Statement of the Coalition of Democrats (CODE) on the Current Situation in the Country

Leaders of the parties forming the Coalition of Democrats (CODE) are dismayed by the pace at which all aspects of Zimbabwean life are deteriorating. Since the installation of the ZANU-PF government in 2013, after the `Nikuving' of the elections of that year, the people of Zimbabwe have been enduring extreme hardships. The economy has collapsed, with the attendant loss of jobs, incomes and livelihoods; decimation of production and productive assets. Service delivery at both national and local government levels has practically disappeared. Both petty and gross corruption has become a hallmark of Zimbabwean society.

Political strife within ZANU-PF has intensified, to the point of totally paralysing both the party and its government.

From the beginning of 2016, the national crises have entrenched, culminating in the profligate government draining the banking sector of liquidity. In the past month, the so called cash shortages have resulted in people failing to access their money in banks, and government failing to pay public workers.

During this period, citizen discontent has escalated, and different groups of citizens, and even individual citizens, have taken initiatives to vent their anger and frustration at the corrupt and inept government. The Occupy Africa Unity Square Movement, #ThisFlag and Tajamuka stand out among the many citizen initiatives.

During the past two months, citizens have been particularly irked by the proposal to introduce `bond notes' and the abrupt removal of some imported items from the Open General Import Licence category. The latter action, explained by the Mugabe government as support for local manufacturers, has taken away the one source of earning a living, from many citizens who were relying on informal cross border trade.

The build up of anger and frustration exploded into protests at Beit Bridge and in parts of Harare this past week. The July 6 2016 `Shut Zimbabwe Down' initiative has been very successful.

However, we deplore and condemn the violence meted out against innocent and peaceful citizens both on Monday 4th and Wednesday 6th July 2016. We urge the purveyors of this violence to desist forthwith, and implore them to realise that they too are victims of the national crises created by the regime they serve and protect. We also condemn the violence and senseless destruction of property by a few among the suffering citizens; which violence serves only to tarnish the image of the people's protests.

CODE takes this opportunity to congratulate the coordinators of the `stay away', not only for its success, but more so for its orderly, dignified and peaceful conduct. MAKOROKOTO, AMHLOPE.

This action has clearly demonstrated the potency of PEOPLE POWER.

In commending and appreciating the impact of the `Shut Zimbabwe Down' initiative, CODE re-affirms its commitment and readiness to work with other organisations, political, civic, etc., to bring about the change that the people of Zimbabwe are yearning for. We will continue reaching out to such other organisations, with the view to agreeing on continuing programmes.

We urge President Mugabe, his government and ZANU-PF to take heed of the people's call for change. The people of Zimbabwe are nobody's puppets or agents. No amount of denying the anger of the people, no amount of denying the courage, resoluteness and discipline of the people, will alter the facts on the ground; that you preside over a CORRUPT, GREEDY, INCOMPETENT AND CRUEL REGIME.

To the people of Zimbabwe, we say CHANGE IS IN OUR HANDS. Unity is our tool for making the change WE DESERVE.

VICTORY IS CERTAIN.
 
Gilbert Dzikiti, DARE (Current Chairman)
Simba Makoni, M.K.D
Welshman Ncube, MDC
Elton Mangoma, RDZ
Farai Mbira, ZUNDE