Zambian activist arrives in Bulawayo on Pan‑African walk against child abuse

BULAWAYO – Zambian campaigner Mate Subulwa arrived in Bulawayo on Friday, completing the 11th leg of his Pan‑African awareness walk aimed at highlighting child abuse and pushing for stronger protection systems across Southern Africa.


Subulwa, who began the journey in Livingstone, Zambia, is walking 1 137 kilometres through Botswana and South Africa as phase one of a broader continental campaign under the banner “Africa Together, We Knock Out Child Abuse.”

Speaking to journalists in Bulawayo, Subulwa said every kilometre of the walk was dedicated to a child who could not speak for themselves. “Every kilometre I walk represents a child whose voice deserves to be heard, protected and respected,” he said. “What motivates me most is knowing that many children suffer in silence. Some are afraid to speak, some are not believed, and others do not even know where to seek help.”

He said his interactions in Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe showed that child abuse was a regional problem. “The forms may differ from one community to another, but we continue to see concerns around sexual abuse and defilement, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation, child labour and children being exposed to unsafe environments,” he said.

Subulwa called for prevention and early reporting instead of waiting for harm to occur. “Protecting children must become everyone’s responsibility – not only that of parents or government,” he said.

In Bulawayo, he urged the Zimbabwean Government, local authorities, traditional leaders, schools and law enforcement agencies to strengthen child‑protection systems. He listed stronger awareness programmes, safe and confidential reporting channels, faster investigations, justice for perpetrators and support for survivors as urgent priorities. “Traditional leaders and community leaders must also use their influence to make it clear that child abuse will never be tolerated,” he said.

Subulwa said Bulawayo formed part of phase one of the walk, which will end in Mahikeng, South Africa. His long‑term goal is to expand the initiative into a full Pan‑African movement engaging more countries, schools, NGOs, churches and governments. “I am calling on organisations, companies, governments, communities and individuals to partner with me,” he said, noting that support was needed in sponsorship, accommodation, transport and media coverage.

“The walk may have one person on the road, but the mission belongs to all of us. Africa must become a safer continent for every child. Together, we can speak for the children. Together, we can protect their future. Together, we can stop child abuse,” he said.

Subulwa’s route covered 11 days and 433 kilometres from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo via Hwange, Lupane and Insuza before Friday’s arrival. The campaign continues towards South Africa in the coming weeks. This initiative contributes to wider discussions around child‑protection advocacy and Pan‑African social movements.