Zimbabweans must ignore Tajamuka's call

The Promise Mkwananzi led Tajamuka/Sesjikile has threatened to shut down the country next week, through demonstrations that they are urging everyone to partake. The planned shut down, they say, is a protest over alleged mismanagement of the economy by the Government.
On 7 June 2017, Mkwananzi imprudently confirmed on his Twitter handle that his movement will stage these protests which are, taking cue from the previous ones, are likely to turn violent.

 "I will never bow down to those who say we should not protest. Someone has got to protect and promote this important fundamental right. Let me put this on record. We do protests. That is who we are. So do not tell us not to do protests. Protests are lawful and constitutional," said Mkwananzi.

In as much as Zimbabwe is a democratic and peace loving country, citizens should not heed Tajamuka/Sesjikile's call for protests.  There is real democracy in Zimbabwe but political activists should not abuse that constitutional right. Previously, opposition outfits under the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) engaged in these chains of protests which also turned brutal and uncontrolled.  

It is known that organisers of these demonstrations are only singing for their supper. They are being motivated by funds from donors who are pushing for regime change in Zimbabwe. The general citizens should be encouraged to widely open their eyes and see that they are being used to further the agenda of these sponsors. Recently, #ThisFlag activist Fadzai Mahere took delivery of USD$500 000 from her western funders to further her agenda of destabilizing the Government.

It is imperative for citizens to protect the image of their nation in order to entice investors. Protests, whether peaceful or not contribute wholesomely as a barrier to economic development. The more these demonstrations take place, the more the nation risks losing potential investors who may be interested in doing business locally.

Political activists should be urged that demonstrating is not a solution to their grievances. Currently what is needed is to find best ways and means of moving forward as a nation.
 Zimbabweans are aware that economic distress is a phase that comes and goes. It is, therefore, that it is everyone's responsibility to revive the economy. There is really need for individuals, the private and public sector 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 normalize the economic status.

It is very unfortunate that political activists are abusing social media to incite citizens to revolt against Government. Citizen journalism is actually destroying the nation instead of building it. Social media should be considered as a potential tool for facilitating the social contract between the citizens and the State. For instance, Government, through its different ministries can potentially use social media platforms to solicit feedback from citizens on its policies.

In Uganda, reports have it that Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) held a Social Media Conference in July 2015. The conference that ran under the theme 'Assessing the Impact of Social Media on Political Communication and Civic Engagement in Uganda,' came out with some of the challenges that are brought by social media. According to the report, social media has increasingly become a channel for different forms of offences and so-called 'cyber-crime' such as 'cyber-bullying', stalking, defamation, spread of false information and inciting messages.

Here in Zimbabwe, political activists such #ThisFlag movement leader, Evan Mawarire and Linda Masarira have been using these platforms to incite people to go into streets and demonstrate against Government.

If Tajamuka/Sesjikile wishes to change or substitute the ruling Government, it should do so through the ballot box.