Opinion / Columnist
Shutdown Zimbabwe was a resounding success. What is next?
06 Jul 2016 at 18:51hrs | Views
This is the THE big question on everybody's mind. I do not know who is organising the protests but here is my suggestion for the next step. Every protest should have an identifiable aim. The aim of the protests in Zimbabwe is obvious to us all but it has to be approached step by step, I did not say slowly but step by step. The obvious defenses that the government will throw at the protesters will be the police and the army.
Based on what I have read in the social media, the police morale is very low and a lot of them do not want to be beating up their fellow citizens when they know that they(the police) may not even get paid for the month of July as the government has run out of money. Our police force deserves to be given the opportunity to show that they do NOT respond to peaceful demonstrations with violence. So Zimbabwe, here is my suggestion. It may seem like the silliest thing you have ever heard but please bear with me and hear me out.
Let us hold a peaceful demonstration in support of our police force. Yes you read that correctly! They have had a number of grievances such as illegal salary deductions, no assistance on relocation, forced membership of the Kuyedza club and automatic membership fee deductions, lack of accommodation, lack of transport etc.
What will this achieve: They realise that we are doing this for the whole country, including them. They will look like the biggest fools if they beat up people who are trying to help them. It sets a tone for a good working relationship between the police and the demonstrators for next weeks' demonstrations.
This is a serious suggestion and I hope that the organisers do consider this seriously.
Based on what I have read in the social media, the police morale is very low and a lot of them do not want to be beating up their fellow citizens when they know that they(the police) may not even get paid for the month of July as the government has run out of money. Our police force deserves to be given the opportunity to show that they do NOT respond to peaceful demonstrations with violence. So Zimbabwe, here is my suggestion. It may seem like the silliest thing you have ever heard but please bear with me and hear me out.
Let us hold a peaceful demonstration in support of our police force. Yes you read that correctly! They have had a number of grievances such as illegal salary deductions, no assistance on relocation, forced membership of the Kuyedza club and automatic membership fee deductions, lack of accommodation, lack of transport etc.
What will this achieve: They realise that we are doing this for the whole country, including them. They will look like the biggest fools if they beat up people who are trying to help them. It sets a tone for a good working relationship between the police and the demonstrators for next weeks' demonstrations.
This is a serious suggestion and I hope that the organisers do consider this seriously.
Source - Mlungisi Moyo
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