Tinashe Sambiri

In Zimbabwe, a nationwide stay away was staged by suffering residents who are increasingly frustrated by the country’s escalating crisis. The public demonstration of discontent was prompted by worsening economic conditions, corruption, and an ongoing political stalemate. However, despite the evident frustration among the citizens, Zanu PF Youth League Deputy Commissar Taurai Kandishaya insisted on Monday that it was “business as usual” in the capital city of Harare, describing the situation as calm and under control.

Kandishaya’s comments came in stark contrast to the images captured across the city that day. Photographs of the capital’s streets show an alarming emptiness, with businesses shuttered, vehicles few and far between, and the usual bustle of city life absent. The contrast between the political narrative and the visual reality seemed to underscore the deepening divide between the government’s perception and the lived experiences of many Zimbabweans.

“It’s business as usual. Our people love peace. They don’t want to be used by detractors. Those staying away are doing so for safety only,” Kandishaya remarked during his statement. His attempt to downplay the growing dissatisfaction among the populace was seen by many as a reflection of the disconnection between government officials and the struggles facing ordinary citizens.

The mass stay away, which was organized to protest against the worsening economic conditions, power cuts, fuel shortages, and inflation, was also a show of solidarity with the opposition and prominent figures calling for change. One such figure gaining significant support is war veteran Blessed Geza, who has been outspoken in his demand for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation. Geza’s call for Mnangagwa to step down is shared by a growing portion of Zimbabweans, particularly among those who feel that the current leadership has failed to address the country’s most pressing issues.

Kandishaya’s comments about safety and peace also appear to ignore the climate of fear and repression in which many Zimbabweans find themselves. Critics have pointed to heavy-handed tactics by security forces, often targeting opposition activists, protestors, and any public figures speaking out against the government. The government’s narrative of peace and stability stands in contrast to the real experiences of citizens who fear arrest, harassment, and violence for voicing their dissent.

As the nation grapples with increasing social and economic pressures, the growing public unrest is unlikely to subside. The disparity between official statements and the lived reality of Zimbabweans may only intensify the calls for meaningful political change. Many now look to figures like Blessed Geza for leadership, as calls for President Mnangagwa’s resignation continue to gain momentum.