Noisy protesters distribute fliers in Harare’s central business district
By Tererai Karimakwenda
22 November 2006

The first of several planned protests requiring Zimbabweans to make as much noise as possible was deemed a success in the capital on Wednesday. Organised by the SAVE ZIMBABWE coalition that brings together various stakeholders, the protests are meant to get people involved in some form of expression that shows they are not happy with the economic and political crisis that is making their lives a daily struggle.

Tabani Moyo from the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition told us many students, members of political parties and churches gathered in their vehicles at Market Square bus terminal in Harare Wednesday. Around 1:20 PM they began hooting their horns and distributing fliers about their mission. Moyo said at first people were confused and had no idea what was happening. But as they read the fliers they joined in by either whistling or banging noisy objects. Many were reported to be running alongside the vehicles as they slowly drove through the city centre.

There were no incidents reported. According to Moyo the police were caught unprepared and the only official vehicle he saw emerged as the
5-minute protest period came to an end. The organisers hope to annoy the government officials responsible for the suffering of Zimbabweans.

Moyo said they will announce the date for the next protest in due time. He said the idea is to get rid of the apathy people were displaying and get them to do a simple act that builds the spirit of involvement which has been lacking. Moyo added: “Today we celebrate the first step because that is how a journey of a thousand miles begins.” He explained that the protests will eventually be done more frequently and for longer periods of time.