By A Correspondent
The sleepy ancient city of Masvingo has responded to war veteran Blessed Geza’s call for Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation. While no physical protests took place, the people of Masvingo took action by staying away from work in solidarity with Geza’s M31 protests. This symbolic gesture is seen as a clear response to the ruling regime, indicating the growing frustration among residents.
One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained: “We didn’t need to protest in the streets, but we felt it was important to show our dissatisfaction with the current government. Staying away from work was our way of expressing how we feel about the leadership.”
The protest, originally spearheaded by Blessed Geza, a well-known war veteran, had called for mass action in a bid to push for Mnangagwa’s resignation. Geza’s actions resonate with many in Masvingo, who are increasingly disillusioned with the current state of affairs. The lack of a large, physical protest, however, does not diminish the sentiment behind the stay-away action.
Another anonymous resident stated, “Our silence today was louder than any demonstration. The government needs to hear this message — people are unhappy. People want change.”
The decision to stay away from work rather than confront the government directly on the streets reflects a growing frustration with Mnangagwa’s leadership. Residents feel that economic hardships, political repression, and general instability have eroded their trust in the current administration.
While the city of Masvingo is often seen as a relatively quiet and politically passive region, this response signals a shift in local sentiment. It underscores how deeply the effects of the country’s economic crisis have permeated into the daily lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Geza’s call for Mnangagwa’s resignation has found a level of support among Masvingo residents, many of whom feel that their voices are not being heard. “We hope the president will listen to the people and step down,” one more resident said. “His time is up. We need a new direction for this country.”
As the situation in Masvingo unfolds, the stay-away action serves as a reminder that even in the most unlikely of places, the desire for political change remains strong. Although the protest did not take the form of a mass demonstration, it was nonetheless a resounding statement from the people of Masvingo, who are calling for a government that addresses their needs and concerns.