By Rudo Saungweme

The much planned demonstration by Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has been described by many as rogue behaviour that is meant to disturb the peace of Zimbabwean citizens.

PTUZ is planning to hold a demonstration and hand-over their petitions to the Government on 9 November 2018. It is alleged that the petitions are directed to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Premier Service Medical Aid Society.

A teacher who refused to be named said, “I am not happy with the way PTUZ is inciting civil servants. This is not the rightful way to solve problems. If people have challenges with the Government there are other ways of settling disputes. Let’s sit down and iron out our issues. Some of us are being dragged into this mud but deep inside our hearts we do not want to be involved,” he said.

One man simply identified as Mr Kunaka said that he was not happy with organisations which mobilise people to do marches. “These marches do more harm than good. If I can take you back on the August 1 violence, it was a result of these marches. PTUZ wants to cause instability in the country. The organisation seems to be aligned to the opposition party that is now known for instilling violence in people,” he said.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema has also castigated this behaviour indicating that Zimbabwe Republic Police and security agencies were on high alert to ensure law and order is maintained. “Law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to hold convenors of illegal gatherings or demonstrations responsible for any ensuing disturbances which include violence and destruction of property in the country, particularly in the central business district of Harare,” he said.