Rebuilding Foundations Caring for People
Welcome to our tribute video commemorating the incredible journey of the Long Ride for Justice. As we reflect on the conclusion of this remarkable expedition, we celebrate not only Ben Freeth's courageous efforts but also the tremendous support he received from his dedicated supporters. Together, they have embodied the spirit of resilience, determination, and justice, leaving a lasting impact on the Mike Campbell Foundation.
This video is a testament to their collective commitment and unwavering dedication to the cause. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, whether near or far, for their invaluable support throughout this journey.
Join us as we honour both Ben and his remarkable supporters, and celebrate the enduring legacy of their combined efforts.
Ben Freeth approaches the SADC Tribunal in his quest for justice for Zim farmers
After an epic journey of around 2,000km on horseback and walking from central Zimbabwe to Windhoek in Namibia, Ben Freeth is joined by supporters to walk the last few kilometers to the SADC Tribunal building in central Windhoek. The joint initiative to call for the reinstatement of the SADC court of justice is spearheaded by Dr Theo de Jager of the Southern African Agri Initiative, Barend Uys of AfriForum, Mqondisi Moyo, President of the Mthwakazi Republic Party in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland province and Kgosi Mogakolodi Masibi, Kgosi of the Batlharo Boo Tokwana Ba Ga Masibi Cultural Community in South Africa.
Zim farmer on horseback rides to Windhoek
When Ben Freeth headed west on horseback from the derelict Mount Carmel farm near Chegutu in Zimbabwe on 28 November, he had to lay low. For about 800km, Freeth avoided roads and stuck to the bush, following game paths where he could, while scouting the drought-stricken land for water and grazing for his horse, Tsedeq. It was only after he crossed the border into Namibia’s Caprivi Strip/Zambezi Region at the Kazungula border post that he could relax, stop fearing attack from forces despatched by the Zimbabwean government, and publicise the reason for his slow journey to Windhoek …
“Long Ride for Justice” – Ben Freeth’s latest press update from Namibia
Momentum is building rapidly for a new initiative to call for the reopening of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s regional court of justice, the SADC Tribunal, as Ben Freeth, a rights activist from Zimbabwe’s Chegutu farming district, continues his challenging, long ride and walk – initially across western Zimbabwe and now through Namibia to Windhoek - on an equally resolute farm horse called Johnny Depp. Ben is now less than 200km from Windhoek where the support he’s received from communities along the way has been exceptional. Sighting en route include a solitary leopard……
El Niño scorches southern Africa with driest February on record
A swathe of southern Africa suffered the driest February in decades that wiped out crops, precipitated power shortages and threatened to send already high food prices surging further. Last month, large parts of Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe had the least rainfall — or close to it — since records began in 1981. In Zimbabwe, some farmers have given up trying to grow and harvest their crops, allowing cattle to graze on what’s left. Water flows in the Zambezi River, which powers turbines that both nations rely on for electricity via Kariba Dam, are less than a quarter of what they were a year ago.
"Long Ride for Justice” - Namibians support Ben Freeth
Ben Freeth from Mike Campbell’s Mount Carmel farm in Zimbabwe, which was taken over violently by the Mugabe regime, is currently on a “Long Ride for Justice”, walking and riding from Ngoma Bridge Border Post at the eastern end of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, to raise awareness of the need to reinstate the SADC Tribunal regional court of justice. "I am so grateful for the warmth and kindness of Namibians I have encountered so far - both in the communal and commercial areas. Thank you very much! My biggest need is to be able to give Stardust enough water." – Ben Freeth, Zimbabwean farmer
"Long Ride for Justice” - Ben Freeth letter to Namibian Farmers
My name is Ben Freeth from a farm called Mt Carmel Farm in Zimbabwe. You may see me with a horse walking along the road.
I have ridden and led a horse unsupported from the farm through Zimbabwe for 800 km. Here on the Namibian side I have ridden and led a mule for approximately 400 km - with the amazing back-up of Dr Telané Greyling.
The mule is now back in Windhoek due to his intense dislike of being alone on the trail without a fellow equine. Megan from Grootfontein has come to the rescue with a wonderful horse called Stardust.
“LONG RIDE FOR JUSTICE” NEWSLETTER:
Join us on an incredible journey for justice which our executive director, Ben Freeth, has embarked on to raise the profile of the need to reinstate the regional court of justice, the SADC Tribunal, which was based in Windhoek, Namibia. To document Ben’s initiative, and keep you updated on his progress through a vast section of Namibia (having completed the Zimbabwean leg), we’d like to introduce our blog, "Long Ride for Justice”. Through it, you'll get exclusive insights, stories and updates directly from Ben as he rides and walks through remote landscapes, encounters remarkable individuals, and advocates for justice.
“LONG RIDE FOR JUSTICE” PRESS RELEASE:
Even for a life-long adventurer like Zimbabwe’s Ben Freeth (54), an 800km/500 mile journey west across Zimbabwe with his remarkable horse, then west along part of Namibia’s sparsely populated Caprivi Strip with a mule, and south to the Namibian capital, Windhoek is no mean feat! Ben is executive director of the Mike Campbell Foundation and his objective is to raise awareness of the closure of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s regional court of justice, the SADC Tribunal, which was located in Windhoek, and to campaign for its reinstatement.
ZANU PF kept Sikhala in prison for fear of losing 2023 elections
Job Sikhala, the former Zengeza West Member of Parliament for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, has claimed that ZANU PF abused State institutions to keep him in prison during the August 2023 general election to block him from participating in the polls. In an interview with Alpha Media Holdings chairman, Trevor Ncube, on the platform “In Conversation with Trevor”, Sikhala said ZANU PF was afraid he would cause “pandemonium” in the event of a rigged electoral outcome. After resigning from the CCC, Sikhala announced his intention to form a new political movement. He was in jail for a total of 595 days.
ZLHR Statement on world day of social justice
On World Day of Social Justice (20 February 2024), Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) issued a statement warning the government that forced evictions and the displacement of people are a gross violation of human rights, notably the right to shelter and freedom from arbitrary eviction, as enshrined in the Constitution. ZLHR also called on the government to stop the ongoing demolitions, evictions and displacement of people and to stop “the unquenchable penchant to perpetuate injustice in Zimbabwe”. ZLHR also said the government should alleviate poverty inequality and provide social safety nets.
Mass evictions and demolitions
Two decades after a disastrous attempt in Zimbabwe at “land reform”, which drove out more than 4,00O white commercial farmers, the government is fighting illegal settlers on “state land” handed out by traditional leaders, land barons and corrupt government officials. Mass evictions and demolitions have occurred. Almost 4 000 people have been arrested for illegal settlements on state and council land as well as former farms. The government has reacted by destroying houses and other structures erected on the illegally-acquired land. ZimRights warns that the evictions "are causing a wholesale violation of human rights".
High Court (UK) upholds Border Timbers ICSID award
The High Court in London has rejected the Zimbabwe government's attempt to evade paying a US$125 million arbitral award for grabbing land belonging to Border Timbers Ltd and Hangani Development (the von Pezold case). The two companies were awarded US$124m plus interest and a further US$1m in "moral damages and costs" in 2015 by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The German and Swiss owners should have been protected by Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs) signed by the Zimbabwe government with Germany and Switzerland.
