In 2001, the German Africa foundation honoured Chenjerai Hove for his outstanding commitment as a columnist and advocator for human rights and democracy. He was the tenth recipient of the German Africa Award.

Born in 1954, he is considered one of Zimbabwe’s most important writers who has worked as a teacher, editor, journalist, poet and novelist. In 1989, he was awarded the Noma Prize for his first novel Bones, which was also a success in Germany. In his novels he conveys the current history of his country. As a columnist for the independent Zimbabwean weekly newspaper The Independence, he campaigns against corruption, mismanagement and racism. Through his reporting he has helped to bring a strong opposition into parliament and has issued admonitory words to the government.

The award was presented by Dr Uschi Eid, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.