dyton mupawaenda
Mutare Bureau
MANICALAND remained calm yesterday, with businesses and social activities functioning as usual despite attempts by rogue elements to incite public protests.
Attempts to hoodwink the public into demonstrating fell flat as members of the public ignored the calls to protest, with businesses in major towns, including Mutare, Rusape, Chipinge, Nyanga and Murambinda operating without interruption.
Shops, markets, and other commercial centres remained open, while schools and public services functioned normally, underscoring the province’s resilience and determination to maintain peace.
The province’s residents demonstrated their resilience and commitment to peace by refusing to engage with the troublemakers, and as a result, commercial and social activities continued uninterrupted.
In an interview, ZANU PF Central Committee Member and Women’s Quota representative in parliament, Honourable Getrude Mutandi, said Manicaland remained peaceful, with no demonstrations or protests recorded.
“I have been all around Mutare today, and I can confidently say that everything is peaceful. Business is running normally, and our people have ignored the baseless calls for protests. Manicaland stands firm against those who sought to cause instability. We are a province that values peace and development, and we will not allow anyone to derail the progress we are making as a nation. Our citizens understand the importance of unity, and that is why they have chosen to go about their daily activities as usual.
“As Government prioritizes economic stability and development, the people of Manicaland have shown their unwavering commitment to peace and progress, refusing to be swayed by falsehoods and attempts to destabilize their livelihoods. Our authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that the safety and well-being of citizens are maintained,” said Honourable Mutandi.
A visit to major transport hubs, marketplaces, and business centres in Mutare revealed a bustling environment where residents continued with their daily routines unhindered.
At Mudzviti Bus Rank, operations ran smoothly with commuters heading to Harare, cross-border destinations, and other parts of Zimbabwe boarding buses as usual, with no disruptions or delays.
Transport operators dismissed rumours of protests.
“I have been here since morning, and I have seen nothing unusual. The buses are loading passengers as always, and everything is peaceful. People must ignore these false reports meant to cause alarm,” said Tinashe Mutasa, a bus conductor at Mudzviti.
In the city’s major commercial areas such as TM Pick and Pay in Chikanga, Boka Business Centre in Dangamvura, Mwamuka Business Centre in Sakubva, and Sakubva Produce Market, businesses were also fully operational. Vendors and shop owners continued with their daily trade, with no sign of disturbances.
“We are selling our goods without any problems. There are no protests, just people trying to make an honest living. Those trying to scare people must stop because they are hurting our businesses,” said a vegetable vendor, Mrs Clara Madondo at Sakubva Produce Market.
At Forbes Border Post, a critical gateway between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, movement remained normal throughout the day. Travellers were crossing without incident, and customs operations ran efficiently, dispelling fears of disruptions at the key economic hub.
In Rusape, Makoni Rural District Council, the largest in the council with 39 wards, held its full council business at its headquarters, without any disturbances.
This was a significant development, as all councillors, including those from the opposition CCC, were in attendance. The council has made several key resolutions, including the adoption of the appointment of Engineer Edmore Chidembo as the new substantive Chief Executive Officer, replacing Dr Edward Pise who was recently fired.
“The council’s ability to conduct its business without interruption is a testament to the prevailing peace in Rusape,” said Makoni District Development Coordinator, Mr Edwin Mashindi.
Rusape Town Council engineering workers were busy patching the Rusape Bus Terminus entry.
Mr Ben Zonge, an informal trader, acknowledged the peace that has allowed them to operate without hindrance.
“Business has been going on smoothly, and we are grateful for the peace that has prevailed in Rusape. The calm environment has allowed us to operate without any disruptions, and for that, we are truly thankful to the authorities,” said Mr Zonge.
Online Reporter