Zimbabwean human rights activist and feminist advocate Namatai Kwekweza, who was arrested alongside other political and human rights activists for allegedly planning a protest to disrupt the SADC summit last month, has shared her experience of life in prison. Kwekweza and her fellow activists have denied the accusations against them.

Through social media, Kwekweza narrated her experiences in prison and shed light on the harsh conditions faced by other inmates. She expressed her gratitude to the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church for their role in visiting and providing comfort to prisoners during her detention.

“Prison life is difficult, and conditions are painful not only for political prisoners but for all prisoners. I am thankful to the many individuals and organizations who I saw coming to visit prisoners, particularly the Seventh Day Adventist Church, which many prisoners speak highly of,” she shared on Facebook.

Kwekweza urged other religious organizations and civil society groups to follow the SDA Church’s example and called on them to donate food and clothing to inmates. She emphasized the need for more corporations, churches, and individuals to organize programs to visit prisoners, especially those serving long sentences, and to support some of their material needs.

“I believe Zimbabwe as a nation can do more for those in prison. Ordinary people and groups can work together to make our prisons better for prisoners. I pray that more people will be inspired to consistently support prisoners,” Kwekweza urged.

Due to her bail conditions, Advocate Kwekweza was unable to leave the country and attend a lecture at Stellenbosch University. Despite her absence, she was honored with an Honorary Membership to the University’s Center for Life and Learning.

“I could not physically participate at Stellenbosch University to give my Honorary Lecture alongside Tawakkol Karman, the Nobel Peace Laureate (2011), in August 2024 due to my detention. I am deeply grateful that Stellenbosch University still sent me a certificate of recognition for my Honorary Membership to the University’s Center for Life and Learning, Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development,” Kwekweza expressed.

She added, “Never would I have thought at 25 and still a student myself, I would receive such recognition from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Thank you, Stellenbosch University, International Youth Think Tank, and WELEAD TRUST, for the support and faith you have shown in me.”

Namatai Kwekweza’s story continues to inspire many, as she remains a steadfast voice for human rights and social justice in Zimbabwe.