W4F – Walk for Freedom – 15 active activists walked 11 km around the interesting and once Industrialised Riverside area in this Town.
By Diana Machingauta
Walk for Freedom: Zimbabwean Activists Unite in Stockton Region, UK.
On a crisp morning in the Stockton region of the UK on May 3rd, 2025., a group of determined Zimbabwean activists and allies came together for a powerful demonstration—Walk for Freedom This march was not just a physical journey but a symbolic stand against oppression, injustice, and the ongoing struggles faced by Zimbabweans both at home and abroad.
We are walking for freedom because, Zimbabwe has endured decades of political turmoil, economic collapse, and human rights abuses under the rule of ZANU-PF and Emmerson Mnangangwa. Despite the promise of change, many Zimbabweans continue to suffer from political persecution, activists, journalists, and opposition members face arrests, torture, and intimidation. There’s a high percentage of economic hardship in Zimbabwe, hyperinflation, unemployment, and poverty force millions to flee to other countries for greener pasture. Election fraud from the ruling party Zanu-Pf, recent elections have been marred by violence and rigging, denying citizens a fair democratic process.
As diaspora activists, we refuse to stay silent. Our “Walk for Freedom” event was a call to action, to demand justice, democracy, and accountability from Zimbabwe’s leaders.
Dressed in Zimbabwean flags and holding placards with messages like “Free Zimbabwe” and “No to Dictatorship,” we walked through the streets of Stockton, drawing attention from locals and media. The march was peaceful but powerful, echoing the voices of millions back home who can not protest without fear of reprisal.
Key moments included:
- Speeches from activists sharing personal stories persecution and hope for a better Zimbabwe.
- Solidarity songs and chants, uniting participants in the spirit of resistance.
- Community engagement, where we educated bystanders about Zimbabwe’s crisis and how they can support the cause.
Our walk was more than just a protest—it was a statement. We demand:
- Free and fair elections– An end to electoral fraud and violence.
- Human rights protection – Release of political prisoners and an end to state-sponsored brutality.
- Economic reforms – Accountability for stolen resources and support for struggling citizens.
- Diaspora voting rights– Zimbabweans abroad must have a say in their country’s future.
The “Walk for Freedom” march was a reminder that the struggle for Zimbabwe’s liberation is far from over. Though we are miles away from home, our voices carry weight.
Those that made the walk possible and those that inspired, thank you for your love of our country. This is a therapy especially for me. As for Rukaya, the food was top class. Xoliso thank you you for the snacks. Not forgetting my American wife (Panashe) and little Abigail, they inspired me and Josie the ancestors l. Thank you all for coming to the North East of England
Patson Muzuwa
For all those who made this day special in Stockton-on-TeesJane, Abigail, Nobukhosi, Maureen, Diana, Shepherd, Shamiso, Panashe, Dickson, Xoliso, Romancia, Rukaya, Josephine, Patson and lastly, John – all in the attendence register for the day. Weather was cold to start, but soon wamed up. The Riverside area was very much indistralised and steeps in a historic past that is no longer fully evident. The amazing road bridge, with footpath that we climbed up to, and down the other side was a testiment to Stockton’s heavy steel industrial past.
JCB