Zimbabwean Storytellers Spotlight Freedom of Expression in Collaborative Photography Exhibition

Ten Zimbabwe-based storytellers have challenged policymakers, media, activists, and civil society through a collaborative photography project exploring freedom of expression, artistic creativity, and the power of stories to shape perspectives. The project, titled Change That, to Some Extent, Slowly, premiered during the 15th anniversary of the Shoko Festival in 2025.

Festival attendees were invited to pause and reflect on the pace and nature of transformation in Zimbabwe’s urban spaces. The collection stood out for its vulnerability, presenting images that captured subtle shifts in identity, community, and memory rather than relying on volume or spectacle.

Willson Chivhanga, chief executive of Thrive Afrika, said the exhibition offered a space to move beyond headlines and sensationalism to understand the everyday realities faced by communities. “Not only the challenges, but also the opportunities that exist,” he said.

The works spanned themes from climate justice to maternal health solutions developed at the community level. Chivhanga emphasized that the exhibition highlighted the importance of involving communities in shaping solutions to their own challenges. “It gives policymakers an opportunity to reflect on existing policies, engage with communities, and recognise what communities are already doing — then find ways to support and amplify these local solutions,” he said.

Among the stories presented were a Harare-based woman providing maternal health services for 20 years amid clinic shortages, a pastor navigating the challenges of coming out as LGBTQ, and accounts of body-shaming’s impact on mental health. Other works highlighted the resilience of people with disabilities during Bulawayo’s water crisis, the vibrancy of Zimbabwe’s informal sector, and the survival of the marginalised Khoisan community.

Bekithemba Ntini of Market Photo Workshop described the project as an activist process amplifying community voices to inspire social change. “It’s a bold call to tell these hidden stories and give voice to communities — their stories, hence their power,” Ntini said. “The exhibition seeks to change unjust practices, slowly but intentionally, with the goal of creating a society where communities can freely tell and express their stories.”

The storytellers behind the exhibition included Blessing Kaphambe, Chido Nyaruwata, Emma Zihonye, Jane Nkiwane, Matipaishe Mavunga, Thamsanqa Sibanda, Tinashe Jakarasi, Rachel Ncube, and Tevin Chimbwanda. The exhibition was curated by Ntini, Loyiso Oldjohn, and Thabisa Nxawe.

Shoko Festival media liaison Kudzayi Zvinavashe highlighted the importance of the new photography category at the festival. “This year’s Shoko Festival was nothing short of amazing. We were proud to present the third edition of our group photography exhibition, a collaboration between Magamba Network, We Lead Trust, and The Market Photo Workshop, supported by the Dutch embassy under the Free2Express project,” Zvinavashe said.

Born from intensive workshops and community engagement, the exhibition showcased individual stories that shed light on social issues and deeply personal experiences. Thrive Afrika is a pan-African collective of social impact strategists, creatives, and researchers, while Magamba Network uses arts, digital media, and activism to inspire young Africans to build a more just and equitable continent.

Change That, to Some Extent, Slowly demonstrates how storytelling and photography can influence perception, encourage reflection, and support social change in Zimbabwe and beyond.