All Aboard!

We Travelled "Zimbabwe By Bus" (Without Leaving the Hub)

By Hazel Mukwedeya | June 2, 2026 | 3 Minute Read

On May 26th, the Friendship Bench Hub was completely transformed. We traded our usual quiet reflections for the bustling, vibrant rhythm of the Zimbabwean bus ranks. The launch of the Zimbabwe by Bus book and photograph exhibition was an incredible evening filled with laughter, deep reflection, and beautiful connection.

In our line of work, we are constantly engaged in the "discovery" of the human mind and its resilience, often uncovering hidden layers of people's experiences. This exhibition allowed us to apply that same sense of discovery to Zimbabwe’s social history. The story of ordinary Zimbabweans is told here in an extraordinary way, reminding us that for almost a century, buses have carried people, their hopes, and their dreams.

The evening was highlighted by wonderful conversations and shared memories. We had the absolute pleasure of hosting H.E. Stéphane Rey, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Zimbabwe, who officially opened the exhibition. He is easily one of the most entertaining diplomats our team has had the pleasure of speaking with, and listening to him gave us an appreciation for the genuine heart he brings to his position, and honestly, left some of us wanting to book a trip to Switzerland!

During his opening remarks, the Ambassador captured the essence of the night perfectly, noting that in Zimbabwe, buses carry not just passengers, but "life itself". He reminded us that a bus can be a confessional, a church, a marketplace, and a survival strategy. Hearing the shared stories from the collection, like the poetic reminder for passengers to “unfasten all buttons” during the struggle to board, showed how perfectly art can transform everyday hardships into a celebration of shared humanity.

Through stunning photography and visual art, the exhibition beautifully captures the resilience, mutual support, and shared humour of our people. But the magic doesn't stop at the visual art.

The Zimbabwe by Bus book, edited by Irene Staunton, is a collection of short stories preserving these journeys. We would love for you to support this incredible project, as it directly impacts the work we do here.

Here is why your support matters:

• Copies of the Zimbabwe by Bus book are available for purchase at the Hub for US$10.

• Every single purchase goes toward supporting the Hub's "Care for the Carers" programme.

• This programme funds free therapy and provides self-care tools so that our community members can continue to support others without burning out.

  
  

If you missed the launch, the journey isn't over. The Zimbabwe by Bus exhibition is open to the public throughout June.

• When: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

• Where: Friendship Bench Hub, 9 Avon Rise, Mt. Pleasant.

  
  

We hope to see you all this June to experience this beautiful tribute to Zimbabwean fortitude.