More Hands, Less Weight
A voluntary Zimbabwean community in the UK — built on Ubuntu, dignity, and shared humanity.
Welcome Home
When One of Us Hurts, All of Us Stand Together
Life in the UK can be beautiful, but it can also be lonely. We live far from our villages, our aunties, our elders, our childhood friends. When tragedy strikes — when a loved one passes — the distance becomes unbearable. The pain is sharp, and the isolation can feel overwhelming.
ZIVA was born to close that distance. To bring back the warmth of home. To make sure that even in a foreign land, your people will show up for you. We are here to restore the village spirit that holds us together, no matter where we are.
Why ZIVA Exists
"ZIVA started with a simple WhatsApp group in 2020. Within hours, hundreds of Zimbabweans joined — strangers who felt like family."
They didn't ask for forms. They didn't ask for proof. They simply said: "Tell us who needs help." That spirit — pure, unfiltered Ubuntu — is what built ZIVA.
We are not a business. We are not insurance. We are a community that remembers what it means to care for each other without conditions or barriers.
What ZIVA Is
Voluntary Mutual Aid
A community where support flows naturally from those who can give to those who need
Modern Chema
Traditional support without shame or punishment, adapted for the diaspora
Safety Net
Woven by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans — your security in times of loss or other hardship
Home for All
Regardless of nationality, religion, or background — every Zimbabwean family belongs
How ZIVA Works
01
Join Your Local Branch
Connect with your ZIVA community in Leicester, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, or start one in your city
02
Contribute When Called
Give £2 or £10 when a funeral is announced — a small amount that makes a massive difference
03
Receive Community Support
When your family faces loss, the entire ZIVA community stands with you financially and emotionally
Our Impact: Every Contribution Matters
Every contribution — whether £2 or £10 — is a message that says: "You are not alone." Since 2020, ZIVA has transformed how Zimbabweans in the UK experience bereavement, turning isolation into community and grief into collective strength.
100+
Families Supported
Since 2020, providing financial and emotional relief during the hardest times
3
Active Branches
Leicester, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire — with more forming across the UK
£4,000+
Average Support
Per funeral, based on community strength and contribution levels
You Are Not Alone
Together, we carry the weight that would break us individually.
Our Story
The ZIVA Philosophy
ZIVA is not a charity. ZIVA is not insurance. ZIVA is not a business.ZIVA is a village — rebuilt in the UK.
It is the sound of people saying, "matambudziko ndeedu tese." (We are here with you. Forget everything else, we are here for you.)
It is the modern expression of Chema — not the version that shames people for being poor, but the version that lifts people because they are human. ZIVA restores dignity to mutual aid, removing stigma while preserving the sacred tradition of communal support.
Our Mission
Support During Bereavement
Provide immediate financial and emotional assistance to Zimbabwean families facing loss in the UK
Strengthen Cultural Identity
Preserve and celebrate Zimbabwean heritage and Ubuntu principles in the diaspora
Build Economic Resilience
Create a sustainable mutual aid system that protects families from financial devastation
Create Community Infrastructure
Establish a nationwide network of support that serves every Zimbabwean in the UK
Expand Nationwide
Grow from regional branches to a comprehensive UK-wide support system
Our Core Values
Reciprocity
What we give, we receive
Transparency
Open and honest in all our dealings
Integrity
Doing what's right, always
Respect
Honoring every member's dignity
Compassion
Leading with empathy and care
Unity
Stronger together than apart
Our Journey: From WhatsApp to Movement
1
2020: The Beginning
ZIVA founded in Leicester as a grassroots WhatsApp group responding to community need during the pandemic
2
2021–2024: Regional Growth
Expansion across the Midlands, establishing branches in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire with hundreds of active members
3
2025: Structural Evolution
Introduction of Level 1 & Level 2 support tiers to ensure fairness and sustainability as membership grows
4
2026: Constitutional Foundation
Adoption of Constitution Version 2.0 and Alumni Amnesty program, formalizing governance while maintaining community spirit
5
2026 and Beyond: National Vision
Strategic expansion to major UK cities, with a new digital platform, aiming to serve every Zimbabwean community nationwide
A Modern Chema for Modern Times
"In Zimbabwe, when a neighbor loses someone, you don't ask for a subscription. You don't ask for a receipt. You simply show up with what you have. ZIVA takes that same spirit and gives it structure — so that help arrives quickly, fairly, and with dignity."
How It Works
Simple. Fair. Human.
ZIVA combines traditional Zimbabwean values with modern organizational structure. Our system is designed to be easy to understand, fair to all members, and sustainable for the long term. Everyone contributes according to their capacity, and everyone receives support according to their need.
Membership Tiers Explained
Level 2 (New Members)
Who qualifies: Recently joined members establishing their commitment
Contribution: donate towards 2 consecutive funerals
Support received: £2 per member when you experience loss
Level 1 (Established Members)
Who qualifies: Members who have contributed to 2 or more funerals
Contribution: no subscription, donate per funeral announcement
Support received: £10 from every member when you experience loss
This tiered system ensures new members can join affordably while established members contribute and benefit at a higher level. As you participate, your support network grows stronger.
Family Coverage: Who Is Included?
✓ Covered Family Members
- Couples: Spouses or partners count as one membership unit
- Children living with you: All dependent children in your household
- Direct offspring: Your children, regardless of where they live
✗ Not Covered
- Adult children (18+): Working adults not in full-time education should have their own membership
- Extended family: Siblings, parents, and extended relatives need separate memberships
This structure ensures families are protected while maintaining the system's sustainability. Adult children establishing their own lives are encouraged to join ZIVA independently, continuing the cycle of community support.
Special Provisions for Retirees and Hardship Cases
Retirees
All retired members automatically pay the minimum tier contribution, recognizing their life stage and limited income while keeping them fully supported within the community.
Hardship Support
Members facing temporary financial difficulties can request assistance. ZIVA reviews each case with compassion and may reduce contributions or arrange community job opportunities.
Alternative Contributions
Members unable to contribute financially may participate through community service, administrative support, or other valuable assistance to maintain their membership.
The Two-Strike Rule: Accountability with Compassion
ZIVA operates on trust, but also requires participation. Our Two-Strike Rule balances fairness with understanding of life's challenges.
1
First Miss
Life happens. One missed contribution is understandable. We reach out to check if you need support.
2
Second Miss
Two consecutive missed contributions result in removal from the digital register, though minimum Chema support continues.
3
Re-Entry
Members can rejoin as Level 2, starting fresh. Repeated abuse may result in a 10-year ban to protect the community.
Important: Even if removed from the register, ZIVA will never completely abandon you. Minimum traditional Chema support remains available because Ubuntu means no one is left behind. You are also allowed to remain on the WhatsApp group without judgement.
Find Your ZIVA Home
Our Branches
Current Active Branches
ZIVA currently operates three strong branches across the Midlands, each serving vibrant Zimbabwean communities. Every branch is led by dedicated administrators who embody the spirit of Ubuntu and servant leadership.
Leicester
Our founding branch, established in 2020. Leicester remains the heart of ZIVA, with the largest and most established membership base.
Nottinghamshire
Growing community of Zimbabweans supporting each other across Nottingham and surrounding areas.
Derbyshire
Newest branch serving Zimbabwean families across Derby and neighboring communities with dedication and care.
Branch Services and Support
Each ZIVA branch provides comprehensive support to its members, maintaining the personal touch that makes our community special.
Direct Admin Contact
Personal phone numbers and email addresses for immediate communication with branch leaders who know your name and your story
Local WhatsApp Groups
Real-time communication channels for funeral announcements, updates, and community connection
Funeral Announcements
Prompt, respectful notification of community losses with full details for contributions and support
Local, Annual Levy Collection
Efficient, transparent collection and distribution systems managed by trusted community members
Community Gatherings
Occasional in-person events to strengthen bonds beyond crisis support, celebrating life together
Start a Branch in Your City
"Every branch begins with one person who says: 'My city needs this.' If you are that person — the one people call when something happens, the one who brings people together, the one who feels responsible for your community — then ZIVA needs you."
Branch leaders are the backbone of ZIVA. They are the first responders when tragedy strikes, the steady hands that guide families through grief, and the trusted voices that keep communities united.
Target Cities for National Expansion
ZIVA is strategically expanding to serve major Zimbabwean population centers across the United Kingdom. Our growth is intentional, ensuring each new branch has the resources and leadership to thrive.
Priority Expansion Cities
- London
- Luton
- Birmingham
- Manchester
Secondary Target Cities
- Coventry
- Reading
- Leeds
- Bristol
Future Expansion
- Northampton
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Other major cities
Lead With Heart
Admin Recruitment
Why Become a ZIVA Admin?
A ZIVA Admin is not just an organizer. A ZIVA Admin is the person who answers the phone at midnight. The person who comforts a grieving mother. The person who keeps the community calm, informed, and united.
"Being a ZIVA admin means being the bridge between pain and support. You're the voice that says 'help is coming' when everything feels hopeless. It's the most meaningful work I've ever done."
— Current ZIVA Branch Administrator
If you have a heart for people, if you believe in Ubuntu, if you want to leave a legacy that matters — step forward. ZIVA needs leaders who will carry our mission into every corner of the UK.
Who Can Apply to Be an Admin?
Zimbabwean Heritage
Living in targeted UK counties with strong ties to the Zimbabwean community and deep understanding of our culture
Natural Leadership
The person others turn to in crisis, with proven ability to bring people together and maintain calm under pressure
Unquestionable Integrity
Trusted with money, trusted with grief, trusted with the community's most vulnerable moments
Compassionate Spirit
Deep empathy for those in pain, patience with human complexity, and genuine care for community wellbeing
Commitment to Growth
Willing to learn systems, follow protocols, attend training, and continuously improve service to members
What ZIVA Admins Do
01
Manage Local Funeral Operations
Coordinate all aspects of community response when a member experiences loss, ensuring smooth and dignified support delivery
02
Verify Deaths
Confirm information respectfully and thoroughly, protecting the community from fraud while maintaining sensitivity to grieving families
03
Collect Contributions
Manage financial collections with transparency and accuracy, ensuring every pound reaches families who need it
04
Support Families
Provide emotional presence, practical guidance, and consistent communication throughout the bereavement process
05
Grow the Branch
Welcome new members, strengthen community bonds, and expand ZIVA's reach to serve more Zimbabwean families
Resources
Everything You Need to Succeed
ZIVA provides comprehensive resources for members, administrators, and partners. Our documentation ensures clarity, consistency, and confidence in every aspect of community operations.
Download Center
Hardship Support Policy
Detailed guidelines for supporting members facing financial difficulties while maintaining system sustainability
Branch Formation Toolkit
Step-by-step guide for starting new ZIVA branches, including recruitment, launch, and first-year operations
Our Constitution: A Promise to Each Other
Constitution
Our Values, Written Down
ZIVA began as a feeling — the warmth of Ubuntu, the certainty that no one faces grief alone. But as we grew, we needed a way to protect that feeling, to make sure the spirit of community support is never lost or corrupted.
This Constitution is our promise to each other. A promise of fairness, dignity, and community. It enshrines our values while allowing us to adapt and grow. It protects members while holding everyone accountable. It is both our foundation and our compass.
Governance Structure
How ZIVA is organized, who makes decisions, and how power is balanced across branches
Member Rights & Responsibilities
What members can expect from ZIVA and what ZIVA expects from members
Financial Transparency
How money is collected, tracked, distributed, and reported to ensure complete accountability
Dispute Resolution
Fair processes for handling conflicts, complaints, and difficult situations with wisdom and care
Contact Us
We're Here for You
Whether you need help, want to join, or want to start a branch — reach out. You're not talking to a call center. You're talking to your brothers and sisters. Real people who understand what it means to be far from home but still connected to it.
General Inquiries
Email us at contact@zivaglobal.co.uk for any questions about ZIVA, membership, or how we can support you
Branch Administration
Direct contacts for Leicester, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire branches available on branch pages
Start a New Branch
Complete our branch formation inquiry form to begin the conversation about bringing ZIVA to your city
Request Hardship Support
Confidential form for members facing temporary financial difficulties who need adjusted contribution arrangements
Admin Recruitment
Application form for passionate individuals ready to lead a ZIVA branch in their community
Multiple Ways to Connect
Digital Channels
- Email: Fast response within 48 hours
- WhatsApp: Join your local branch group
- Online forms: Secure submissions for sensitive requests
- Social media: Updates and community news
Personal Contact
- Phone: Direct lines to branch administrators
- In-person: Community gatherings and events
- Home visits: For families experiencing loss
Response times: Emergency situations receive immediate attention. General inquiries answered within 48 hours.
Partnerships
Working Together for a Stronger Community
ZIVA is one of the largest, fastest-growing Zimbabwean mutual aid networks in the UK. Our reach, cultural authenticity, and proven track record make us an ideal partner for organizations committed to community wellbeing and social impact.
Why Partner With ZIVA?
Deeply Trusted
Members trust us with their most vulnerable moments — grief, loss, and financial need
Culturally Rooted
Built on authentic Zimbabwean values and traditions, ensuring cultural competency and relevance
Community-Led
Governed by the people we serve, ensuring accountability and authentic representation
Financially Transparent
Complete openness in how funds are collected, tracked, and distributed to families
Impact-Driven
Measurable outcomes in family support, community resilience, and cultural preservation
Extensive Reach
Access to large, engaged diaspora community across multiple UK regions
Our Work Aligns With UK Grant Priorities
ZIVA's mission naturally intersects with multiple areas of public benefit and social impact. Partners and funders will find our work advances several strategic priorities simultaneously.
Community Cohesion
Strengthening bonds within diaspora communities and building bridges across diverse populations
Bereavement Support
Providing practical and emotional assistance during one of life's most challenging experiences
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Reducing isolation, providing community support, and addressing grief-related mental health challenges
Poverty Alleviation
Preventing financial devastation from funeral costs and creating economic resilience networks
Digital Inclusion
Leveraging technology to connect communities while supporting those with limited digital access
Senior Care
Special provisions for retired members, ensuring dignity and support in later life
What We Offer Partners
Access & Reach
- Large, engaged diaspora community
- Trusted communication channels
- Multi-generational membership
- Geographic diversity across UK
Credibility & Trust
- Proven community mobilization capacity
- Strong cultural competency
- Established leadership structures
- Member testimonials and stories
Accountability & Reporting
- Transparent financial systems
- Impact measurement frameworks
- Regular reporting and updates
- Clear governance structures
Experience & Knowledge
- Track record of community impact
- Understanding of diaspora needs
- Successful program delivery
- Lessons learned and best practices
Let's Build Something Together
We welcome partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to community wellbeing, cultural preservation, and social impact. Together, we can achieve more than either of us could alone.
Local Councils
Charities & CICs
Grant Funders
Funeral Homes
Cultural Institutions
Universities
Health Organizations
Partnership Opportunities
1
Program Funding
Support specific initiatives like branch expansion, member education, or hardship assistance programs
2
Service Integration
Collaborate on service delivery, connecting ZIVA members with additional support resources
3
Research & Evaluation
Partner on studies examining diaspora mutual aid, bereavement support, or community resilience
4
Capacity Building
Invest in ZIVA's infrastructure, training, technology, and organizational development
Together, We Rise
When one of us hurts, all of us stand together.
When one of us rises, all of us celebrate.
This is Ubuntu. This is ZIVA.
When one of us rises, all of us celebrate.
This is Ubuntu. This is ZIVA.