John Makumbe

Research Makumbe pursued an academic career in Zimbabwe, where he spent more than 25 years as a professor at the University of Zimbabwe and was an active public intellectual. He was particularly critical of Robert Mugabe and the ZANU–PF, and was active in anti-corruption work. Makumbe was regularly quoted in or interviewed by international outlets including The Washington Times and The Guardian, as well as in documentaries.

In 2004, Makumbe was granted an honorary LLD degree by the University of Birmingham.

Makumbe openly joined the Movement for Democratic Change in 2011, announcing his new affiliation at their 12th anniversary celebrations at the Gwanzura stadium. He had previously been an advisor in the creation of the party's founding documents. At the time of his death at the age of 63, Makumbe had been actively gathering support to challenge the Police Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka to represent the parliamentary constituency of Buhera West, which included his home village of Marenga.