By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A two-day stayaway called by expelled ZANU-PF Central Committee member Blessed Geza yesterday and today completely failed to materialize, with businesses across Zimbabwe operating as usual.
The call, by Geza, leader of a faction of war veterans demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation, was met with widespread indifference, with normal activity reported in all major cities.
Long-distance buses, despite any possible prior disruptions, released passengers at their intended destinations, demonstrating that the stayaway call had not been heeded.
Shops, markets, and other businesses opened promptly, and commuters appeared in usual numbers. This starkly contrasts with Geza’s previous call for protests on March 31, which brought disruption and led to arrests.
Authorities anticipated a repeat of the earlier disruptions, with the Public Service Commission issuing a warning regarding civil servants, and police deployed extensively to maintain traffic flow.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana expressed the government’s position that the call to disrupt economic activity was unreasonable.
“It’s foolhardy for anyone to think they can dictate when and how people engage in economic activities,” Mangwana said on X, posting a video of a bustling Harare street.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo also operated without interruption, with exhibitors from 28 countries participating in the business showcase.
Geza, who accuses Mnangagwa of mismanagement and corruption, and claims the president is suffering from dementia, faces an outstanding treason warrant. He is believed to be out of the country.