Matebeleland activist to miss PhD graduation over safety fears

Zimbabwean opposition activist George Mkhwananzi is set to miss his doctoral graduation in South Africa next month, citing fears for his safety amid what he describes as sustained targeting by state security agents.

Mkhwananzi, who is currently based in Europe, was due to graduate from the University of South Africa, but says he cannot risk travelling to the region due to an outstanding arrest warrant and a long-running treason case dating back more than two decades.

The former deputy national chairman of the National Constitutional Assembly said the decision to skip the ceremony was not taken lightly, but was necessary given the risks he faces.

"I have a warrant of arrest issued last year… and a pending treason charge… which has not been concluded," he said.

The case stems from events in 2002, when Mkhwananzi was arrested alongside Paul Siwela, a prominent Matabeleland-based political figure. Authorities accused them of making subversive statements and inciting unrest.

Mkhwananzi alleges that his troubles have extended beyond Zimbabwe's borders, with repeated incidents occurring while he was living in South Africa.

"In SA I was ambushed four times by unknown people… they demanded to know about Paul Siwela's whereabouts," he claimed.

He further alleged that his vehicle was tampered with and fitted with a tracking device, while his family members were also followed and questioned about his movements.

These claims could not be independently verified, and Zimbabwean authorities had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

The activist's case reflects broader tensions dating back to Zimbabwe's 2002 elections, a period marked by intense political conflict and crackdowns on dissent.

Siwela later fled Zimbabwe and remains in exile, reinforcing concerns among activists about the risks of returning to the country or even travelling within the region.

Despite the disruption to a major academic achievement, Mkhwananzi says he remains committed to political activism.

He is now working with regional allies under the Matabeleland Home Society to launch a new political platform, the National Patriotic Alliance.

The initiative aims to challenge what he describes as centralised political control from Harare and to amplify the voice of the Matabeleland region.

"This initiative is expected to claim back the political space lost in the region," he said.

For Mkhwananzi, the missed graduation underscores the personal toll of long-standing political disputes, where even academic milestones can be overshadowed by unresolved legal battles and security concerns.

While he will not walk across the stage to receive his doctorate, he insists the achievement strengthens his resolve to continue advocating for political change from abroad.