Leeds Walk for Freedom Demonstrates Continued Solidarity with Zimbabwe's Struggle
12 July 2025, Leeds, United Kingdom
The spirit of liberation that once united freedom fighters across Southern Africa found renewed expression on the streets, parks and woods of Leeds this past Saturday, as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) led a well-attended "Walk for Freedom" through the University Quarter. The peaceful demonstration, which drew participants from across the UK's Zimbabwean diaspora and their British allies, served as a powerful reminder that the struggle for true freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe continues.
The march, which began at the Statue of the Mayor of Leeds {in 1878 - H R Marsden} and proceeded through Leeds' Meanwood Valley Trail to the Meanwood public Park, saw participants carrying banners calling for constitutional reform, the release of political prisoners, and an end to the systematic violations of human rights that have characterized Zimbabwe's post-independence era. Speakers at the event emphasized that the vision of liberation that Joshua Nkomo and ZAPU championed in the 1960s and 1970s remains unfulfilled. {See the Photo and video Log of the day's event CLICK HERE to see Flickr Album}
"Today we walk not just for ourselves, but for every Zimbabwean who dares to dream of a country where freedom of expression, association, and political participation are not privileges to be granted, but rights to be protected," said [Melody Magejo and Josephine Jenje - as a co-organisers], addressing the crowd gathered in solidarity. {Listen to the Live Speeches as they are uploaded Click Here}
The demonstration comes at a critical time when Zimbabwe faces mounting economic challenges, continued restrictions on civic space, and an increasingly polarized political environment. For ZAPU, a party that has weathered decades of political marginalization since the unity accord of 1987, the Leeds march represents the kind of grassroots activism that has long been central to the party's identity.
The international attention already garnered by the Leeds walk—with coverage appearing on Zimbabwe's news wire and extensive discussion across social media platforms—demonstrates the global reach of Zimbabwe's human rights movement. This diaspora activism echoes the international solidarity campaigns that supported the liberation struggle in the 1970s, when ZAPU's external missions worked tirelessly to build support for Zimbabwe's independence.
ZHRO's organizing of this march reflects the organization's commitment to maintaining pressure on the Zimbabwean government while building bridges between the diaspora and home-based civil society movements. The Leeds demonstration joins a growing number of international actions calling for political reform and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe. The latest satirical 'goals' scored by the diaspora have been symbolised as a football match {Read the article HERE}
As participants dispersed after the march, many expressed hope that such demonstrations would continue to grow, both in size and international impact. The walk served as a reminder that the ideals of freedom, justice, and human dignity that motivated the liberation struggle remain as relevant today as they were in the pre-independence era. These walks in 2025 served as a training platform for the main 100km Brighton to London Walk for Freedom - 9th-10th August 2025
The success of the Leeds Walk for Freedom demonstrates that the diaspora remains a vital component of Zimbabwe's ongoing struggle for true democracy and human rights. For ZAPU, which has long championed the cause of the marginalized and oppressed, such grassroots activism represents a continuation of the party's historical mission.
ZHRO has indicated that similar demonstrations are being planned in other UK cities, as the organization seeks to maintain international pressure for political reform in Zimbabwe while building solidarity within the diaspora community. In addition, the concept for the Walk for Freedom was initiated by Rashiwe {ZHRO Founder} and assisted by John Burke as the map specialist. Together they walked over 100 miles to find a suitable route from Brighton to London (100km). The Walk for Freedom was a tribute to Hero's Day and thus each year in early August the route is attempted in a continuous march (in 2017 Rashiwe, Sally and Patience, 3 women completed the first official Walk for Freedom - with medals awarded upon the stage at the Zim-Fest in the UK {see photo log CLICK HERE}
The Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) continues to support all peaceful efforts to advance democracy, human rights, and social justice in Zimbabwe, both at home and in the diaspora.
