Themba Gorimbo, the Zimbabwean Flag, and a Lesson We Must Not Ignore
By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru
Themba Gorimbo’s reflections following his CNN interview with Larry Madowo have once again stirred public debate, emotion, and controversy. As I stated in my earlier article, Gorimbo must not be judged. Instead, people must take time to understand how and why he arrived at the decisions he has made. His interview was frank, raw, and unapologetically honest. He was as real as reality itself.
One of the most troubling revelations to emerge is Gorimbo’s explanation regarding the Zimbabwean flag. According to him, the UFC formally approached the Zimbabwean Ministry of Sport requesting permission for him to use the national flag on his fight kit. That request, he says, was met with silence. No approval, no explanation, no engagement—simply “no joy.”
Gorimbo explained that numerous communications were sent to the Ministry over time, all without success. This is not a new issue, nor is it a sudden misunderstanding. In his own words, he quoted former Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry and current Minister Tino Machakaire, who was deputy at the time, indicating that he has been trying for years to resolve this matter. This alone is proof of persistence, not rebellion. It shows intention, not defiance.
Themba Gorimbo is a sports ambassador by merit and by achievement. His rise in the UFC is not only a personal victory; it is a national opportunity. Around the world, athletes proudly wear their national flags on their kits. The flag is more than a symbol—it is branding, visibility, pride, and soft power. It tells the world where you come from. Denying an athlete that opportunity, without explanation, is deeply disheartening.
One cannot help but question whether there is a lack of understanding within relevant institutions about the importance and advantages of flag representation in global sport. When a Zimbabwean athlete steps into an international arena with the national flag on his kit, Zimbabwe steps in with him. Tourism, youth inspiration, national pride, and international visibility all follow. This is why research, education, and informed policy are critical.
Gorimbo also opened up about painful family experiences, including attempts to help relatives secure employment at a hospital or clinic, only for those efforts to descend into conflict. These revelations further contextualise his emotional state. They show a man who tried—within family, within institutions, within systems—and repeatedly met resistance, silence, or hostility. Such experiences shape people. They harden resolve, but they also wound deeply.
From the perspective of the ministries involved, this situation calls for urgent reflection and action. The issue of Gorimbo using the Zimbabwean flag must be revisited with seriousness and goodwill. Consultations should be made, procedures clarified, and decisions communicated transparently. If there are policies governing the use of the national flag in international sport, they must be clearly articulated and consistently applied. Silence is not governance.
This is no longer just about Themba Gorimbo. It is about the message Zimbabwe sends to its athletes, creatives, and professionals in the diaspora. If this issue is not addressed, it risks disheartening others who may wish to represent Zimbabwe proudly on global platforms. Worse still, it exposes institutional weaknesses and fuels unnecessary public distrust.
Zimbabwe must treat this matter as one of priority and urgency. Supporting those who raise the flag—literally and figuratively—should never be a battle. It should be a partnership.
Gorimbo must also not be underestimated. He is not walking away from Zimbabwe; he is waiting for Zimbabwe to walk with him. He has made it clear that he wants to hold the flag high and make it soar to greater levels. He is working relentlessly to achieve more, and if supported, the entire nation stands to benefit—from inspiration to international recognition.
As a cultural ambassador and advocate, I immediately related to Gorimbo’s experience. Wherever we are in the world, we represent our country—through our work, our conduct, and our excellence. Representation is not limited to geography; it is carried in identity and purpose. When those who carry the nation forward are blocked instead of backed, we all lose.
Themba Gorimbo’s story offers Zimbabwe a powerful lesson: listen to your people, support your ambassadors, and never underestimate the power of a flag worn with pride.
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