Published: 2 hours ago

Veteran human rights activist and opposition politician Linda Masarira has died at the age of 43.

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

"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, today, Sunday, 24 May 2026," her friend Abigale Mupambi said in a death notice.

Mupambi said Masarira had been battling ill health for some time, though 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 told ZimLive.

Masarira was widely known for her activism on women's and children's rights and her outspoken political advocacy.

She first entered politics through the People's Democratic Party led by Tendai Biti, before later serving as spokesperson for the Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai faction led by Thokozani Khupe.

In April 2019, she founded LEAD, positioning it as a platform focused on labour rights and social justice.

In 2023, she unsuccessfully sought to run for president after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission increased nomination fees from US$1,000 to US$20,000, a move that significantly raised barriers for smaller political parties.

Her death marks the end of a prominent career in activism and opposition politics in Zimbabwe.
- online

You might also want to read this

• Masarira slams African leaders