The Free2Expres project, implemented by Magamba Network and WELEAD Trust, empowers young Zimbabweans to safely express themselves and demand their rights amidst increasing restrictions on civic freedoms. With a core goal to foster a future where young Zimbabweans are empowered to freely and safely express themselves and demand their rights, the Free2Expres Augmented Reality Project uses photography and poetry, recognising their historical power as tools for self-discovery, expression, and freedom of speech. 

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information into the real world. It enhances one’s perception of reality by adding computer-generated images, sounds, and other sensory input to one’s existing environment.

Key characteristics of AR:

• Combines the real and virtual worlds
• Provides real-time interaction
• Accurately overlays 3D virtual objects onto the real world

AR is often used on mobile devices like smartphones or tablets but can also be experienced through specialised displays, like smart glasses.

This initiative invites artists to creatively visualise and voice their perspectives on this fundamental human right. Now in its 3rd year of support from the Dutch Embassy and in collaboration with the Joburg Market Theatre, the project runs in Harare from April 1st to 5th, 2025. It will provide ten participants with training and mentorship to challenge their creative boundaries and deepen their understanding of Freedom of Expression. The program will combine hands-on experience with technical and theoretical support in photography and storytelling, highlighting the crucial role of various media in promoting dialogue, understanding, and public awareness. The 2025 cohort selected for this program will showcase their work at the Shoko2025 AR Exhibition.

Here are the ten selected participants:

• Matipaishe Mavunga: An award-winning poet and current student with a Bachelor of Honours in Social Work at the University of Zimbabwe. Mavunga aims to use her words to share love, faith, and hope. She is also the Communications Officer for the Varsity Mental Health Champions Club at the University of Zimbabwe, where she promotes mental well-being among young people.
  
• Chido Nyaruwata: An African feminist who uses photography, writing, and podcasting to amplify African girls’ and women’s voices. Her work explores the relationship between humans and the natural world, challenges gender and social stereotypes, and promotes environmental justice. Nyaruwata’s photography has been featured in exhibitions such as the Nhoroondo Dzematambidzanwa Virtual Group Exhibition and the We (Are) Invested Group Exhibition.
  
• Margret Lubinda holds a Second Upper-class Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Film, Television and Media studies from Lupane State University. Lubinda is a reporter at Alpha Media Holdings, publishers of The Standard, Newsday, Zimbabwe Independent and Southern Eye.
  
• Blessing Kaphambe: A poetry writer and wordsmith passionate about art and culture. Kaphambe uses language to amplify marginalised voices and spark critical conversations, drawing on a background in theatrical arts to explore themes of identity, freedom, and the human condition. Kaphambe aims to create connection and community through poetry, encouraging reflection and empathy.
  
• Emma Zihonye: An award-winning photojournalist who focuses on human rights, climate change, gender equality, and other human interest topics. Zihonye is passionate about storytelling and aims to share the voices of those often overlooked, raise awareness about important issues, and inspire action through her photography.
  
• Thamsanqa Sibanda: A self-taught documentary photographer, photojournalist, and filmmaker. Sibanda’s visual style is characterised by minimalism and traditional reportage, offering a nuanced and introspective perspective on the human experience. With a passion for social justice, climate emergency and humanitarian work, Sibanda’s work sheds light on untold stories.
  
• Tevin T Chimbwanda: A photographer and storyteller who uses media as a platform to amplify voices. Chimbwanda’s passion is to capture unfiltered stories and emotions and showcase them to the world, focusing on working with vulnerable individuals and communities. Chimbwanda believes “the story is in the pictures” and aims to create thought-provoking and change-initiating photography.
  
• Tinashe Brighton Jakarasi: A visual artist who graduated from Chinhoyi University of Technology with a degree in Visual Communication and Multimedia Design. His passion for photography inspires Jakarasi’s artistic journey, and he aims to share his vision and showcase the connections between people and their memories through his work. Jakarasi has exhibited his work at Pikicha Gallery and Nhaka Gallery and led the Unpublished Photography Week.
  
• Racheal Voko Ncube: A poet and digital rights advocate with experience in using art to support marginalised voices. As the team leader of Skill A Community, Ncube uses poetry and digital storytelling to promote human rights, gender equality, and social justice, focusing on the struggles of marginalised communities. Ncube is passionate about justice and storytelling and has won awards for her work, including the Kurima Spoken Word Competition and the Bulawayo Arts Awards.
  
• Jane Nkiwane: A journalist, photographer, and climate justice advocate with a community storytelling and media engagement background. Nkiwane graduated from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) with a BSc in Journalism and Media Studies. She founded Eco Climate Network, an online digital platform that documents stories on the environment and biodiversity.
  

Magamba Network eagerly anticipates the powerful narratives and visual stories emerging from this collaboration, which will ignite crucial conversations and drive meaningful change within Zimbabwean society.