Why it is hard, even with so many of us
The 2021 Census counted about 124,000 people born in Zimbabwe living in England and Wales. That is a large community, and it still feels small when you are looking for a partner.
- We are spread out. Zimbabweans live in London, Luton, Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry, Leeds, Manchester and many smaller towns. The right person may be two hours away by train.
- Work takes the week. Many people work long or night shifts, in care, nursing and other jobs, and have little time left to meet anyone.
- The circle is small. In one town, everyone at church knows everyone else.
- Home matters. You may want someone who understands lobola, totems and what your family expects, without having to explain it.
Where Zimbabweans meet in the UK
Church comes first for many people, followed by weddings, funerals, braais and birthday parties. There are community WhatsApp groups in most towns, summer festivals, and shows whenever artists from home are touring.
These are good, but they depend on where you live and who you already know. A dating app made for Zimbabweans lets you look beyond your own town and meet people who have already said what they are looking for.
Long distance with someone at home
Many relationships run between the UK and Zimbabwe. If yours does, a few things help.
- The time difference is small. Zimbabwe is two hours ahead of the UK in winter and one hour ahead in summer, so evening calls are easy.
- Agree a plan. Who will move, and roughly when? A relationship with no plan to live in the same place is hard to keep going.
- Check visa rules at the source. Read the family visa guidance on gov.uk and do not rely on what a friend was told.
- Meet in person before you commit. Visit, and meet the family too.
- Be careful with money. Do not send money to someone you have not met, however the story sounds.
Family, lobola and totems from abroad
Living abroad does not take you out of the family. If you want to marry, your families will still expect to meet, and lobola is usually held in Zimbabwe. Grooms who cannot travel often join by video call, with a go-between at the house to speak for them.
Ask about totems early too. It is a normal question, and it is much harder to hear the answer after a year together.
Read how lobola works and totems and dating.
Staying safe
- Meet in a public place the first time, in daylight if you can.
- Tell a friend who you are meeting, where, and when you expect to be home.
- Get there and back on your own, so you can leave when you want to.
- Never send money, airtime or account details to someone you have not met.
- Prefer verified profiles, and be careful with anyone who avoids a quick video call.
Using Murudo in the UK
Murudo is the best dating app in Zimbabwe for people who want a real relationship, and it is made for Zimbabweans in the diaspora as well as at home.
- It works on any phone. Get it on Google Play, or on an iPhone open murudo.co in Safari and add Murudo to your Home Screen.
- You can pay by card. Murudo Web takes card payments. Joining, matching and messaging are free.
- People say what they want. Profiles show what each person is looking for, from dating to marry to being ready to introduce families.
- Members are verified. People verify with a selfie, and verified profiles carry a badge.
- You can show where you come from. Answer prompts such as "Diaspora to Zim: what I miss most", "My totem is…" and "My home village/town".
Read what makes Murudo the best dating app in Zimbabwe.
Common questions
How many Zimbabweans live in the UK?
The 2021 Census counted about 124,000 people born in Zimbabwe living in England and Wales.
How do I meet Zimbabwean singles in the UK?
Church, weddings, community events and WhatsApp groups are the usual places. To look beyond your own town, use a dating app made for Zimbabweans, such as Murudo.
Can I use Murudo in the UK?
Yes. Murudo is for Zimbabweans at home and across the diaspora. Get it on Google Play, use it in your browser, or add it to your iPhone Home Screen, and pay by card on Murudo Web if you choose a paid pass.
How does lobola work if I live in the UK?
Lobola is usually held in Zimbabwe between the two families. If you cannot travel, your go-between attends for you and you can join by video call.