OPPOSITION politician Jacob Ngarivhume, who is
leading the July 31 nationwide protests, says the demonstrations will go ahead
as Zimbabweans are reeling under corruption whose impact is more ruinous than
Covid-19.
The planned protests have received widespread support from
a broad cross-section of the population, including civil society, labour unions
and the MDC-Alliance. However, the government has outlawed the demonstrations,
saying they would be in violation of Covid-19 containment regulations.
The media has been awash with reports of looting and
corruption perpetrated by public officials and political elites while
Zimbabweans wallow in poverty.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is also
planning a general strike. Nurses have been protesting poor working conditions
and low pay as Zimbabwe’s economy continues deteriorating.
Ngarivhume, who leads Transform Zimbabwe, said the protests
are meant to send a “clear and unequivocal message to the government that the
suffering of the people has reached breaking point”.
“It is about people speaking out against corruption and
demanding meaningful changes in government to ensure we can hold individuals
accountable. It is to make the voice of the people — irrespective of their
race, ethnicity, gender or political affiliation — heard,” he said.
“We want looters to go, we want bad leaders to go, we want
corruption to fall and we want US dollars available to all. People are
suffering, more because of corruption than Covid-19. Both are scourges that are
killing us. There’s simmering anger because of government’s failure to meet the
needs of the people because of the ongoing looting. All the same, we will wear
masks and keep our distance one from another. We will break no laws, including
our constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully.”
Ngarivhume said the protests will continue after July 31 if
the government does not curtail corruption.“The idea is not to quit but press
on until we get the results we want. That’s how the liberation struggle was
won.”
The planned protests have also received the support of
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s adviser Shingi Munyeza who has been outspoken
against corruption.
Ngarivhume said all participation is welcome; as long as it
is in line with compelling Mnangagwa’s administration to bring those fueling
corruption to book.
“We not only welcome Shingi Munyeza, but all Zimbabweans
who demand political and economic reforms and rights,” he said.
“If Pastor Munyeza has the ear of the President, so much
the better. It will be one more important voice; we are trying to make the
President listen with crowds and loudspeakers.” Zimbabwe Independent
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