By Rudo Saungweme
As Zimbabweans we need to be united in fighting the enemy that is sinking its teeth in our affairs. It is astounding to note that some fellow Zimbabweans have resorted to openly mobilising their fellow citizens into acts of violence.
This morning one Government detractor with a twitter handle @PacheduZW though many suspect it’s a pseudo account run by the American embassy decided to incite Zimbabweans to demonstrate against the ruling Government.
“Since the Government is not allowing us to demonstrate, which is a constitutional right…What if we unite as citizens and stage a PEACEFUL STAY AWAY. And stay at home, from 25-29 November (exams end on 22), to register our displeasure with the GVT`s failure,” posted Team Pachedu.
One will pose a question to these Government detractors “who will benefit from these stay-aways because it surely won’t be Zimbabweans most of whom are self-employed as most companies closed due to sanctions?”
These demonstrations which are spearheaded by these Government detractors in conjunction with the Nelson Chamisa led MDC party and its Western allies have done more harm than good. History has it. Their demonstrations are very destructive and end up in looting and destroying of people`s properties.
Early this year, the MDC and its allies mobilised people not to go to work and to their businesses. But what resulted from that purported peaceful stay-away was something out of a horror movie. Shop were looted and destroyed and lives were lost. To this day some businesses have failed to re-open.
This “demo” which is being called by Team Pachedu ahead of the 2019 festive season must be ignored. We need to have a peaceful time during this festive season.
Government is doing all it can to ensure that every Zimbabwean enjoys the national cake. Just a few days ago, Government resolved to pay civil servants full bonuses for 2019 pegged on gross-income, a departure from last year when the 13th cheque was based on pensionable salaries only. Government is the biggest employer in Zimbabwe with civil servants constituting more than 80 percent of the total number of employees in Zimbabwe. This initiative shows how our Government is working tirelessly to alleviate the effects of the austerity measures the country is currently going through.
The Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander went on to acknowledge these efforts by the Government.
“We applaud Government for reverting to the old system. During our last meeting which was held on the 14th of October, Government made a commitment to pay civil servants full bonuses calculated on their total income inclusive of allowances such as housing and transport allowances. This is a great step that shows that engagement has been fruitful,” said Mrs Alexander.
So who is Team Pachedu to say that Government has failed?
The Government introduced buses to cushion all Zimbabweans from the ever rising transport fees by commuter bus operators. Everyone is now able to move from one point to another at a very affordable fee. Government is subsidising the transport costs for its citizens.
The Government does not prohibit demonstrations, it can only do so if it knows that the peace and security of the nation will be threatened. Zimbabweans cannot afford to lose anymore of their livelihoods just because one has just decided to term a violent “demo” peaceful.
Zimbabweans should not be misled by this group of Government detractors. In Zimbabwe, we only demonstrate for a worthy cause. For instance the march that was done on Friday was in response to the SADC’s call for the removal of sanctions which have caused untold suffering to the people of Zimbabwe. Surprisingly Team Pachedu was against this constructive march which was meant for the uplifting of sanctions. Who does not know the negative impacts of these sanctions which have wrought trade embargoes?
No wise Zimbabwean will listen to Team Pachedu to engage in unproductive demonstrations. Zimbabweans should rather unite and not allow the enemy to make us fight each other. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record saying,” That which unites us is far greater than that which divides us”. Zimbabweans should not listen to the call by Team Pachedu for a demonstration meant to divide and to further destroy our economy.
