Henry Olonga lost his Zimbabwe citizenship after officials denied him a new passport. The former cricket player tried to renew his documents when they expired. Government workers informed him that he was no longer a Zimbabwean. Olonga had already relinquished his Kenyan and Zambian citizenship before this happened. He lived without a country for nine years after the rejection.
The cricket star protested against Zimbabwe's government during the 2003 World Cup. He wore a black armband with teammate Andy Flower during matches. They called their action a protest against the death of democracy. Death threats followed their protest actions immediately. Olonga fled Zimbabwe and never returned to his home country.
Recent BBC comments sparked angry reactions from Zimbabwe supporters online. Olonga said he was no longer Zimbabwean during the interview. Critics attacked him for abandoning his heritage and country. He defended himself on social media against the criticism. The former bowler said officials made the citizenship decision for him.
Olonga moved to Australia and became a citizen there in March 2023. He lives in Adelaide with his wife and two children. The 48-year-old earns money singing on cruise ships for tourists. His case highlights the problems many Zimbabwean emigrants face with dual citizenship rules. Former teammate Andy Flower has returned home and successfully coaches cricket teams.
The cricket star protested against Zimbabwe's government during the 2003 World Cup. He wore a black armband with teammate Andy Flower during matches. They called their action a protest against the death of democracy. Death threats followed their protest actions immediately. Olonga fled Zimbabwe and never returned to his home country.
Recent BBC comments sparked angry reactions from Zimbabwe supporters online. Olonga said he was no longer Zimbabwean during the interview. Critics attacked him for abandoning his heritage and country. He defended himself on social media against the criticism. The former bowler said officials made the citizenship decision for him.
Olonga moved to Australia and became a citizen there in March 2023. He lives in Adelaide with his wife and two children. The 48-year-old earns money singing on cruise ships for tourists. His case highlights the problems many Zimbabwean emigrants face with dual citizenship rules. Former teammate Andy Flower has returned home and successfully coaches cricket teams.
