Former Zimbabwe fast bowler Henry Olonga says he was left stateless after Zimbabwean authorities denied him a passport. Olonga, now based in Australia, made the revelation in a recent BBC interview that sparked fierce debate.
“I’m not Zimbabwean anymore in a pure sense,” Olonga said during the broadcast, while praising the support Zimbabwean fans showed their team at a recent Test match against England.
“I was told I was not Zimbabwean”
Following a social media backlash, Olonga took to Facebook to clarify his position. He claimed his comments were taken out of context and rooted in his painful experience with Zimbabwean bureaucracy.
“No, I was told I was not Zimbabwean by a high commissioner. So I saw it like he did. Simple,” Olonga wrote in response to a Facebook user who asked if he had renounced his citizenship.
He said he tried to renew his Zimbabwean passport after it expired but was rejected. At the time, he had already renounced his citizenships from both Kenya and Zambia.
“I had no choice but to live without a country for nine years,” he said. “Zimbabwe decided for me, not the other way around.”
Olonga, 48, was born in Zambia to a Kenyan father and Zimbabwean mother, but raised in Zimbabwe. He became the first black player to represent Zimbabwe in cricket and played a pivotal role in the national team.
“Play for country, write song for country”
Olonga’s international career ended abruptly after he and Andy Flower wore black armbands during the 2003 Cricket World Cup to protest against the “death of democracy” in Zimbabwe.
“Play for country, write song for country, take stand for country, vilified for it. Threatened with death,” he posted. “So now I am living where what I have to offer is appreciated without question.”
He says many Zimbabweans have constantly questioned his heritage.
“Had people saying this all my life and then denied renewing my passport and constantly told by people like you I was never Zimbabwean anyway… You cannot have it both ways.”
Despite the criticism, Olonga insists his comment on the BBC was tongue-in-cheek and borne out of long-standing frustration.
“Much ado about nothing”
In a follow-up post, he dismissed the uproar, writing:
“I hear a fuss about my citizenship comments on the BBC. Much ado about nothing… According to their rules, I am not allowed to be a dual national, so technically I am no longer Zimbabwean.”
“Some people online ought to learn how to radiate good vibes — too much negativity and toxicity. Spread more love, the Almighty will be pleased.”
Olonga now lives in Adelaide, Australia, with his wife and two children. He acquired Australian citizenship in March 2023 and supplements his income by singing on cruise ships.
While Andy Flower has returned to Zimbabwe and built a successful coaching career, Olonga has not stepped foot in Zimbabwe since 2003.
His case highlights ongoing frustrations in the Zimbabwean diaspora about dual citizenship and national identity.
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The post Zimbabwe Left Me Stateless: Ex-Cricketer Henry Olonga Speaks on Citizenship Uproar appeared first on iHarare News.
