Journalist Blessed Mhlanga’s Geneva Address Resonates With Lived Realities: Kwekwe activist
Makesure Choga, a Human Rights Defender (HRD), Zimbabwe, says the recent address delivered in Geneva by Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga is worth praising.
“He has ignited significant debate, both locally and internationally.
“His remarks, which highlighted concerns over governance, corruption, and the shrinking space for dissent, have been dismissed by some officials, however, for many Zimbabweans, they reflect a lived and undeniable reality,” said Choga.
He added Mhlanga’s credibility stems not only from his profession but also from personal experience.
“His reported detention for more than two months—following interviews with war veteran Blessed Geza, who had openly expressed frustration over alleged corruption within the government—raises serious questions about the state of press freedom in Zimbabwe.
“Journalism, by its very nature, demands engagement with diverse voices, including those critical of authority.
” Criminalising such engagement undermines the core principles of democracy,” said Choga.
He added:
“His Geneva speech did not exist in isolation; rather, it echoed the broader experiences of citizens, journalists, and human rights defenders who continue to face intimidation, harassment, and incarceration for exercising constitutionally protected rights.
“As a Human Rights Defender based in Zimbabwe, I, Makesure Choga, can attest to the weight of Mhlanga’s assertions. My own experience of spending seven months in prison for carrying out legitimate human rights work mirrors the systemic challenges he described.
“Such experiences are not isolated incidents but form part of a troubling pattern that calls for urgent attention.”
“A government confident in its legitimacy and performance should be able to withstand scrutiny and criticism without resorting to punitive measures.
“Transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental freedoms are not optional ideals; they are essential pillars of good governance.
“Mhlanga’s speech should therefore not be viewed as an attack on the nation, but rather as an opportunity for introspection.
“It is a call to address longstanding concerns and to uphold the rights enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution, including freedom of expression, association, and the media.”
Choga reiterated that the international community’s attention to these issues underscores their seriousness.
Yet, the responsibility for reform ultimately lies within the country’s leadership.
Zimbabwe’s progress will be measured not by its ability to silence critics, but by its willingness to listen, engage, and reform.
In amplifying these concerns on a global stage, Blessed Mhlanga has given voice to many who remain unheard.
His message, grounded in both observation and experience, deserves careful consideration rather than dismissal.
