Zimfest UK Organisers Dismiss 15 Heaps of Human Waste & £3,000 Fine Claims as “Completely False”
Zimfest UK Organisers Dismiss 15 Heaps of Human Waste & £3,000 Fine Claims as “Completely False” – The organisers of Zimfest UK have broken their silence following widespread social media reports alleging they were fined £3,000 by British authorities after human faeces and other waste were discovered around the festival venue.
The claims originated from a viral screenshot circulating online, which painted a disturbing picture of the event’s aftermath.
The post alleged that over 15 heaps of human waste, used condoms, and overflowing bins were found on and around the premises—prompting local council intervention and a hefty penalty.
The screenshot began with the word “Tirikunyara” (Shona for “we are ashamed”), implying that the Zimbabwean diaspora had brought shame to their community during the annual celebration.
However, Zimfest UK organisers have strongly denied the allegations, describing the claims as false and unfounded.
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In a statement issued on Monday, they expressed gratitude to attendees for making the 2025 edition of Zimfest a memorable success and praised festivalgoers for their exemplary conduct.
“Thank you to everyone who made ZIMFEST 2025 unforgettable! It was incredible to see so many happy, respectful, and vibrant faces come together to celebrate our culture,” the statement read.
“Just to clarify, no fine was issued to the organisers, and we’re proud of how well everyone represented the community. We’re listening to your feedback as we work to improve and grow. Let’s keep the good vibes going. See you at the next one, ZIMFEST 2026! 🇿🇼💛”
The response comes after some online reports accused the organisers of negligence and insufficient sanitation provisions.
One attendee quoted in an earlier report said, “You can’t host thousands and not have proper sanitation.”
While the organisers acknowledged isolated incidents of misconduct, they have dismissed the idea that the entire event was marred by chaos, reiterating their commitment to better planning in future editions.
