…Zimbabwe Decided for Me
By Delicious Mathuthu
Former Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga has addressed recent controversy surrounding his citizenship status, saying “technically” he is no longer a Zimbabwean citizen.
He says after denouncing his Kenyan and Zambian citizenships, and being denied to renew his passport in Zimbabwe in 2006, he became stateless for almost a decade, a consequence of Zimbabwean government policies, not personal choice.
In a social media post, Olonga stated that, “I hear there is a fuss about my citizenship comments on the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). Much ado about nothing. Zimbabwe decided for me not the other way around.”
Olonga, born in Zambia to a Kenyan father and a Zimbabwean mother, became Zimbabwe’s first black test cricketer in 1995.
He gained international attention during the 2003 Cricket World Cup when he, and teammate Andy Flower, wore black armbands to protest against the government of then-President Robert Mugabe, symbolizing the “death of democracy” in Zimbabwe.
This act led to death threats, and forced Olonga into exile.
He is also known for singing the popular and touching “Our Zimbabwe” song, a patriotic ballad composed by Andrew Baird.
The lyrics of the song were penned by Olonga himself and sang along with female vocalist and prominent
Zimbabwean-American gospel singer, Pastor Bonnie Deuschle.
Following his exile, Olonga’s Zimbabwean passport expired in 2006.
“Seeing as Zimbabwe refused to ratify my citizenship when my passport expired in 2006, even after previously renouncing Kenya, and Zambia (where I was born). They first forced me to renounce all other options and then took the only one I had left away,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s 1984 Citizenship Act prohibited dual citizenship for individuals who acquired citizenship by registration or descent, compelling many to renounce other nationalities to retain Zimbabwean citizenship.
Olonga complied, renouncing his Kenyan and Zambian ties; when his Zimbabwean passport expired however, he was unable to renew it without returning to Zimbabwe, a move he deemed unsafe due to the political climate.
“They left me stateless for 9 years,” Olonga said, adding that “It was ultimately not my decision and would have happily remained a Zimbo. But I am a law-abiding person so I am shut out by the rules.”
During this period, Olonga resided in the United Kingdom, unable to travel internationally until he obtained British citizenship in 2015.
He later moved to Australia, where he continues his career as a coach, commentator, singer and public speaker.
Reacting to online critics after stating his situation in terms of relations with his sporting country, he said Zimbabweans should understand.
“I hope that clears it up so please familiarise yourselves with the facts before being so mean. Some people online ought to learn how to radiate good vibes, too much negativity and toxicity. Spread more love, the Almighty will be pleased,” said Olonga.
Olonga, fast bowler during his time, is currently an Australian citizen.
He relocated to Australia from the UK, where he resided for several years, officially becoming an Australian citizen in 2023.
He is now settled in Adelaide with his Australian wife and their two daughters.
