Zimbabwe’s Vice President Vows to Block LGBTQ+ Scholarship, Drawing Criticism

Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, has stirred controversy by announcing the government’s intention to block a university scholarship aimed at LGBTQ+ individuals, sparking condemnation from human rights groups and reigniting debates over the country’s stance on sexual and gender minorities.

The scholarship, sponsored by GALZ, a membership organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Zimbabwe, offers opportunities for young individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 to access higher education. However, Vice President Chiwenga, known for his staunch Catholic beliefs and former military background, condemned the initiative in a recent statement, labeling it as a direct challenge to the government’s authority.

In his strongly-worded statement, Chiwenga denounced the scholarship as promoting “alien, anti-life, un-African, and un-Christian values,” emphasizing that Zimbabwean institutions would not entertain applicants associated with such principles. He further warned against the acceptance of what he termed as “aberrations,” asserting that the government would take decisive measures to uphold national laws.

The announcement drew swift criticism from human rights groups, with Wilbert Mandinde, the programs coordinator at Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, expressing deep concern over the government’s intolerance towards sexual and gender minorities. Mandinde emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for all young people, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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Zimbabwe has a history of discriminatory practices against LGBTQ+ individuals, with laws criminalizing homosexual activity and prohibiting same-sex marriages. Former President Robert Mugabe’s derogatory remarks towards sexual minorities during his tenure further exacerbated the hostile environment faced by LGBTQ+ communities.

Despite a relatively less vocal stance on LGBTQ+ issues from current President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chiwenga’s recent declaration underscores persistent societal and institutional hostility towards sexual and gender minorities. The vice president’s threat to ban the LGBTQ+ scholarship signals ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing education and basic rights.

The move also reflects broader sentiments within influential religious and political circles, as evidenced by Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops’ caution against Pope Francis’ progressive stance on same-sex blessings. Moreover, past incidents, such as the cancellation of a public appearance by a gay South African celebrity in 2021, highlight the prevalence of societal resistance to LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in Zimbabwe.

As debates surrounding LGBTQ+ rights continue to unfold, Chiwenga’s stance on the GALZ scholarship underscores the complex landscape of human rights and social justice in Zimbabwe, prompting renewed calls for inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for diversity within the country.