Source: Obey Manayiti, NewsDay
THE country is bracing for more peaceful protests this week starting today as activists pile pressure on President Robert Mugabe’s government to address sticking concerns that are taking the country down the drain.
The demonstrations were being organised by Tajamuka/Sesijikile, Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (RTUZ) and #ThisPeaceFlower, among others.
Tajamuka/Sesijikile spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said they will be holding a protest today against the worsening economic situation in the country.
“Yes, I confirm that we are having a march tomorrow (today) against the cash crisis and the introduction of bond notes. We have more in store and ultimately government will have no choice, but to listen to the people. We hope it won’t be too late,” Mkwananzi said.
Tajamuka urged the informal sector, transport operators, religious groups, war veterans and civic society organisations, among others, to troop to their demonstration today as they head to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to air their grievances.
On Monday, RTUZ embarked on a 10-day march from Mutawatawa in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe to Harare, calling upon the government to address concerns of teachers in rural areas.
“We seek to force the government to dump its neoliberal policies and adopt a more pro-education system in Zimbabwe. The demand also calls for non-violence against teachers in rural areas and improved conditions of service. We are embarking on the 200km journey and will hand over a petition in Harare,” RTUZ leader Obert Masaraure said.
The Zimbabwe Banks and Allied Workers’ Union (Zibawu) will also have a protest today against a local bank.
Sten Zvorwadza, who leads #ThisPeaceFlower, said they will storm several police stations tomorrow to denounce brutality as well as preaching peace and love among the officers. In the capital the demonstrators will gather at Harare Central.
“With #ThisFlower campaign we are trying to restore the citizens’ faith in the security forces and at the same time to destroy the fungus that has eaten into ethos of national peace. We are trying to uproot the unnecessary malice that cultivates nothing, but piling shame and continued degeneration of our humanity and national pride,” Zvorwadza said.
“We will present the flowers as a symbol of love and we expect the return of that love with demilitarisation of our police.”
Zvorwadza said not every police officer was bad, but the message would be targeting all so they value the importance of maintaining peace in the country.
Source: Obey Manayiti, NewsDay