Save Zimbabwe Campaign says rally is on, despite ban
By Violet Gonda
9 March 2007
A showdown is looming in Harare between the police and member organisations of the Save
Zimbabwe Campaign. Pro-democracy groups are planning a peaceful rally in the high-density area
of Highfields this Sunday. Security has been tightened and some of the organisers of the rally
have been receiving threats.
Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa said: “There is heavy police
presence and roadblocks have been set up along all roads leading to Highfields.”
Muchemwa said even Highfields commuter omnibus operators have been threatened with arrest if
they operate on Sunday.
Pastor Berejena an active member of the Christian Alliance said
although he had not yet heard of the transport ban he could confirm the heavy presence of
police in the area. He said the dictatorship may try to stop people from gathering but
encouraged the public to go to the venue to voice their concerns.
The police are reported to have banned Sunday’s rally because they are too busy and short
staffed, but observers say they don’t seem to be too busy to set up mass roadblocks. In spite
of this the Save Zimbabwe Campaign is adamant the rally will go ahead at the Zimbabwe Grounds.
The Campaign, which was set up by the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, includes member
organisations such as the National Constitutional Assembly, Zimbabwe National Students Unions,
the two MDC factions and Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition.
Muchemwa said the groups have been communicating with their structures to attend the
gathering.
He said the NCA flyers read: “The NCA is inviting all its members to come in their
thousands to attend the Save Zimbabwe Campaign rally on Sunday 11 March 2007 at the Zimbabwe
Grounds in Highfields, Harare at 10am. NCA Chairperson Dr. Lovemore Madhuku is among the key
speakers to address the rally. Kindly come and contribute to the push for a democratic and
people driven constitution. Come and make a profound statement against tyranny and
dictatorship. We will vote in 2008 under a new constitution.”
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