adminChido Chikuni Correspondent
Inasmuch as demonstrating is a constitutional right for every Zimbabwean citizen, there is also need to consider the economic and social damage these protests are causing locally, regionally and internationally.
It is good for citizens to protect the image of their nation in order to entice investors. With the high wave of protests currently taking place in our beloved country, we risk losing potential investors who may be interested in doing business locally.
Protesters should be urged that demonstrating is not a solution at all. What is needed is to find best ways and means of moving forward as a nation. It is known that economic distress is a phase that will come and pass, though a condition that may cause short-term instability.
I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to revive the economy. There is really need for individuals, the private and public sectors to join hands and proffer tangible solutions that are necessary for the resuscitation of the economy.
Meanwhile, most people are aware of the current economic situation and the efforts that Government is putting in attempting to normalise the economic situation.
However, it is worrisome that some pressure groups are planning to go in the streets and protest, hence further tainting the image of the Government.
Press reports have it that a pressure group known as Coalition for Unemployed Graduates Zimbabwe (ZCUG) college graduates who are not yet employed are planning a march against Government scheduled for early August this year. As learned people, these graduates should understand the Government in its efforts to revive the ailing economy. Instead, their academic minds should contribute constructive resolutions to the challenges faced by every citizen.
Naturally, I don’t see any logic behind these protests. One cannot just go in the streets and disturb peace in the central business district. College graduates should behave like academics and prove that they are different from other people who only make noise in the streets but with no alternative solutions to offer. Greater minds should provide best solutions.
It doesn’t make sense that a group of college graduates are seen in the street demonstrating against the Government. At the moment Government is one of the biggest employers in the nation. But then, not every college graduate can be employed. If either foreign or local investors are given the chance to do business locally I am sure many jobs will be created. These graduates should not also forget that a number of local companies are closing, mainly due to illegal sanctions that were imposed on Zimbabwe by the US and its allies.
Therefore, these unemployed graduates should actually call for the removal of sanctions which are derailing Government activities.
Nowadays the wave of protests is fast increasing in most countries and regions of the world because of the rate at which social media is being abused to incite citizens. It is very unfortunate that citizen journalism is actually destroying the nation instead of building it.
Due to social media, sometimes protests are triggered and driven by a group of people living outside the country or other violent pressure groups who will have a different agenda. For instance, self exiled musician Thomas Mapfumo is inciting citizens to revolt against the Government. His agenda is nothing but regime change.
So these graduates should be encouraged to be more careful when organising such events. In doing so, their grievances will not be heard as per their wish. It is therefore necessary for them to use other channels of communication to peacefully engage Government on their grievances.
Responsible authorities should also be encouraged to assist other college graduates from sectors such as agriculture. Availing land to these graduates will make them practically productive. Also, Government should consider introducing manufacturing degree programmes at State universities. This will assist graduating students to automatically become employers and not employees.
Online Reporter