Zimbabweans are Past the Age of Street Protest

On 24 February 2026, Nelson Chamisa wrote on his X handle, CHAPWATI. Though l knew the meaning of the term, as it resounded, I had to verify with a fellow citizen, who said it denotes interesting times. I asked myself what interesting times? Does it mean creating forces against the Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill? Of course, Chamisa posted it without saying much as we all know he now uses riddles not direct speech. He no longer has a crowd support like before since all his friends deserted him because of his indecisive structureless/ambiguous leadership. Adding to the disintegration of his erstwhile comrades, he doesn’t show action leadership anymore but tweets. Many of his so-called supporters got arrested several times for breaking the law while he, Chamisa tweets from the comfort of his home. In fact, most Zimbabweans now believe in tweeting. The street protest ended with Tsvangirai

Does it mean Zimbabweans are past the age of street protest? Perhaps no one wants to get wounded, imprisoned or die for someone tweeting from the comfort of his home. “You die leaving your children and wife alone” so they say. Many critics of the government have tried before calling for protests to no avail. Failed Protest calls. The late Bombshell Blessed Geza (may his soul rest in peace) called for several failed protests and shutdowns. No one showed up on streets. None. It was business as usual on the so-called days of shutdown. People were minding their business- vendors selling tomatoes, combi drivers calling Copacabana and keyboard warriors like Ali_Naka waiting for protest images to no avail. Times have changed.

The new digital generation does not believe in violence anymore especially against an elected government. Almost 90 percent of Zimbabweans are literate. Many now have Degrees, Masters and PhDs. While some have gone diaspora-challenging the world order with their intellect. Who is educated like Zimbabweans? Can we say education enlightens? We have all become leaders. That is a Zimbabwe for you- a peaceful nation. Challenges come and challenges go; we face them head on. Zimbabweans have learnt to work hard wherever they go.

So, what does it mean to those calling for protest? At this critical time of Constitutional Amendment, the opposition still think Zimbabweans can be taken to the streets. For instance, Tendai Biti formed a group called a Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) which continues to provoke citizens against Constitutional Amendment. Biti has always been a power-hungry individual. He once rebelled against Tsvangirai and then Chamisa. Biti has a tendency of forming groups that serve his interests. Nonetheless, all these efforts end on social media. Most Zimbabweans now mind their own business. Of course they do tweet. Is that not a sign that they are past the age of street protest but debate/dialogue. Tweets have become methods of dialogue. The ground dialogue left to Parliament, Civic Organised Discussions and other consented Dialogues. Times have changed.

Dr Limukani Mathe is a Research Associate at UNISA. A Philanthropist and Community Leader