Online Reporter
Chronicle Writers
THE war veterans’ leadership yesterday delivered a scathing rebuke of Monday’s unsanctioned protests saying there is urgent need to take decisive action against the instigators who want to disturb the peace and tranquility the nation is enjoying.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has also expressed grave concern over the planned protests which it said if allowed to go ahead will disrupt operations of businesses.
Zanu-PF’s national secretary for war veterans, Cde Douglas Mahiya who was speaking after he launched the Matabeleland South Presidential War Veterans Fund, Borehole Drilling and Housing Scheme, said those planning the protests want to stall the nation’s development.
“I would like to unequivocally condemn the violence being instigated by detractors and those who seek to stall our nation’s development. Let us not entertain such individuals, and should they persist with these ruthless tactics, their actions will be met with appropriate responses,” he said.
Cde Mahiya said the focus now should be on developing the country and growing the economy working with President Mnangagwa who has pledged that no one and no place will be left behind.
“President has honoured his word as evidenced by these interventions that are uplifting war veterans. We have long awaited this support,” Cde Mahiya told a gathering of veterans who also received food hampers, mealie-meal, bicycles, and cash.
The launch included a tour of a homestead being built under the housing initiative.
Cde Mahiya further implored war veterans to unite and work together in support of the ideals they fought for during the liberation struggle under the banner: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (The nation is built by its own people). He urged veterans of the liberation struggle in the province to stand firm and support the ruling party Zanu-PF.
“It is nonsensical for us, as veterans of the liberation struggle to oppose the party’s resolutions. These resolutions are the core business of what you fought to achieve when you liberated this country. The party has decided on its leadership, and no one should challenge or disrupt that.
“We will not relinquish the political power that Zanu-PF secured. We have a Government that was elected by the people based on the principles of the revolution, and now some individuals seek to undermine this,” he said.
Meanwhile, CZR president, Denford Mutashu said unsanctioned protests are destructive.
“Zimbabwe has experienced numerous protests in the past and history has shown that they rarely lead to constructive solutions. What we have witnessed in the past is destruction of property and busineses thereby impacting negatively on people’s livelihoods,” said Mutashu, citing the January 1998 protests led by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) which resulted in widespread looting and destruction of property.
He noted that many businesses were targeted, with shops ransacked and goods looted by protesters.
“Similarly, in October 2000, protests against price increases degenerated into violent riots, causing significant economic disruptions. Most recently, in August 2016, demonstrations in Harare led to businesses being looted and property damaged. The reality is that protests harm businesses and ordinary citizens. The CZR believes that dialogue remains the most effective way to address national concerns,” said Mutashu.
He said Zimbabwe’s economy thrives on stability, investor confidence and a supportive business environment, all of which are undermined by unrest.
“The CZR stands for peace, tranquillity, and development, and therefore remains committed to fostering a Zimbabwe that thrives on collaboration and understanding. We believe that by working together, we can chart a path towards a prosperous and stable future for all,” Mutashu said.
