This Flag: Evan Mawarire
Integrity 20’18 |
Length 36:44
Filmed 25 Oct 2018
Venue Conservatorium Theatre
Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
South Bank, Brisbane
#ThisFlag: The hashtag that stopped a nation
Evan Mawarire in conversation with Madonna King
In May 2016, Pastor EVAN MAWARIRE posted a video of himself, draped in the Zimbabwean flag, expressing his frustration with the rampant corruption, injustice, and poverty in his country. A subsequent series of videos using #ThisFlag went viral, sparking mass protests and a nationwide strike that brought cities around the country to a standstill.
Evan was arrested and charged with inciting public disorder. Thousands gathered at the courts demanding his release. He was acquitted but then arrested several more times and faced over 60 years in prison on numerous charges of attempting to overthrow the government. In November 2017 he was instrumental in organising the protest march that led to Robert Mugabe’s resignation.
Evan Mawarire is a Zimbabwean clergyman who founded #ThisFlag Citizen’s Movement to challenge corruption, injustice, and poverty in Zimbabwe. Through viral videos, the movement has organized multiple successful non-violent protests in response to unjust government policy. Evan was imprisoned in 2016, 2017, and 2019 for charges of treason, facing 80 years in prison. His message of inspiring positive social change and national pride has resonated with diverse groups of citizens and attracted international attention.
Madonna King’s work as a journalist, author and speaker spans politics, business and social policy. She has chaired panels around Australia, written 12 books and advises corporations and governments on understanding teenage girls, the subject of her two most recent books, Being 14 and Fathers and Daughters and her latest book Ten-ager, released on 27 Jan 2021.