The massive turnout was organized by Mugabe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, in response to recent anti-government demonstrations and a nationwide strike protesting Zimbabwe’s rapidly declining economy.
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President Robert Mugabe has accused foreign governments of remote controlling the protests against his regime and has urged his supporters to remain committed during these hard times.
But Mawarire, who is in South Africa after his arrest last week on charges of inciting public violence, told a South African television station, eNCA, that Zimbabweans loved their country and Mugabe’s statement exhibited his ignorance of the realities citizens were facing.
On Tuesday, Mugabe said that Mawarire should stay away from Zimbabwe as he was funded by foreigners and used violence to lead his protest movement.
Recent protesting in Zimbabwe has been the biggest display of dissatisfaction with Robert Mugabe in more than 15 years – with at least five people killed in one protest and scores thrown in prison.
The liberation fighters, once seen as Mugabe’s last line of defence had a meeting and said they are now being sidelined in Zanu PF yet they have a stake in revolutionary party, Bulawayo24.com heard.
Mawarire is now in neighbouring South Africa.
“I don’t know whether they are serving God. we spell God double G.O.D, they spell God in reverse”, he said to cheers from the crowd. You can’t urge people to adopt violence, violent demonstrations as a way of solving grievances, no.
They also blamed the southern African country’s economic crisis, the worst since it dumped its hyperinflation-hit currency in 2009 and adopted the USA dollar, on “bankrupt leadership”. They are not part of us as we try to live together, ‘ Mugabe said, to applause from supporters.
ZANU PF youths on Wednesday warned “pastors” and activists against “disturbing” president Robert Mugabe from delivering on his electoral promises, appealing to police commissioner general Augustine Chihuri to allow them “deal” with the clerics indulging in “funny acts”.
“Zimbabwean authorities must stop arresting peaceful protesters and allow freedom of speech in the country”.
“I would be lying to you if I said I’m not concerned [about my safety]”, Mawarire said. A man of religion will speak the biblical truth.
Many in Zimbabwe are frustrated with Mugabe and a rapidly deteriorating economy, a currency crisis and alleged corruption.
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“The correct thing is to pay the workers within the month they have worked but we appreciate that the period of delay has been reduced”, said Alexander, referring to the three-week delay in the June pay-check for most government workers.
