Eleven civic society activists Wednesday braved the chilly weather in Harare and slept at Africa Unity Square as promised in protest over Zimbabwe’s social, economic and political problems.
The activists, drawn from several organizations, have vowed to stay at the place for 16 days and 16 nights.
Led by the Zimbabwe Activist Alliance and Zimbabwe Women in Politics Alliance, the activists’ agenda today was to encourage Zimbabweans to reject bond notes to be introduced in October this year, which the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe says are meant to boost subdued exports.
Lynette Mudehwe, coordinator and founder of the Zimbabwe Activist Alliance, told Studio 7 that Zimbabweans should also reject bank withdrawals as low as $50 per day.
The Zimbabwe National Students’ Union has joined the Occupy Africa Unity Square protest. Makomborero Haruzivishe, secretary general of the student body, said they are now tired of watching while Zimbabwe’s fruits of independence are being allegedly squandered by just a few individuals.
Linda Masarira, leader and founder of Zimbabwe Women in Politics Alliance, echoed the same sentiments, adding that the government has shown that it does not care about the needs of its citizens, especially women.
Ostallos Siziba, who is also among the protesters, said young people have decided to have a voice in national issues, including moves by the central bank to introduce bond notes.
The protesters said they will raise several issues per day at Africa Unity Square in order to generate debate on matters affecting local people, who are struggling to make ends meet, due to the current harsh economic environment in the country.