I note with great concern the slander associated with my name Taurai Kandishaya by a local online media outlet alleging that I led a group of suspected Zanu PF youths to cause chaos at SAPES Trust.

I understand the target of these people is on Zimbabwe Citizens Forum an organisation that I lead which is neutral and unbiased. It is unfortunate that diverse voices are thwarted because we don’t drink from the same source with other civic society organizations that are promoting destabilization in this country.

I have been to SAPES discussions only twice, contributing very less but constructive ideas towards nation building. Every civic society organization that is not Anti-Government is under attack.

I have become a victim of propaganda and persecution for having a patriotic and nationalist vision for Zimbabwe. Khakhi envelopes are now the order of the day in the media fraternity and media personnel are being paid to write damning articles against individuals who they view as Pro government.

I have been hosted by several media organisations for discussions and there is none that ended violently. However, I remain resolute in raising consciousness in Zimbabwe on civic and political rights. Zimbabwe Citizens Forum is a non governmental organisation and not Anti Government, our role as a civic society outfit is to be a watchdog which calls government to account.

We call upon in particular politicians to desist from labelling or dragging the Civic Society into their political gimmicks.

As members of the Civic Society we will remain resolute in our quest to see a free and empowered citizenry.

Taurai Kandishaya
Zimbabwe Citizens Forum Director