"We do not have a relationship with Somizi Mhlongo or the event organizers, but have observed the shameful conversations and conduct around the planned reopening of Garwe Restaurant, where Somizi was invited in his capacity as a celebrity chef. While we do not condone allegations against him in his personal affairs, we acknowledge that Somizi Mhlongo lives an authentic life openly as a gay man, and public figure, who enjoys a following across Africa and even, in Zimbabwe. The major issue noted is the act by specific organisations to erroneously represent the views of all Zimbabweans; a country that has a sizeable LGBTIQ+ population.
The Development Agenda of Zimbabwe should be of benefit of all citizens, where the actions of certain groups seem to result in negative effects that stall private enterprise, interfere with the right to associate and push draconian legal premise without encouraging healthy public debate. Some political parties and religious groups also seem to forget that other evils such as xenophobia subsequently become justifiable to some when stigma and discrimination are allowed to thrive," read part of the statement statement.
