[6/23, 10:04 AM] Linda: My first qtn is ;
What is the idea behind occupying Africa Unity Square? What is it that you seek to achieve?
[6/23, 10:05 AM] Linda: The idea of occupying the square is inspired by other activists around the globe who have occupied squares in their relevant countries demanding issues relative to their crisis. The Africa Unity Square sole purpose is for protests and was not being used for that purpose because of Zimbabweans ignorance. In 1923 Rhodesian settlers occupied the square in protest of company of BSAC a south African company and their demands were obviously met. In the 40s rhodesians occupied in support of recruiting soldiers fighting the world war 2 ant the other occupation was in the early 50s when the white farmers were protesting to have electricity on their farms which was being generated at kariba dam and was only supplied mines. In the light of such occupations before we decided to occupy Africa unity square to protest about the deteriorating socioeconomic climate in Zimbabwe
Our narrative this far
As the Occupy Movement of Zimbabwe comprising of young people, the women's movement, the student movement, the disabled people's movement, the left and other progressive citizens we have crystallized into a vanguard leading the struggle for livelihoods and against the ZANU PF regime driven austerity measures under the vague IMF staff monitored economic structural adjustment programme.
From 31 May 2016 we embarked on a vigil which was to last for 16 days in which time we aimed to pressure the Mugabe led government to resign over failure to put priority on citizen's economic welfare.
Among our demands are the repayment of the looted 15 billion in diamond revenue, fulfilment of the 2.2 million jobs promised in the run up to the 2013 election, an end to abductions and the safe return of Itai Dzamara, an urgent reversal of the austerity measures which are a direct attack on the livelihoods of the working people,urgent implementation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe among others.
On the midnight of 8 June 2016 and the mid morning of 9 June 2016 the state agents, in a choreographed dramatic manner we believe to be a counter -intelligence sting operation, descended ruthless on the movement, arresting 16 of the occupants and charging them with trumped up robbery and obstructing the course of justice charges. Dozens others were brutalised and assaulted in the process.
This was followed by a brief detention of 16 comrades at Chikurubi female section prison and Harare remand prison.
We would like to salute all comrades and democratic movements who offered solidarity during our stay and to them we say its Aluta Continua!
The brutality we experienced especially by the drag net arrest and subsequent detention of a teenager and a breastfeeding women (Mandowa Mazh) with a two month old infant showed us first hand the insensitivity and callous nature of the regime.
In spite of all this cold and brazen cruelty we remain more determined than ever to reclaim our future and shape the direction of our country out of the current doldrums.
Way forward
As we continue to be inspired by the Occupy Movement across the globe and the realization that the 99% of the people in our country are suffering and generally pauperized as a result of the corrupt, exclusionary and selfish policies of the 1% constituting the political and business elites of this country under the banner of ZANU PF.
These ruthless elites have all but devoured the fruits of independence and are now eating independence itself hence we have taken it upon ourselves to fight for a dignified life that guarantees us access to social services such as quality health care, education, water, our right to decent work and a living wage, our right to shelter and welfare for the marginalized such as orphans ,the unemployed, and the disabled.
In undertaking our struggle, the #5to6 sessions will continue to be our flagship campaign and we will be rolling it out in the coming weeks across the country.
The #5to6 programme is an action by young people and the oppressed members of our society both politically and economically, to reclaim their future by occupying the public spaces, be it parks, streets or squares in their areas, and utilizing it for constructive dialogue on political and socio-economic issues. The Mugabe regime has in the last 36 years completely shut down the public space and emasculated the voice of young people.
Our demands remain very clear as follows:
Repayment of the stolen US$15 billion diamond revenue and the arrest and incarceration of the perpetrators.
The fulfillment of the 2.2 million jobs promised in 2013 by President Robert Mugabe.
An immediate end to privatisation of social services and an increased public expenditure on social services to ensure accessible quality education, health, water and welfare programmes for the vulnerable groups and an end to anti-worker policies and legislation .We say NO to Austerity!
Declare cancer care and treatment a national emergency.
An end to abductions, torture and enforced disappearance and all forms of State and political violence - BRING BACK ITAI DZAMARA!
Unlimited access to our hard earned money from banks and we totally reject the proposed Bond Notes which are anything but theft of our money.
Urgent realignment of all laws to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment 20.
The resignation of President Mugabe and his ZANU PF regime from power.
We however have no illusions about the heartless nature of this regime and how it will respond but it must be known to all that we are more than ever prepared to fight for our destiny and the future of our country. Indeed another Zimbabwe is possible. Our World is not for Sale!Aluta Continua
