Masvingo to march against government misrule

Itai Muzondo

MASVINGO – The anti-government mood currently sweeping the country has reached Masvingo with local pressure groups recently getting court clearance to march in protest against the worsening economic and political situation in the country.

Anoziva Muguti of the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association (Murra) said the demonstration, which was originally scheduled for last Saturday, has been postponed due to late release of clearance by the courts. 

“It’s true, as citizens we have seen it fit to rise against bad governance which has long affected Masvingo and the nation at large. We were scheduled to demonstrate last week but we have since postponed the march.

“Some of our members were not comfortable demonstrating considering that we had been denied police clearance and had to make an urgent application at the court. We will quickly meet this week and decide on another date,” Muguti said.

The organisers said they wish to petition the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Shuvai Mahofa on issues like rampant unemployment, corruption, cash crisis, endless police road blocks, spot fines and the inhuman treatment of Tokwe Mkosi floods victims.

“Government should adopt investor friendly policies and ensure that the indigenisation policy does not threaten investment so as to boost industrial development. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) must lower taxation and punitive measures that have crippled young entrepreneurs. This must be done as early as yesterday.

“Government should curb corruption, spot fines must be erased, and fines have to be paid at the police station. The number of roadblocks should also be reduced and must be done at safe places,” read part of the draft petition.

Organisations taking part in the march include Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development Trust (COTRAD), Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA), ZimRights, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Masvingo Residents Trust (MRT), Community Working Group on Health, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), (MCRA), (ZIMSET) and Masvingo Vendors Association.news