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 Ahoy, Comrades of the Informal Sector! Ahoy, Proletarians of Zimbabwe! In unwavering solidarity with all informal vendors across Zimbabwe, we must recognize that the proletariat is under relentless assault by the tyrannical bourgeoisie regime in Harare. This is not merely a struggle for survival; it is a class war—a battle against the dictatorship of the elite, who seek to crush the working masses under the weight of their exploitation and oppression. Comrades, let us be clear:  the ban on vending is not just an attack on livelihoods; it is a deliberate act of economic sabotage against the informal sector, which sustains the majority of our people. This assault is part of a broader strategy to shrink the spaces where the working class can organize, resist, and fight for their future. The civic space is being suffocated, the liberal opposition is comatose, and the poor are left with no room to breathe, let alone to mobilize for their liberation. This is a call to arms, comrade...

Introduction Zimbabwe’s political regime operates as a competitive authoritarian system, meticulously designed to consolidate and retain power by any means necessary. A hallmark of this system is the systematic use of violence to silence dissent and demobilize opposition. Among its most brutal tactics is the dismemberment of frontline voices through enforced disappearances—a tool of terror that not only eliminates individual activists but also instills widespread fear, effectively stifling collective resistance. This article reflects on the legacy of enforced disappearances, the closure of civic space, and the enduring spirit of resistance in Zimbabwe, commemorating the life and struggle of Itai Dzamara, a journalist and human rights defender who vanished a decade ago. Who Was Itai Dzamara?  Itai Dzamara was a prominent journalist, human rights defender, and a fearless critic of the Zimbabwean government. In 2015, he became one of the most vocal figures calling for the resignation ...

Social movements are loosely organized collectives of individuals who come together to campaign for a common cause. They are a critical extension of civil society, often operating at the grassroots level to address organic issues as they emerge within communities. These movements play a vital role in organizing resistance against oppression, inequality, and injustice, while also holding duty bearers accountable. Their work is essential for sustainable development and the promotion of human rights.  In many cases, social movements collaborate with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). These partnerships provide social movements with funding, capacity-building opportunities, and support infrastructure such as rapid response mechanisms and emergency funds. However, the operating environment for social movements has become increasingly challenging in recent years, particularly in the Global S...