By Farirai Sibanda
ZimRights Regional Manager for the Northern Region.
On 20 December 2024, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association launched the 2024 State of Civic Space report, reflecting on the operating environment for civil society organisations (CSOs) currently working in Zimbabwe.
I am proud to have contributed to the production of this report, which is a critical step towards raising awareness, driving meaningful discussions, and advocating for the necessary changes to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in Zimbabwe.
While the report focuses on civic space and CSOs, there is no doubt in my mind that the state of civic space in this country is the business of all Zimbabweans.
Over the festive holiday, I travelled to my hometown, and as we often do when we gather with family, we began to reminisce about the good old days.
I was reminded of a day when I got home from school and whispered to my mother that one of the children from my school had been talking about “indaba zabantu abadala” (adult matters).
She was alarmed and probed further, at which I clammed up and refused to divulge anything else, fearing that I too would be guilty of discussing adult matters.
It took some convincing, but eventually, I told her that the child at school had been talking about Mugabe and Tsvangirai.
Interestingly, I did not say what exactly they had been saying but the mere mention of those two names especially by another child was crossing the line.
You see, even at a young age, I knew—like most Zimbabweans—that talking about politics in public, especially critically, was dangerous.
I had internalised the fear adults carried, that political discussions were taboo, and that such conversations could lead to undesirable consequences.
Most Zimbabweans can attest to the fact that talking about former President Mugabe in public in the early 2000s was taboo—unless, of course, you were praising him. This anecdote is not just a light-hearted memory; it is a stark reminder of how deeply the fear of repression is woven into the fabric of our society. It highlights the profound and lasting impact of a restricted civic space—a reality that Zimbabweans have lived with for decades.
What is Civic Space, and Why Should You Care?
Civic space is the foundation of a functioning democracy. It is the space in which people and parties are free to share opinions, mobilise, and engage in governance in their country, without fear of harassment or violence. It enables us to raise issues, hold leaders accountable, and advocate for reform. In democracies with a strong civic space, citizens are empowered to participate in matters of national concern — whether that is through public discourse, non-violent demonstrations, or joining in decision-making processes.
On the other hand, the shrinking civic space breeds fear, silencing ordinary, everyday citizens, and nurturing a culture of apathy and suppression. My experience as a child reflects what happens when civic space is stifled: an entire nation becomes accustomed to self-censorship. The fear of consequences—real or perceived—prevents us from engaging in discussions that are critical to shaping the future of our country. This fear is inherited, taught, and internalised across generations, ultimately eroding the foundation of participatory democracy.
The Cost of a Closing Civic Space
The closure of civic space is not just a CSO issue; it is a societal issue. Here’s why:
Erosion of Fundamental Freedoms: When civic space is restricted, freedoms of speech, assembly, and association are the first to be curtailed. Without these rights, Zimbabweans cannot freely discuss issues affecting their lives—be it service delivery, corruption, or electoral processes.
Lack of Accountability:
A restricted civic space limits the ability of citizens and organisations to hold the government accountable. Corruption thrives in secrecy, and as Zimbabweans, we know firsthand the dangers of corruption as we have witnessed its devastating effects on our economy and essential services like healthcare and education. At times, we as citizens have been complicit—whether out of necessity or because doing things the right way felt too inconvenient—further enabling a culture of impunity.
Suppression of Innovation and Solutions:
Civil society plays a crucial role in addressing community needs, advocating for reforms, and creating solutions for national problems. When their operating environment is hostile, progress stagnates, and creativity is suppressed.
Inherited Fear and Apathy:
The fear I experienced as a child is not unique. Many Zimbabweans have learned to keep their heads down, avoid “politics,” and accept the status quo. This inherited apathy prevents collective action, leaving pressing issues unresolved. Even national conversations that should be about our shared interests—such as economic development, education, or healthcare—are now seen as political merely because they touch on the actions and accountability of our leaders and politicians. This blurring of the lines between public discourse and political manoeuvring stifles necessary dialogue and further entrenches a culture of silence and inaction.
Hindered Development:
Civic space is integral to sustainable development. When citizens are free to organise and advocate, they drive improvements in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and governance. As those most affected by national challenges, citizens are best positioned to develop innovative, context-specific solutions. A closed civic space stifles this vital progress, creating a monopoly on ideas and hindering the generation of diverse, effective solutions to the country’s problems.
Why Civic Space Is Everyone’s Business
Civic space matters because it is where the voices of ordinary Zimbabweans find power individually and collectively. Whether you are a farmer in Chipinge, a vendor in Mbare, a teacher in Dete, or a student in Gweru, your ability to demand better services, fair treatment, and a just society hinges on an open civic space. The fear of discussing “adult matters” should not define our nation. Zimbabwe’s future depends on citizens who are informed, engaged, and unafraid to participate in shaping their country’s destiny. Civic space is the vehicle for this participation, and its preservation is crucial for every Zimbabwean, not just civil society organisations.
A Call to Action
I urge you to read our 2024 State of Civic Space Report, and as you reflect on its findings, remember that the fight for civic space is a fight for our collective voice. Let us break the cycle of fear and apathy. Attend a local community meeting, engage in discussions about the policies affecting your daily life, or start a conversation with your peers about the state of our civic space. Protecting civic space in Zimbabwe is our collective responsibility because a closed civic space impacts us all.
Click here to access the report:
