ZimRights Welcomes New National Director
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) National Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Gillian Chinzete as the association’s new National Director, effective 1 January 2026.
The appointment was made at the ZimRights National Council’s end-of-year meeting, held yesterday, 18 November 2025, at the Zimbabwe Human Rights Village in Harare. This follows an earlier announcement on 23 October 2025 that the current National Director, Dzikamai Bere, will step down on 31 December 2025.
Ms. Chinzete’s appointment marks a significant new chapter for ZimRights, which is recognised as Zimbabwe’s first post-independence indigenous human rights advocacy movement. Gillian makes history as ZimRights’ first female director in the association’s 34 years of existence. She will be the eighth director in an enduring legacy of seamless transitions. ZimRights represents 250,000 members spread across the country’s 10 provinces, plus a recently established diaspora Chapter.
Ms. Chinzete is currently the Programmes Manager at ZimRights, having joined the association in 2023 as a Community Engagement Specialist and demonstrating exceptional leadership as she rose through the ranks. Prior to her tenure at ZimRights, she served the civic space for over 10 years in various capacities in different organisations.
Speaking at a special ceremony hosted to welcome Ms. Chinzete, ZimRights National Chairperson Takesure Musiiwa conveyed the National Council’s full endorsement and confidence in her leadership.
“The National Council was impressed with your performance over the years in service to human rights,” said Musiiwa in his welcome message. “And we do not doubt that you will lead our movement well into a future of success. You have our full support.”
In her acceptance speech, Chinzete said she was filled with immense humility and gratitude at her appointment.
“I come here bare-handed seeking to build a future where our collective efforts honour the legacy of those who have paved the way before us.” She told the National Council, acknowledging that change is never easy, and offering her commitment to working for a future where justice and equality prevail.
The National Council has entrusted Ms. Chinzete with steering the organisation forward. She is expected to sustain ZimRights’ impressive growth trajectory and build on its impact, ensuring the movement continues to thrive and advocate effectively even within the context of a shrinking civic space where movements like ZimRights leverage their membership to keep the human rights agenda alive.
The National Council looks forward to the successful transition of leadership in the new year.
Ms. Chinzete’s full profile can be viewed here.
Issued by the ZimRights Information Department
info@zimrights.org.zw I www.zimrights.org.zw
