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The Man Behind Zimbabwe’s Grassroots Call for Change
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- Written by: Rumbidzai Thelma Chidewu
- Category: ZEXIT
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Madzibaba VeShanduko: The Man Behind Zimbabwe’s Grassroots Call for Change
Symbol of Activism in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe’s often tense political landscape, grassroots activists have frequently emerged as powerful voices calling for reform and accountability. Among the most recognizable of these figures is Godfrey Karembira, popularly known as Madzibaba VeShanduko.
Karembira has become widely known for his outspoken political activism and his support for opposition politics in Zimbabwe. His nickname, “VeShanduko,” carries a strong political message. In the Shona language, shanduko means “change,” a word that reflects the central theme of his activism and his call for political transformation in the country. Often dressed in distinctive white or yellow robes associated with Apostolic religious sects, Karembira has developed a unique public image that makes him easily recognizable during protests and public demonstrations.
A Voice for Political Reform
Madzibaba VeShanduko has been closely associated with the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), an opposition political movement that challenges the long‑ruling ZANU‑PF party. Through public demonstrations, street activism, and grassroots mobilization, Karembira has consistently encouraged citizens to demand greater accountability from political leaders. Supporters describe him as a
determined activist who connects with ordinary people in communities where economic hardship and political frustration remain widespread. Rather than holding a formal political office, he has built his influence through direct engagement with citizens, particularly in urban areas where opposition politics often finds strong support.
Confrontations with Authorities
Karembira’s activism has not been without controversy. Over the years, he has reportedly faced several arrests and confrontations with law enforcement authorities due to his participation in protests and demonstrations. One of the most widely reported incidents occurred in March 2022 in Harare, when Karembira was allegedly assaulted by police officers during a protest while wearing yellow clothing associated with opposition supporters. The incident drew widespread attention on social media and in political discussions, raising concerns among activists about the treatment of opposition supporters and political demonstrators.
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Zimbabwean Politics
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- Written by: Justin Prince Chihurani and CDF
- Category: 46 Years as at 18th April 2026
- Hits: 141
Zimbabwean Politics - Vision 2030 & Human Rights Violations
Zimbabwe’s political situation remains complex and highly debated, especially as the government continues to promote its Vision 2030 plan. Under President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling party ZANU-PF, Vision 2030 aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income country by the year 2030. The plan focuses on economic growth, infrastructure development, and attracting foreign investment. While these goals sound promising, many citizens question whether meaningful development can happen without political reforms and respect for human rights.
In principle, Zimbabwe’s development goals are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which promote poverty reduction, equality, and improved living standards. However, achieving these goals requires strong institutions, transparency, and accountability. Many Zimbabweans believe that corruption, lack of accountability, and political repression continue to hold the country back.
Human rights remain a major concern. Reports from organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch frequently highlight issues including the arrest of opposition members, restrictions on public protests, and intimidation of journalists and activists. In several instances, security forces have been accused of using excessive force against citizens who are expressing dissatisfaction with the government. Such actions create fear and discourage people from freely participating in political life.
Elections have also been controversial. There have been ongoing concerns about fairness, transparency, and the independence of key institutions. When citizens lack confidence in the electoral process, it weakens democracy and undermines trust in national development plans like Vision 2030.
In my view, economic development and human rights cannot be separated. For Zimbabwe to truly achieve its 2030 vision, there must be genuine respect for democratic principles, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. Without addressing these concerns, Vision 2030 risks becoming more of a political slogan than a reality that improves the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
See after "READ MORE" - Tweet from CDF who were trying to conduct a meeting regarding the Constitution https://x.com/cdf
Digital Services Tax
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- Written by: Chipo Musarurwa Siziba @ChipoMusarurwaS
- Category: ZEXIT
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Digital Services Tax
As taken from X/Twitter x.com/ChipoMusarurwaS Image by TAKBATANA [Click on Image for a larger version - opens in a new window]
The recent introduction of the Digital Services Tax is not just another levy it is an act of economic aggression against a population already stretched to its limits.
But while this new tax has rightly sparked outrage, it is merely the tip of the iceberg. Everything is going up this year. Why? Because the government has quietly increased the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15.5%.
This isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet it’s a direct hit to every household’s budget. It means:
- School fees will rise, making education even more inaccessible for struggling families.
- Groceries will cost more, forcing parents to choose between meals and rent.
- Fuel and transport will spike, driving up the price of everything else.
- Electricity, mobile data, gym subscriptions, clothing, medicine nothing is spared.
This is not fiscal policy. It is extortion masquerading as governance. A Government That Takes and Takes
What do we get in return for these taxes? Crumbling roads. Empty hospitals. Underpaid teachers. Power cuts. Water shortages. A currency in freefall.
A government that taxes so much yet delivers so little is not just inefficient it is indifferent. It is a government that has lost its moral compass, prioritizing revenue collection over public service.
The Shared Struggles of Venezuela and Zimbabwe
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- Written by: John C Burke
- Category: ZEXIT
- Hits: 314
Parallels in Peril:
The Shared Struggles of Venezuela and Zimbabwe
In the wake of Nicolás Maduro's removal from power in Venezuela, voices from the Zimbabwean diaspora have drawn stark comparisons between the two nations, urging similar international action against Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Both countries, once promising economies bolstered by abundant natural resources, have descended into cycles of political instability, economic collapse, and human suffering.
This article explores the eerie similarities in their trajectories: rigged elections, eroded democratic institutions, systemic corruption, human rights atrocities, untapped mineral wealth, and the potential role of U.S. assistance in restoring stability to Zimbabwe.
Rigged and Stolen Elections:
A Pattern of FraudElection manipulation has been a hallmark of governance in both Venezuela and Zimbabwe, undermining public trust and perpetuating authoritarian rule. In Venezuela, the 2024 presidential election was marred by widespread fraud, with the National Electoral Council (CNE) declaring Maduro the winner without releasing disaggregated results or allowing independent verification. Opposition tallies showed Edmundo González Urrutia winning by a landslide, yet Maduro's regime suppressed evidence and resorted to repression. gjia.georgetown.edu Independent analyses, including those by the Associated Press and election forensics experts, confirmed the scale of the manipulation, labeling it a blatant theft of the people's will. gisreportsonline.com
Zimbabwe mirrors this with its 2023 elections, where President Mnangagwa secured a second term amid allegations of massive irregularities. The opposition Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) rejected the results, citing voter suppression, delayed polling, and intimidation by groups linked to the ruling ZANU-PF party. Regional observers from the Southern African Development Community noted these flaws, questioning the election's credibility.
Donor Dependency
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- Written by: Independent80
- Category: ZEXIT
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How long should Zimbabwe be donor dependent?
The issue of the length of time the Zimbabweans will have to continue relying on the international donors is acute. Even with the international donor efforts to alleviate livelihoods by introducing different interventions, the government of Zimbabwe tends to misuse funds which are provided by various economic sectors.
Another major issue is when the projects funded by the donors are finished and have to be certified by one of the appropriate ministries. Government authorities in Zimbabwe are often heard to take 'credit' in these projects thus deceiving their populations by insinuating that the donors are simply reclaiming what is theirs or simply not acknowledging the contribution of the donors.
Furthermore, the government fails to make any assurance of the sustainability (see below) of these projects resulting in the degradation of structures and restoration to the normal state of suffering. The question that this cycle evokes is why various donors tend to repeat the same projects soon after. The corrupt nature of the Zimbabwean government incapacitates the communities and line ministries. It also, limits the sustenance of projects and sustenance of dependency as a result of donors. This has implications to the donors.
The projects that are launched today cannot be projected to be sustained on the local resources in the long run. The risk is infrastruct in Zimbabwe is dependent, effectively, on charity - something a legitamate goverment should never do. It is the function of a competent government to provide and maintain infrastucture and projects. Something sadly lacking in Zimbabwe as a whole - just look at the failed sewage and water supply problems and their knock on effect on public health - another area in desperate need of government support!
The present state of donor assistance cannot be perpetuated without the occurrence of a new dimension of priorities in the world. The donors also have not knowingly gotten into a continued agreement to supply resources to the government. The use of funding on particular projects is not usually of much benefit since it places too much strain on limited administrative expertise and the locals are not sustained. There are also security concerns, drought, and administrative limitation beyond the large cities, which contribute to the ineffectiveness of aid even more.
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