Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
[email protected]
ALL schools across the country will operate normally tomorrow, with all academic and extracurricular activities set to proceed as scheduled, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said.
The clarification follows reports that some schools, particularly in Bulawayo and Harare, had cancelled extracurricular activities due to security concerns linked to an anticipated illegal protest being called by unnamed organisers.
Ministry spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro said there was no disruption expected at schools.
“It will be business as normal,” said Mr Ndoro.
The assurance comes amid growing calls from Government and various sectors of society for citizens to ignore the planned illegal demonstrations and maintain normal activities.
Civic organisations, churches, residents’ associations, transport operators and retailers have condemned the planned protests, urging Zimbabweans to uphold peace and stability.
The organisations said while citizens have constitutionally protected rights, these must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law without disrupting economic activities, threatening security or damaging property.
Church and civic leaders called for dialogue and national unity, saying engagement remained the best avenue for addressing grievances.
Transport operators also assured the public that services would continue as usual.
Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Corporation and the Bulawayo United Public Transport Association (BUPTA), which operate a combined fleet of about 1 600 commuter omnibuses and ferry an estimated 100 000 passengers daily, said their operations would continue uninterrupted on Friday.
The Bulawayo Residents Association (Bura) cautioned against a repeat of the destruction experienced during the 2019 disturbances, saying the city was still recovering from the economic impact of the unrest.
Bura said some businesses had not fully recovered from losses suffered after property was destroyed, adding that another disruption would further hurt livelihoods, especially those of residents who rely on informal trading for daily income.
The association urged people with grievances to use established channels of engagement rather than resorting to confrontation.
It said peaceful dialogue remained the best way of resolving differences while protecting lives, property and the economy.
Bongani Ndlovu
Who are the organisers? Can we round them up and chuck them in prison please. People that are fighting development of the country are enemies of the people.