Category: Politics

By Leonnel Mhuka   Prominent opposition figure and Lawyer, Hon Job Sikhala has strongly condemned the alleged assault and torture of Professor Lovemore Madhuku and members of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), describing the incident as part of an escalating pattern of repression in Zimbabwe’s increasingly volatile political climate.   In an address to published on Change Radio on 2 March, Sikhala said the country was “carrying a very difficult burden on its shoulders,” accusing what he called “rogue elements” within ZANU-PF of using extrajudicial tactics to silence dissenting voices.   “Why should people be tortured for holding a...

May 2008. Tonderai Ndira — MDC youth leader, father, human rights activist. Arrested 35+ times. Beaten. Threatened. Nicknamed “Zimbabwe’s Steve Biko.” “We are prepared to die…” On 13 May 2008, they came for him. At dawn, 10 armed men in plain clothes stormed his Mabvuku home. They smashed inside, beat him savagely in front of his wife & kids, then dragged him away — barefoot, in just his underwear. “They were hitting him with the butts of their guns,” his wife said. He never came home. Days later, his body lay in a Goromonzi field: Eyes gouged. Tongue cut...

By Wezhira Munya In a commendable act of gratitude, Masvingo City Mayor and Ward 4 Councillor Alec Tabe recently distributed food hampers to 42 dedicated polling station agents and other supporters from Ward 4 who significantly contributed to the 2023 harmonized elections. This event also coincided with Mayor Tabe’s birthday celebrations, as he marked his 42nd year in August. Follow and Share Change Radio for Real-Time News and Updates on WhatsApp! Each recipient received a generous package containing 10 kg of mealie meal, 2 liters of cooking oil, 2 kg of sugar, 2 kg of flour, 2 kg of...

By Leonnel Mhuka In a revealing interview on Change Radio’s Current Affairs program, held on Friday Morning, Hon. Ellen Shiriyedenga, a former Deputy Director of Elections for the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), Member of Parliament (MP) for Harare, and a seasoned elections analyst, provided an in-depth analysis of Zimbabwe’s troubled electoral system. Hon. Shiriyedenga’s candid insights shed light on the persistent flaws within the country’s election process and called for urgent reforms to restore confidence and credibility. As someone deeply involved in electoral processes, Shiriyedenga raised several issues that need urgent attention, ranging from electoral laws to institutional...

By Leonnel Mhuka Delayed justice has long been employed as a tactic by ZANU PF to frustrate political activists and human rights defenders. Through frequent postponements and prolonged legal processes, cases involving these individuals often become drawn-out battles, eroding their resilience and that of their supporters. This has been seen in many court cases involving politicians, activists or opposition supporter where they are kept on remand as as long as five years. Recently, Harare west, councilor, Denford Ngadziore revealed that him and two others were acquitted by Harare High Court after five years of their passports witheld and weekly...

By Khokhelani Xhame   Yesterday’s High Court’s decision to bar fraudulently recalled Councillor Ephias Mambume from recontesting has sparked outrage, with many citing it as further evidence of the Tshabangu cabal’s clandestine collaboration with Zanu-PF to hijack opposition seats via captured courts. This disturbing trend has been observed in several instances, including: Masvingo’s Former Mayor, Cllr Shantel Chiwara: Illegally recalled and barred from recontesting, paving the way for ZANU-PF to grab her ward seat. Chitungwiza’s Former Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jerita Mutingwende: Similarly, recalled and her ward seat was also replaced by a ZANU-PF candidate. Former Mabvuku-Tafara MP, Hon. Munyaradzi...

By Innocent Moyondizvo Nhira The notion that removing a revolutionary party from power is a daunting task is a stark reality in Zimbabwe. The ruling ZANU-PF party has held onto power for decades, leaving many to wonder if change is possible. However, Morgen Komichi, a senior official in the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), believes that unity among opposition parties is vital to unseating ZANU-PF. Komichi’s recent tweet emphasized the need for a coalition to challenge ZANU-PF’s dominance. But before forming such an alliance, potential partners must demonstrate their strength and support base through public rallies. This show...

By Leonnel Mhuka At the recent inauguration of Botswana’s new president, President Nelson Chamisa, leader of Zimbabwe’s opposition, delivered a powerful message on democracy, peaceful transitions, and the future of leadership in Africa. Chamisa’s remarks highlighted Botswana as a beacon of democratic values, offering a significant lesson for the entire continent. He expressed his excitement and pride in attending the inauguration, saying that he represented the aspirations of Zimbabweans who yearn for democracy and freedom. He hailed Botswana’s peaceful transition of power as a signal of hope for a “new Africa,” praising the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) smooth handover...

By Leonnel Mhuka   Senator Mafa Sibanda has raised serious concerns about the Southern African Development Community (SADC), questioning its commitment to upholding democratic principles among its member states. Speaking to Change Radio on Tuesday, Sibanda pointed out the shortcomings of the regional body, particularly in light of the recent SADC summit held in Zimbabwe. The senator’s comments come in the wake of SADC’s observer mission’s assessment of Zimbabwe’s August elections last year, which were found to be neither free nor fair, failing to meet both Zimbabwe’s constitutional requirements and SADC’s own guidelines.   Reflecting on the SADC summit, Sibanda...