WHO’S FOOLING WHO?
Zimbabwe’s confirmed coronavirus cases surpassed the 1,000 mark on Monday as the country also recorded its 20th death due to the pandemic.
The government then resolved to tighten the Covid-19 lockdown measures in the hotspots of Bulawayo and Harare as most cases are being recorded in these two major cities.
Opening of schools, which was scheduled for July 28th, was also deferred indefinitely.
While this move may be reasonable - and indeed justified - to curb the spread of the virus, some people believe our paranoid President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is using Covid-19 as an excuse to ‘fix’ people residing in these towns. And this is why: a massive demonstration has/had been slated for July 31st and if word on the social media streets is anything to go by, it was going to be a huge event.
Having probably also gathered intelligence to this effect, the government, in fear of being embarrassed and exposed through this demo, then decided to take advantage of the situation and tighten screws on these two major cities where the demonstrations are always concentrated.
At the time of penning this column, it was not clear how the government intended to tighten the lockdown measures in the two cities though a total shutdown is highly likely. If totally shutdown, then it means no mass demonstrations on July 31st and so in part the government wins.
However, some social media users, especially those using the hashtag ‘ Zanupfmustgo’, were quick to say ‘no retreat, no surrender’ on the planned mass demonstrations, arguing that this ploy, disguised as another lockdown by the ruling party, will not work.
“The cowards are afraid, the revolution is here,” tweeted Thandekile Moyo while Simon Chikura1 wrote, “Hunger has killed more people than Covid-19. Our number one enemy is Zanupf and the poverty it has brought on us.”
So, really, depending on which side of the fence one is sitting, there is more to the lockdown than meets the eye.
Our major problem is that the ruling party, and the President in particular, are so dishonest such that they would never miss an opportunity to ensure the masses are always indoors. Even in cases where it may be justified for people to stay indoors for their own safety, people might see ulterior motives.
Maybe what has also caused panic in the corridors of power is a prophecy by Canadian-based Pastor, Tom Tirivangani, who a few days ago claimed that Mnangagwa’s reign is nearing an end and that a revolution to overthrow him may lead to the loss of several of lives.
Not that these prophecies are taken seriously by everybody but I am quite sure such predictions don’t sit well with our leaders!