The Director of the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE), Zenzele Ndebele, has received the prestigious 2024 Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs Human Rights Tulip Award for his efforts to promote human rights, provide marginalised groups with access to information, most importantly demanding accountability for the Gukurahundi genocide.
The award, which recognises individuals who advance and protect human rights globally, was presented at a ceremony held in Harare on Wednesday.
The Human Rights Tulip, an annual award instituted by the Dutch government in 2008, supports human rights defenders and highlights critical human rights issues.
This year, Ndebele was recognised for his unwavering dedication, promoting access to information for marginalised groups, advocating for justice and defending human rights, with a particular focus on the Gukurahundi genocide in Zimbabwe.
Ndebele’s work has made a significant impact on information dissemination in Matabeleland and beyond, giving a voice to the voiceless through CITE, an online media platform.
Renowned for its commitment to freedom of expression and nonpartisan reporting, CITE has been instrumental in addressing issues often overlooked by mainstream media.
Presenting the award, Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Margret Verwijk, lauded Ndebele’s remarkable contributions over the years.
“Your innovative and courageous work has not only brought critical issues to light but has also empowered marginalised communities and championed justice. Your achievements are a testament to the impact of dedicated human rights advocacy,” Verwijk said.
In an interview with CITE following the ceremony, Ndebele expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“I feel humbled by the award from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs because the Netherlands is a country that has consistently sided with the marginalised. Let’s not forget The Hague is in the Netherlands, a place where activists, human rights defenders and governments gather to talk about peace and demand justice using the law,” Ndebele said.
He noted the award will also serve as a motivation to continue his challenging work.
“This is not just about individual achievement but also about highlighting the ongoing efforts of human rights defenders worldwide. Our work is eternal and we must continue serving the underprivileged and inspiring others to fight for justice and human rights,” he said.
“The award also speaks to the importance of human rights advocacy in Zimbabwe and hopefully can be a call to action for others to join the fight for justice.”
Ndebele dedicated the award to the victims of the Gukurahundi genocide, which left thousands dead and many more missing in Zimbabwe during the 1980s.
“This is for the thousands of families who are still looking for their loved ones who disappeared during Gukurahundi. Our fight is for justice, accountability, and peace for the victims and their families,” said the CITE director.
The award, a bronze sculpture shaped like a tulip, aims to give winners international visibility, enabling them to expand the scale of their work.
The Dutch government hopes this recognition will inspire others to engage in human rights advocacy and support defenders working under challenging circumstances, noting that human rights defenders like Ndebele stand up for vulnerable groups, expose human rights violations and demand accountability.
Many human rights defenders often face significant risks, including threats, imprisonment, torture, and even death, where as the Netherlands has committed to supporting such individuals, making sure they can continue their vital work effectively and safely.
Ndebele added that his commitment to exposing the truth about the Gukurahundi genocide and advocating for accountability has been central to his work.
“Through CITE’s initiatives, we have provided a platform for survivors and families to share their stories, making sure the atrocities are not forgotten and demanding justice for the victims,” he said.
“We have done several documentaries highlighting what victims have gone through and my team will testify that work we do is sometimes painful and emotional but we continue because we have a responsibility.”
