Source: Zanu-PF, retailers urge Zimbabweans to reject July 31 shutdown calls – herald
Peter Matika and Sikhulekelani Moyo, Chronicle Writers
ZANU-PF and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) have urged Zimbabweans to ignore calls for a planned July 31 shutdown, saying uninterrupted business activity, peace and productivity are critical to protecting livelihoods, sustaining economic growth and maintaining investor confidence.
The ruling party has intensified grassroots mobilisation across Bulawayo, while the CZR has assured consumers that supermarkets, wholesalers, pharmacies, service stations and other retail outlets will remain open and conduct business as usual despite social media calls for a nationwide stay-away.
The calls for a shutdown have been circulating on various social media platforms, with organisers reportedly challenging the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No. 3.
Addressing party supporters, residents and business operators in Bulawayo yesterday, Zanu-PF Greens District chairperson Cde Tendai Charuka said there was no constitutional, legal or economic justification for a shutdown, arguing that the amendment had gone through all the prescribed constitutional and parliamentary processes.
He said Zanu-PF structures in Bulawayo Central Constituency had embarked on an intensive mobilisation campaign, engaging residents, transport operators, informal traders, workers and business owners to encourage them to ignore messages calling for economic disruption.
“There is absolutely no reason for a shutdown. Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 went through the necessary constitutional and parliamentary processes. Those calling for a shutdown have no legitimate basis to disrupt people’s lives and the economy,” said Cde Charuka.
He said Zimbabwe’s economic transformation depended on uninterrupted production and commerce, adding that every working day contributed towards national development.
“We are encouraging every Zimbabwean to continue with their normal daily activities. Businesses should remain open, workers must report for duty, learners should attend school and transport operators must continue providing services,” he said.
“The country’s development agenda cannot be advanced by bringing economic activity to a standstill.”
Cde Charuka appealed to businesses throughout Bulawayo not to succumb to intimidation or misinformation.“We are calling upon all business people to ignore these calls and conduct business as usual. Do not heed calls for a shutdown because such actions will not only sabotage the growth of your own businesses but will also undermine the country’s economy,” he said.
“Every day that businesses remain closed translates into lost income, reduced productivity and missed opportunities for economic growth. Let us protect our investments and continue contributing to national development.”
Cde Charuka also urged workers in both the public and private sectors to report for duty as usual on July 31.“All workers should report for duty. Every employee has a responsibility to contribute towards national development. We encourage everyone to go to work, attend school and continue with their daily activities without interruption,” he said.
Cde Charuka said Zimbabwe had built a reputation as a peaceful nation where differences were resolved through constitutional and democratic processes rather than confrontation.
He warned that stay-aways often hurt ordinary citizens the most by disrupting economic activity and reducing household incomes.
Cde Charuka also urged young people not to be influenced by social media messages encouraging participation in activities that could disturb public order.
“The future of our nation lies in hard work, entrepreneurship and production. Young people should concentrate on creating opportunities for themselves rather than participating in activities that have the potential to disturb public order,” said Cde Charuka.
CRZ said businesses across the country will remain open and continue serving customers.
CZR president Dr Denford Mutashu said retailers and wholesalers were committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential goods and services.
“CZR wishes to assure the nation that all retail and wholesale businesses across Zimbabwe will remain open and conduct business as usual on July 31. We encourage all members of the public to continue patronising their usual shopping centres, supermarkets, wholesalers, pharmacies, service stations and other retail outlets with confidence as they go about their normal day-to-day activities,” he said.
Dr Mutashu described the retail and wholesale industry as a strategic pillar of the economy, supporting manufacturing, agriculture, employment creation and national development.
He said the prevailing peace, security and macroeconomic stability had created a conducive environment for commerce and investment.
“CZR acknowledges the significant strides made in promoting economic stability under the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, whose vision of an upper middle-income economy by 2030 continues to inspire confidence among businesses and investors,” he said.
Dr Mutashu also commended law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace, saying a secure operating environment was fundamental to business growth and consumer confidence.
“We call upon all retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, employees and members of the public to uphold peace, exercise restraint and reject any actions that may disrupt business operations or undermine the country’s economic progress.
“Let us all play our part in preserving peace, protecting livelihoods and advancing Zimbabwe’s development aspirations,” he said.
“As the apex body representing the interests of the retail and wholesale sector, CZR remains committed to working with Government, law enforcement agencies and all stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted trade, consumer confidence and sustainable economic growth. Together, let us continue building a peaceful, prosperous and economically resilient Zimbabwe.”
