Harare
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been working in Zimbabwe since 1980. It has witnessed firsthand the dramatic changes that took place in Zimbabwe from the very beginning and supported the work of civil society organisations in times of crisis.
The work of the Foundation focuses on re-establishing the rule of law, liberal democracy and a free market economy, which have been virtually destroyed by the repressive regime currently in power.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Harare advocates the protection of the remaining democratic and constitutional liberties with the aim of expanding these once political change has taken place.
News
-
"Dear countrymen, fellow journalists, UZ law students, friends across the world"
Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga breaks his silence after 72 harrowing days in pre-trial detention. In this heartfelt letter, he shares the emotional toll of separation from his wife and children, the injustice of being denied bail, and the trauma of incarceration for simply doing his job. His words lay bare a justice system that serves power, not people. Yet amidst the pain, Mhlanga’s unwavering hope, love for family, and commitment to truth and journalism shine through. This is more than a personal account—it’s a powerful statement on press freedom, resilience, and the cost of speaking out in Zimbabwe. Read his moving testimony and stand in solidarity with those who risk everything to give others a voice.
-
Africa and Europe at crossroads
Africa and Europe face a defining moment in global trade as rising US tariffs threaten to reshape economic relationships. Zimbabwe, as Chair of SADC, suspended all tariffs on American imports after Washington imposed an 18% duty on Zimbabwean goods. This diplomatic gesture highlights Africa’s lack of a unified trade response, exposing its industries to risk and weakening negotiating power. As the Trump Administration leans into protectionism and China deepens its influence across Africa, the European Union has a narrow window to offer a fair, rules-based alternative.
-
Zimbabwean ‘Golden Girl’ escapes to the IOC
Coventry’s appointment as President of the IOC presents a fresh opportunity for her to make a meaningful impact in global sports governance, this time within an institution that values expertise and structured decision-making. Unlike her constrained role in Zimbabwe’s government, the IOC provides her with a platform to advocate for athletes' rights, sports development, and governance reforms on an international scale.
-
Anatomy of shrinking democratic space
Human rights violations in Zimbabwe have been going on for decades, with press freedom among the many casualties. The state continues to wield its apparatus to suppress the media. Heart and Soul TV (HSTV) broadcast editor Blessed Mhlanga’s pre-trial incarceration is quite chilling. It is not only a blatant violation of his fundamental rights, but also a disturbing reflection of the shrinking democractic space in Zimbabwe.
-
Working with Mhlanga and struggle for press freedom
The arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga is a chilling reminder of the fragility of press freedom in Zimbabwe. As I read the distressing news, my mind wandered back to the time I worked alongside him at HStv — a space that embodied journalistic integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to telling the truth. At HStv, Mhlanga is more than just a colleague, he is a force of nature. He possesses an unmatched zeal for uncovering the truth, often at great personal risk.
-
To the gallows no more
On the last day of 2024, Zimbabwe joined the ranks of nations that have consigned capital punishment to history. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, himself once a death row inmate for blowing up a train during Zimbabwe’s (then Rhodesia) fight for independence, signed the Death Penalty Abolition Act into law. For Zimbabwe and its patchy human rights track record this marks an important step. The act not only prohibits courts from imposing death sentences. It also mandates the resentencing of about 60 persons currently on death row.
-
Exclusion by inclusion: Zimbabwe’s quota system under scrutiny
By reserving 60 parliamentary seats for women through proportional representation, Zimbabwe’s constitutional quota system aimed to rectify gender disparities in political participation. Over a decade later, however, questions linger about its effectiveness. Critics argue the framework inadvertently perpetuates exclusion, with political parties sidelining women from key constituency races, and societal attitudes reinforcing entrenched barriers.
Social Media
-
6
🎙️ Season 6 is here! The Let’s Talk Human Rights podcast is back with a fresh look and sound! In Episode 1, we spotlight Malawi’s fight to end child marriage and celebrate real progress through powerful personal stories. Hear how changing the law—and lives—is possible. 🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform! SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dxdKYIXKRPta9wMJN19Zx?si=-B3BbLSaR92bjTTopL4IAg APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/lets-talk-human-rights/id1532706038?i=1000705533035 IONO: https://iono.fm/e/1551151 #LetsTalkHumanRights #ChildMarriage #Malawi #HumanRights
-
27
What does it take to lead with integrity under political pressure? The Ethics in Public Leadership & Corruption Case Study seminar immerses Futurelect fellows in the real-world complexities of ethical decision-making in government. Through powerful case studies, fellows engage with public leaders who have faced ethical crossroads and hear how they resisted the temptation of self-enrichment at public expense. - Learn from leading anti-corruption champions across the SADC region - Unpack the fine line between unethical and unlawful conduct - Define your personal framework for ethical leadership The seminar was officially opened by Miklos Romandy of FNF Africa, with a compelling keynote from guest speaker Millie Odhiambo Mabona, a Member of Parliament from Kenya, who shared her experience navigating ethical challenges in public life. 📍 FNF Think Tank, Johannesburg 📅 25–28 April 2025 #LeadershipEthics #CorruptionCaseStudy #SADCLeaders #Up4Democracy
