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The recent so-called anti-Government demo by the opposition MDC-T will be remembered more for disrupting traffic in Harare’s CBD than for its empty political statement

Sibusiso Ndlamini Correspondent
Inasmuch as MDC-T is aware of their constitutional right to demonstrate, they should also be quite cognizsant of the dangers and effects that are brought about by political violence.

Reading through an article in a local daily newspaper, Morgan Tsvangirai – leader of MDC-T – boasts that he can’t be stopped from his mass demonstrations. Yes, lawfully, Tsvangirai cannot be stopped but he has to show maturity and responsibility when handling such demonstrations. Most people will agree that it is lawful to demonstrate, but those demonstrations must be done peacefully.

The fact that most MDC-T demonstrations end up chaotic is totally unacceptable. The recent demonstration that was held in Harare by the opposition party exposes the true inner picture of the MDC-T.

It was reported in the media that a security guard was hospitalised after he was attacked by MDC-T supporters. In that case, whoever struck that security guard within MDC-T generally committed a crime. Therefore, police officers should be encouraged to arrest all those found guilty of such acts of political violence.

Such cases of political violence should not be tolerated as they infringe on other people’s freedom. The MDC-T should be reminded that not all people are MDC-T supporters; hence their mass protests should not affect other people’s business.

If these demonstrations block off the public highway, then they cease to be peaceful. Surely, blocking traffic in the central business district (CBD) for close to an hour is also violating other people’s rights of movement. Imagine how business was disturbed for an hour in the CBD. It is unfortunate that when MDC-T plans their mass demonstrations, they ignore the other side of non-MDC-T supporters but only think of themselves alone.

Truthfully, it is not fair for MDC-T to disturb other people’s business. It was reported that vendors who operate in the CBD were also disrupted because of that mass demonstration. Serious public disorder, damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community are some of the offences which can lead to the arrest of these offenders.

Zimbabwe is a peace-loving country; therefore the peace that we have been enjoying since the country attained its independence should continue to exist.

Consequently, MDC-T should be urged to abide by the rules and regulations of mass demonstrations to avoid anning of the protests in future. It would be pointless for Tsvangirai and his cronies to hold mass protests while on the other hand they put other people’s lives and businesses at risk.

Before MDC-T holds its mass protests, Tsvangirai went to University of Zimbabwe (UZ) where he was inciting students to revolt against the Government. Incitement is not a gate pass for one to win an election. Over the years, Tsvangirai has been inciting workers, vendors and other minority groups to rebel against the Government. However, people are not zombies; they are active participants who are aware of Tsvangirai’s foolish antics.

Tsvangirai has no solutions to the challenges currently bedevilling the nation. At one point Tsvangirai rightly noted that he had no solutions. As an opposition leader, Tsvangirai should have alternative solutions essential for improving the living standards of the people of Zimbabwe.

How can Tsvangirai expect to win any election, if he has no solutions? As it stands, people are tired of Tsvangirai’s campaigning strategies. The number of people who marched during Tsvangirai’s demonstration tells it that people are no longer interested in him.

Even Tendai Biti, the leader of People’s Democratic Party, lambasted Tsvangirai’s demonstration describing it as a high sounding but useless political statement which does not improve people’s lives.