Hope for Freedom

Young Zimbabwean activist to receive the 2025 German Africa Award

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation celebrates the announcement of Namatai Kwekweza’s selection as the 2025 recipient for the German Africa Award, a prestigious honour recognising individuals in the continent who have made significant contributions to democracy, economic development, peace and human rights. Namatai is a dedicated young female human rights defender, feminist, and pro-democracy constitutionalist in Zimbabwe.

Namatai's work centres on empowering young people and advocating for human rights and freedom, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe's ongoing political struggles.
She has been a vocal advocate against human rights violations and has actively participated in various initiatives aimed at mobilizing youth voices for freedom. Her engagement with the protests and advocacy efforts has been pivotal in raising awareness about human rights issues in Zimbabwe.

Kwekweza’s commitment to social justice was evident when she took a bold stance against the Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2018, which threatened civil liberties, demonstrating her commitment to activism and governance. She was arrested twice in 2020 while working to mobilise young people against the bill. In 2024, Kwekweza and fellow activists were once more arrested at Harare airport on spurious allegations of working towards toppling the government. Despite such continued prosecution, persecution, harassment and intimidation, Namatai continues to speak out in defence of human rights, constitutionalism and rule of law. She has been blacklisted in many government departments, her official documents withheld, yet she remains resolute and undeterred. Despite the risks involved, Namatai has been unyielding in her stance against oppression and has consistently worked to uplift marginalised voices.

Her recognition by the German Africa Foundation acknowledges her remarkable contributions and aims to inspire young leaders in the region to continue their fight for justice and an equal and free society. It is a befitting award in a world where democracy, human rights and freedom are backsliding and the recognition of Namatai is a reminder of the vital role that youth play in shaping the future of their countries and the world.

It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in leadership roles, especially in patriarchal societies. This acknowledgment spites deeply held stereotypes regarding women, leadership, and activism.

It is a call on how Africa needs to actively address the challenges of the youth, the largest demographic in the continent. Ignoring and sidelining them will only degenerate the continent into further strife and dictatorships. The youth need to be a priority of Africa and their contributions on the future they want acknowledged and acted upon.