Outspoken Zimbabwe opposition activist Linda Masarira dies at 43

Linda Masarira, a veteran Zimbabwean human rights campaigner and opposition political leader, has died at the age of 43.

Masarira, who led the Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) party, died in Harare early Sunday morning, according to colleagues and close associates.

Her death was confirmed by friend and associate Abigale Mupambi in a public death notice.

“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart to announce the passing on of a close friend and associate, a comrade to many, LEAD president Linda Tsungirirai Masarira,” Mupambi said.

According to Mupambi, Masarira had battled health challenges for some time, although she had recently appeared to be recovering.

“I was with her on Friday and we spent several hours together at my office. She was fine and there was no sign that something like this would happen,” she said.

Masarira was widely known for her outspoken activism on issues affecting women, children and marginalised communities, as well as her involvement in opposition politics over the past decade.

She first entered mainstream politics through the People’s Democratic Party led by Tendai Biti before later serving as spokesperson for the Movement for Democratic Change – T faction led by Thokozani Khupe.

In April 2019, Masarira founded LEAD, positioning the party as an alternative voice focused on economic empowerment, labour rights and social justice.

She had hoped to contest Zimbabwe’s 2023 presidential election but was unable to enter the race after nomination fees were dramatically increased from US$1,000 to US$20,000 by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

Following news of her death, tributes poured in from across Zimbabwe’s political divide.

Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, described her death as a national loss.

“Linda never hesitated to lend her voice to the nation’s most pressing conversations,” Mangwana wrote while reflecting on a recent engagement with her during discussions around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 in Bulawayo.

Controversial activist Rutendo Matinyarare also paid tribute, describing Masarira as a patriot who continued supporting national causes despite serious health struggles and financial difficulties.

According to Matinyarare, Masarira had battled respiratory complications, diabetes and heart-related illnesses in recent years, often struggling to cover expensive medical costs.

“LET DOWN BY THOSE SHE SERVED. She was my friend and confident. She loved Zimbabwe and did so much in the national interest. She did even more for the second republic but the system never recognized her love in return.

“In the last few years after Covid she struggled with respiratory issues, diabetes and heart complications. She constantly needed assistance to pay very costly health bills and government never helped, despite the huge role she played for them.

“Even now, he and I laughed that she was still supporting CAB3 for those who never cared for her. Rest in peace my friend. We have lost a very powerful patriot. Now watch them spoil her in death but yet they never looked after her in life,” Matinyarare added.

Political activist Jealousy Mawarire remembered Masarira as a fearless advocate who strongly defended causes she believed in.

Throughout her political life, Masarira became known for her outspoken personality, willingness to engage across political divides and readiness to participate in difficult national debates.

Her death marks the loss of one of Zimbabwe’s more visible female political voices during a period of intense political and social contestation in the country.