THOUSANDS yesterday stayed at home, fearing to be caught in the protest called by war veteran and expelled Zanu PF central committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, although authorities insisted that it was business as usual.
The central business districts of most cities and towns were deserted as citizens took a cautious approach after Geza urged Zimbabweans to throng the streets to force President Emmerson Mnangagwa out of power over a litany of allegations — failure to end corruption, tribalism and his plan to cling to power.
There were skirmishes in Harare after protesters barricaded Robert Mugabe Road forcing the police to fire tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Yesterday's protest came amid growing discontent with the governing Zanu PF party over plans to extend Mnangagwa’s stay in power by two years when his tenure ends in 2028, although the President has stated that he will retire at the end of his tenure.
Loyalists are burning the midnight oil for Mnangagwa’s tenure to be extended so that he “completes his vision”.
Yesterday’s protest, despite security forces’ show of force, will trigger some soul-searching in Mnangagwa’s “listening” administration.
The administration closed its ears to the cries of the citizens over the deteriorating economy, which has spawned job losses.
Companies are in the intensive care unit, with some retailers opting for corporate rescue to ward off marauding creditors.
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Corruption is threatening to reduce Zimbabwe to a shell, with the well-connected being awarded contracts at inflated prices. When people complained, one tenderpreneur declared hapana zvamunondiita, ndakachibata kuti dzvii, loosely translated to mean he is untouchable and above the law.
As we take stock of yesterday’s events, there are winners and losers.
The winners are the organisers of yesterday's protest as it sent a clear message that the regime is not invincible. They will celebrate bringing the country to a halt, notwithstanding the cost.
The people also spoke by either closing their businesses or staying at home, a clear signal that they want to chart their future.
Government officials will claim victory, saying the protest failed.
It will be a hollow victory as more than half of the companies, especially in Harare, closed shop yesterday. The situation was the same in other cities and towns.
When learners elected to stay at home instead of going to school, it was a clear message that they were aware of the consequences of moving on the streets.
The repercussions of yesterday's events will be felt in months to come. Companies lost potential revenue.
The informal sector, which employs more than 70% of the workforce, will be licking its wounds after a day of lost revenue.
Government cannot ignore the cries of protesters.
Yesterday may have been a dress rehearsal for more protests to come.
The “listening” administration should know that it is no longer business as usual. Bread and butter issues are key and must not be swept under the carpet.
