Online Reporter
Zimpapers writers
MATABELELAND region and Midlands Province yesterday delivered a resounding vote for peace, stability and productivity, as residents overwhelmingly ignored calls for illegal protests and instead went about their daily business with quiet determination.
From the streets of Bulawayo to the towns of Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, the region awoke to the familiar rhythm of commerce, education and industry.
Commuter omnibuses ferried workers into the cities and towns, learners streamed into classrooms, vendors opened their stalls, supermarkets welcomed customers and businesses operated without interruption, drowning out weeks of social media calls for unlawful demonstrations.
What unfolded across the region was more than just another ordinary Friday.
It was a powerful affirmation of the people’s commitment to peace, unity and economic productivity, with thousands choosing honest work over disruption and reinforcing Matabeleland’s long-standing reputation as a region that values stability, resilience and development.
A Chronicle tour across Bulawayo, coupled with reports from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, revealed business as usual, with transport operators, Government offices, banks, schools, industries and the informal sector all functioning normally.
Business proceeded uninterrupted, with transport operators, informal traders and businesses reporting normal operations throughout the day.
The calm followed repeated appeals by President Mnangagwa and Government for Zimbabweans to reject unlawful demonstrations and continue with their daily economic and social activities, while law enforcement agencies assured citizens that adequate security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property.
Although police maintained a visible presence at strategic points as part of routine security deployments, the city remained calm throughout the day, with no significant disturbances reported.
At Egodini Terminus, commuter omnibuses loaded passengers destined for the city’s suburbs and surrounding districts as traders competed for customers in the usual morning rush.
For many vendors, whose livelihoods depend on daily trade, staying away from work was never an option.
Second-hand clothing trader Ms Nomsa Moyo said providing for her family took precedence over participating in unlawful activities.
“We survive from our daily sales. If we stay at home, our children go hungry. We chose to come to work because peace allows us to provide for our families. There was no reason to close our businesses,” she said.
Across the road, fruit vendor Mr Mthokozisi Ndlovu said Bulawayo residents understood that development flourished in a peaceful environment.
Vegetable vendor Ms Patricia Sibanda said ordinary Zimbabweans remained focused on earning an honest living.
“We are here because this is where our livelihoods are. Peace benefits everyone. We are happy the city has remained calm because that allows us to continue trading,” she said.
Mr Bekithemba Dube, who was heading to Belmont Industrial Area, said uninterrupted productivity was critical for economic growth.
A supermarket owner in the city centre, who preferred not to be named, said employees and customers had reported in large numbers.
Schools across the city opened as scheduled, with teachers conducting lessons normally, while Government departments, financial institutions and private companies continued operating without interruption.
In the Midlands, residents from Gokwe North to Mberengwa also ignored calls for demonstrations, with businesses, schools, Government offices and public transport operating normally.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said the province had overwhelmingly rejected attempts to disrupt normal life.
“This is a clear indication that the people of Midlands and Zimbabwe have got faith in our President, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, as these people have failed dismally,” he said.
A similar picture emerged in Gwanda, where businesses opened as usual, workers reported for duty, learners attended school and public transport services operated normally.
Mr Crispen Ncube said the Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026, which some groups cited in calling for demonstrations, had followed all constitutional and legislative procedures.
“Why then should we cause violence and disturbances over something that belongs to us? These are attempts to disturb peace. As residents, we must support peace, unity and development,” he said.
The failed protest call followed weeks of online mobilisation by individuals urging Zimbabweans to participate in unlawful demonstrations.
Authorities consistently maintained that while the Constitution guarantees freedoms of expression and assembly, those rights must be exercised within the confines of the law and without jeopardising public order, national security or the rights of others.
