Kombis turned into conveyors of messages

Commuter omnibuses in Zimbabwe - popularly known as kombis - are increasingly doubling as moving billboards for political messaging, with stickers and posters now turning the country's public transport system into a rolling arena of public persuasion.

From football stars to religious crusades and political campaigns, the rear windows of these vehicles have long served as visual loudspeakers. But the latest wave of branding is centred on the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB3), sparking debate over the politicisation of public transport.

Over the years, kombis have carried a variety of messages - from international football icons to sensational headlines such as geopolitical references and high-profile political controversies.

The trend is not new. In 2014, supporters of former First Lady Grace Mugabe flooded public spaces with the slogan "Munhu wese kuna Amai" during her rise within the ruling party's women's league.

Similarly, in 2024, preacher Passion Java used branded transport and mass mobilisation tactics during his "Night of Wonders" religious campaign, including ferrying congregants to the National Sports Stadium.

Now, commuter operators say they are being used - or choosing to participate - in promoting CAB3 messaging, with stickers appearing on vehicles across urban routes, particularly in Harare and surrounding areas.

At the busy Copacabana terminus, operators said the practice serves multiple purposes, from marketing transport routes to participating in political awareness campaigns.

"Hatisi kuenda zvedu kwaTsambe but tiri bho," said one tout, Mashagi, suggesting that while formal education levels vary, operators remain engaged with current affairs.

He added that branding is sometimes used for visibility during major events or even for protection during politically sensitive periods.

Another operator, Tanaka, said some campaigns offer small payments or promotional items such as T-shirts and caps in exchange for displaying materials.

While some operators openly support the CAB3 messaging, others say they are simply following commercial incentives. One tout, Alex from Chitungwiza, said he fully supports the campaign and sees no issue with widespread visibility.

"We will openly support that Bill… we want the President to continue with his good works," he said.

However, critics argue the transport system is being used to amplify a political message in a highly uneven environment.

Opposition figures, including constitutional law expert Tendai Biti, argue that the use of commuter omnibuses reflects an unbalanced political playing field.

Biti said political actors opposing CAB3 face restrictions in organising public engagement campaigns, making transport-based messaging one of the few visible outlets.

"We are not in any other country. We are in Zimbabwe," he said, adding that fear of harassment discourages open counter-campaigning.

He contrasted the current situation with earlier political eras, noting that opposition parties previously had more space to conduct public outreach.

Constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku, who is involved in legal challenges to CAB3, said the use of kombis for campaigning reflects political pressure rather than genuine public consensus.

He argued that the issue should ultimately be resolved through proper constitutional processes, including a referendum.

"They should allow for a referendum… the people already know what they want," he said.

While commuter omnibuses remain essential for daily mobility across Zimbabwe's urban centres, they have increasingly become informal platforms for political messaging, reflecting broader tensions between commerce, communication and politics.

As CAB3 debates intensify, kombis continue to serve a dual role - carrying passengers by day, and carrying political narratives in full view of the public.