON 30th May 2024 ZHRO, ROHR, CCC and ZAPU Petitioned the UK Government about the dangers within this PVO Bill READ Their Petition {HERE}
The case of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, arrested on February 24, 2025, and facing up to 45 days in pretrial detention on charges of incitement under the 2021 Cyber and Data Protection Act, underscores these concerns. His detention for interviewing a war veteran critical of the government highlights the ongoing challenges to press freedom and free speech in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO)’s planned petition to the UK Prime Minister on April 18, 2025, coinciding with Zimbabwe’s 45th anniversary of independence, reflects deep frustration with the lack of meaningful democratic progress. Their “What Independence?” sentiment, echoed since the 2017 Take2Zimbabwe campaign, questions the reality of freedom under the current regime. The 45km Walk to Nowhere campaign poignantly symbolizes this stagnation, portraying a nation struggling with governance, human rights abuses, and economic chaos despite decades of nominal independence.
While these events paint a grim picture, the Zimbabwean government claims the PVO Bill is necessary to curb money laundering and terrorism financing. However, the broad and vague provisions of the law, combined with cases like Mhlanga’s, suggest an intent to control dissent rather than address legitimate security concerns. The international community, including groups like Amnesty International and UN experts, (read their reports by clicking these web links) has urged reconsideration of such measures, warning of their chilling effect on civil society.
ZHRO’s actions highlight a call for global attention to Zimbabwe’s plight. Whether their petition and campaign will shift policy or merely amplify the diaspora’s voice remains uncertain, but they reflect a persistent demand for accountability and true democratic reform.
Join us on the 18th April 2025 at Downing Street and the Zimbabwe Embassy to highlight the destruction of a Nation! AND Support our 45 Campaign on this 45th Anniversary of a False Independence
