By Silvia Mukwindidza
If history is anything to go by, Zimbabweans should expect an internet shutdown as we approach March 31, 2025. That is the date war veteran and activist Blessed ‘Bombshell’ Geza has marked for a protest, and given the government’s track record, it is not a stretch to predict they will respond with digital blackouts.
Zimbabwe has been here before. In January 2019, during fuel price protests, authorities pulled the plug on the internet. In other instances, access to social media platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook has been throttled or cut off entirely to prevent the spread of protest-related information.
Now, with calls for action circulating online, it is reasonable to assume the government will take similar steps. This is not about speculation. It is about recognising patterns.
Internet shutdowns are not just an inconvenience. They silence voices, disrupt business, and limit access to essential services like banking and emergency communication. Shutting down the internet is a form of digital repression, and Zimbabweans should be prepared.
You can not stop a shutdown, but you can work around it:
Use multiple SIM cards – Different providers might not all go down at once. Having options increases your chances of staying online.
Get a VPN– Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) like Psiphon can help bypass restrictions. Download one now, not when the shutdown starts.
Use OONI Explorer– This tool detects network disruptions in real time. Stay informed about what’s happening.
Change your DNS settings – Some shutdowns block access through DNS filtering. Switching to an alternative DNS provider can help.
Download Tor – The Tor browser allows anonymous browsing and can help access blocked sites (though it may be slower).
Get the Internet Shutdown Toolkit – A resource put together a resource guide to help Zimbabweans navigate connectivity blackouts. Check it out: Toolkit Link.
If you rely on the internet for communication, work, or even just staying informed, do not wait for the blackout, prepare now. Digital repression thrives on surprise and panic. Stay ahead of it.
