Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 26th September 2026

https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/55557913547/sizes/m/

Our virtual Vigil activists today were Musa Dube, Oswel Gombedza, Nyarai Manyere, Philip Maponga, Sofa Masamvu, Trish Matsikira, Tatenda Nyakudziwanza, Mazvita Shonhiwa and Pearl Shonhiwa. They carried placards expressing their dissatisfaction with ZANU PF, Zimbabwe’s ruling regime. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72177720335880080/.

Meanwhile, Trish Matsikira writes:

**ZANU PF’s house demolitions order becomes a threat to national security and livelihoods **

The ongoing demolition of houses, vending structures, workshops and musika across Zimbabwe is deeply concerning. What we are witnessing is not simply the removal of illegal structures; it is the destruction of people’s livelihoods and basic shelter.

Behind every stall, workshop or small business is a person trying to feed their family, pay school fees and survive in an economy where opportunities are for the rich and powerful with very little for the poor.

Videos circulating online showing people throwing stones at an excavator during a demolition operation in Epworth are a worrying indication of the level of frustration within communities. In Chitungwiza, council workers and law enforcement agents have been badly injured whilst tensions continue to simmer elsewhere.

ZANU PF local authorities are simply spoiling for a fight against the poor, with the heartless Mnangangwa’s approval.But traders and residents are equally angry and would rather fight back than watch helplessly.

Whilst violence, property destruction and attacks on workers cannot be justified, the question is: what has brought communities to such a level of desperation and anger. These properties have not suddenly appeared but have operated for years, while paying their dues to the local authorities, so why now.

If the authorities knew that these structures were illegal, why were they allowed to go up in the first place. And why not provide those affected with workable alternatives first?

A responsible and empathetic government with pro-poverty elimination would place all affected in designated places where they can have a roof over their heads or continue earning a living.

People cannot watch their livelihoods destroyed without taking matters into their own hands. They are bound to fight back! When poverty grows, desperation grows, and ultimately lawlessness and confrontation can grow with it.

It cannot be allowed for Zimbabwe to reach a point where the relationship between the citizens and those with power is defined by fear, anger and confrontation. There can only be more divisions and enmity if people feel that their lives and welfare are not valued, but only for the rich and powerful.

A responsible government should among other things:

1. Stop all demotions for now.
2. Open up dialogue with the affected.
3. Designate suitable and convenient market places
4. Make them accessible i.e. licensing and location
5. Offer compensation and new settlement to those whose houses are illegally located
6. Stop the suffering and help Zimbabweans build their country in peace.

Zimbabweans are not asking for handouts. They are asking for the opportunity to work, provide for their families and live in dignity.

If the authorities fail to take heed, tensions will continue to grow feeding from the anger of dispossession, belittlement and impoverishment in your own country. Civil war across towns is a realistic possibility, if the Mnangagwa-led evil deeds continue. Miswai vakomana.

For Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website.

**Events and Notices: **

• Next Vigil meeting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy.

  Saturday 3rd October 2026 from 2 – 5 pm. We meet on the first and third Saturdays of every month. On other Saturdays the virtual Vigil will run.

• The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR)

  is the Vigil’s partner organisation based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organisation on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe.

• The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’

  is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe’s work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.

• Facebook page:

  Vigil :

  https ://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil

The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London meets regularly on Saturdays from 14.00 to 17.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.