Zimbabweans in Cape Town Demonstrate in Solidarity with #ThisFlag and #Tajamuka
In an act of solidarity with the #Tajamuka#ThisFlag and #BeatThePot movements, Zimbabweans in Cape Town demonstrated peacefully in song and dance at the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town on the 14th of July, a day which coincided with a stay away call in Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans from different backgrounds––students, domestic workers and professionals alike––presented their demands to the officials at the consulate. South African citizens also attended the protest march in an act of solidarity with their brothers and sisters from the north and expressed concern over the continuous violation of human rights and political freedom in Zimbabwe.
Laswet Savadye, a Zimbabwean auditor working in Cape Town, presented a list of demands to the officials at the consulate, which included the right to diaspora vote, an end to police brutality and the continuous intimidation and abduction of activists who have called for government accountability.
The government of the day, led by Zanu PF, has failed to develop sustainable institutions that ensure a democratic vision of sovereignty and liberation. Instead, they have shown arrogance and an unwillingness to engage on the nation's current crisis. This failure has been central in driving citizens to express discontent with the situation back home. Zimbabwe's economy is as unstable and unpredictable as its deteriorating political situation, which is characterized by intimidation and abductions.
Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora have expressed concern and shown keen interest in restoring stability in their country. #ThisFlag, #Tajamuka, #BeatThePot and various other online campaigns have brought together youths, religious institutions, political parties and apolitical institutions in driving a conversation advocating for accountability and an end to corruption, poverty and misgovernance. This could very well be the beginning of a process that may ensure transformation and positive change in Zimbabwe. With a broke government failing to meet its wage bill, we can only expect more voices of dissent and disgruntlement to come from the citizens of Zimbabwe across the world.
Nigel Zhuwaki is a Zimbabwean youth and self-taught conceptual photographer pursuing postgraduate Engineering studies at the University of Stellenbosch. You can connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.