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Hot Seat is your go to platform for engaging debate, unbiased, balanced hard-hitting and in-depth analysis of the sectors of society.Your host is Violet Gonda, award-winning journalist who has worked from multiple countries interviewing global leaders, influencers and rights defenders.
The platform started more than 15 years ago as a radio programme that engaged Zimbabwean politics and providing alternative ways to circumvent state censorship in the country while reporting from exile. The unique strength of this platform is that it will focus on issues that are not only important to Zimbabwe, but which also affect African states and societies as a whole and seeks to go deeper to investigate complex issues.
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Please help to support the platform Hot Seat with freelance female journalist Violet Gonda. This platform brings you unbiased, investigative, balanced hard-hitting and in-depth analysis of issues affecting the African continent, especially Zimbabwe. Any and all support is greatly appreciated. Excited to get to work.
Featured
Featured Interviews
Zimbabwe’s Political Chess: Inside Zanu PF’s Tense 2025 Conference
As Zimbabwe's ruling party Zanu PF convenes its 2025 annual conference in Mutare, the real conversation is happening behind closed doors. In this incisive episode, award-winning journalist Violet Gonda unpacks the high-stakes political manoeuvring surrounding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s potential bid to remain in power beyond his constitutional term limit in 2028.
Chamisa says CCC you later!
In a surprising turn of events, Nelson Chamisa, leader of Zimbabwe’s main opposition, has parted ways with the party he founded in 2022, the Triple C. This move has left many questioning the state of leadership in the country. Chamisa’s departure from the Triple C means turning his back on the 2 million people who supported him in the last election. Critics argue that he has also abandoned the memory of those who sacrificed for the Triple C’s cause, including those who were beaten, intimidated, and imprisoned.
Inaugural AI & International Political Campaigns Expo (IPE2024)
I had the incredible honour of serving as the Master of Ceremonies at the inaugural global conference on Artificial Intelligence in Political Campaigns, held in Cape Town, South Africa this past week. With 130 delegates from almost 30 countries, I understand this event achieved two significant milestones: hosting the world's first political campaign expo and the first conference focused on AI in political campaigns.
Zimbabwe Elections 2023: Its all over now?
Zimbabwe Elections 2023 - what happened? Once again, Zimbabwe's electoral landscape fails the credibility test in 2023. However, this outcome has become a norm for polls since the year 2000. The ruling Zanu PF relies on theoretically independent state institutions to align with and actively promote its 43-year reign. On the other hand, the leading opposition party struggles to overcome the enduring obstacles to a free and fair election, which have remained unchanged for over two decades.
Chamisa says ‘it’s game over’
'Spotlight on Zimbabwe' looks at opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s final rally in the capital, Harare. Chamisa says there won’t be a repeat of 2018 because God is in it. He tells supporters: “I have clean hands, Zimbabwe try me, my hands have no blood. My hands are not corrupt. Try these hands, try these hands. These are safe hands for you. Opinda here mukomana?”
Zimbabwe Elections: Hail Emperor Emmerson
There appears to be a drive to uniquely present incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa as an invincible Demi-God, worshipped by the masses. Numerous personality fan clubs have been created under the 4ED banner, which includes - Single Mothers4ED, Varakashi4ED, Mawhindi4ED, Vendors4ED, Lawyers4ED, Pastors4ED, CrossBorders4ED. Spotlight on Zimbabwe presents: “All hail Emperor Emmerson”
Zimbabwe: Politics
Zimbabwe: Politics
SAPES Policy Dialogue Forum: South Africa’s Policy Towards Zimbabwe
This is the 4th in the SAPES Trust Policy Dialogue series on 'Zimbabwe’s Deepening Crisis' and we are looking at ‘What We Have To Do Now”. Today’s theme is: South Africa’s Policy Towards Zimbabwe. We bring you this event in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs.
Sapes Policy Dialogue Series: What will it take to reach a Settlement in Zimbabwe
"Zimbabwe’s Deepening Crisis and we are looking for the way forward”: Today’s theme is: What will it take to reach a Settlement in Zimbabwe? The fundamental questions we will be asking are: Is the Zimbabwean crisis sufficient that it requires international pressure?
Zimbabwe: Towards Constitutionalism and The Return of the Military to the Barracks
SAPES Trust Policy Dialogue series on “Zimbabwe’s Deepening Crisis* and ‘What We Have To Do Now”. Today’s main theme is: Zimbabwe: Towards Constitutionalism and the Return of the Military to the Barracks. How can we stop the military from policing civilians
SAPES Dialogue: Harnessing Zimbabwe’s Diaspora Towards The National Settlement
“Zimbabwe’s Deepening Crisis* and ‘What We Have To Do Now”. Today’s main theme is: Harnessing Zimbabwe’s Diaspora Towards the National Settlement. The fundamental question we will be asking is: What does the Zim Diaspora really want and what is it prepared to do:
Hot Seat Interview with EU Ambassador
On the Hot Seat programme Journalist Violet Gonda spoke to European Union ambassador to Zimbabwe Philippe Van Damme on the bloc’s re-engagement strategy on Zimbabwe, land compensation and elections. What will be the EU position on Zimbabwe post Brexit?
Chamisa declared President of Zimbabwe at Anniversary Rally
The MDCT on Saturday declared Nelson Chamisa the winner of the July 30th presidential election and “installed” him as the President of Zimbabwe, at Gwanzura Stadium where the party was celebrating its 19th anniversary celebrations.
Zimbabwe: Chamisa Takes Presidential Fight to Constitutional Court
Nelson Chamisa's team of lawyers submitted Presidential Election petition at the Constitutional Court - Registry last Friday
ZESN Ladies Debate
Out of the 23 presidential candidates in the upcoming election, four are women. A first for Zimbabwe. Is the electorate ready for a woman president? What do the women, as individuals or as a collective bring to the local politics?
Zimbabwe: Elections
Zimbabwe: Elections
Zimbabwe’s Political Chess: Inside Zanu PF’s Tense 2025 Conference
As Zimbabwe's ruling party Zanu PF convenes its 2025 annual conference in Mutare, the real conversation is happening behind closed doors. In this incisive episode, award-winning journalist Violet Gonda unpacks the high-stakes political manoeuvring surrounding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s potential bid to remain in power beyond his constitutional term limit in 2028.
Chamisa says CCC you later!
In a surprising turn of events, Nelson Chamisa, leader of Zimbabwe’s main opposition, has parted ways with the party he founded in 2022, the Triple C. This move has left many questioning the state of leadership in the country. Chamisa’s departure from the Triple C means turning his back on the 2 million people who supported him in the last election. Critics argue that he has also abandoned the memory of those who sacrificed for the Triple C’s cause, including those who were beaten, intimidated, and imprisoned.
Zimbabwe Elections 2023: Its all over now?
Zimbabwe Elections 2023 - what happened? Once again, Zimbabwe's electoral landscape fails the credibility test in 2023. However, this outcome has become a norm for polls since the year 2000. The ruling Zanu PF relies on theoretically independent state institutions to align with and actively promote its 43-year reign. On the other hand, the leading opposition party struggles to overcome the enduring obstacles to a free and fair election, which have remained unchanged for over two decades.
Zimbabwe Elections 2023: Citizens speak Part 2
In our ongoing series, "Zim Elections 2023: Citizens Speak," Spotlight on Zimbabwe returns to the streets, capturing the heartbeat of the nation. We asked citizens: Are you planning to cast your vote? What drives your decision? Here's what they shared
Zimbabwe Elections 2023: Citizens Speak Part 1
Spotlight on Zimbabwe took to the streets and asked citizens if they are going to vote and why: ‘Zim Elections 2023: Citizens speak - an ongoing series’
Zimbabwe: The Candidates Are…
US$20,000, the fee for registering as a Presidential candidate, is not a decision to be taken lightly. And yet, 11 Candidates have thrown their hats into the ring. 4 of the candidates stood for President in 2018, and between them, they garnered less than 1% of the vote. So why invest US$20,000? ‘Spotlight on Zimbabwe’ looks at the 2023 presidential hopefuls
Zimbabwe – the CCC Nominees are???
Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC), is choosing candidates for this year’s general elections using a new and untried system to select the candidate. With 3 months until the polls, Spotlight on Zimbabwe series asks: Will the CCC nominees, whoever they may be, have the time to canvass for votes and legal space to overcome the obstacles posed by the ruling ZANU PF party?
Zimbabwe: Auxiliary Power
Years before the coup, Grace Mugabe’s political ambitions were so nakedly obvious that the then leader of the War Veterans Association, Jabulani Sibanda, warned her that “power is not sexually transmitted”. He was relieved of his leadership position soon afterwards. Now Zimbabweans watch with bemusement as the actions of the actions of Auxillia Mnangagwa mirrors those of her predecessor.
Donations
Please help to support the platform Hot Seat with freelance female journalist Violet Gonda. This platform brings you unbiased, investigative, balanced hard-hitting and in-depth analysis of issues affecting the African continent, especially Zimbabwe. Any and all support is greatly appreciated. Excited to get to work.
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