Staff Reporter

Zimbabweans across the country on Tuesday overwhelmingly ignored calls for anti-government protests, with many expressing strong objections to what they described as Jeremiah "Nyokayemabhunu" Masiiwa's disrespectful and authoritarian tone in mobilising demonstrations.

The muted public response to activist Blessed Geza's protest call has been widely attributed to growing resentment against activists who attempt to command rather than persuade citizens.

In the days leading up to the planned demonstrations, Nyokayemabhunu's social media posts and audio messages drew sharp criticism for their perceived arrogance.

"He speaks to us as if we are his children in a military barracks. You don't order grown people to protest – you convince them why they should. His tone was completely wrong and turned many people off," said Tafadzwa Chikomo, a Harare taxi driver.

The sentiment was echoed across social media platforms, where Zimbabweans shared their displeasure with the activist's approach.

"There is a difference between leadership and barking orders. Nyokayemabhunu failed to understand that Zimbabweans need to be treated as thinking adults, not foot soldiers awaiting commands," wrote one X user.

Market vendors in Mbare told our reporters that the commanding tone reminded them of past failed protest movements where activists assumed they could simply order people into the streets.

"We have seen this before - someone sits in comfort while expecting us to face teargas and bullets. When you speak to people like a dictator giving orders, don't be surprised when they don't follow," said Grace Mupedziswa, a vegetable seller.

Political analyst, Tendai Mwenje noted that the public's rejection of Blessed Geza and Nyokayemabhunu's approach reflects a broader shift in Zimbabwean activism.

"The era of command-style mobilisation is over. People want to understand the strategy, the endgame, and how their safety will be protected. Simply shouting 'protest now' doesn't cut it anymore," Mwenje said.

As Zimbabweans went about their normal business on what was supposed to be a day of mass action, the message to activists appeared clear: successful movements are built on respect and persuasion, not commands and condescension.

The streets remained calm not out of fear or apathy but as a conscious rejection of what many saw as disrespectful and counterproductive leadership.