Story by Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’s business community has reiterated that it will be business as usual on Monday, March 31, despite calls for protests, which have been widely dismissed as counterproductive.
Industry leaders stress that Zimbabwe cannot afford disruptions to economic activity and have urged citizens to remain peaceful.
Following government assurances of stability, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) President, Mr Denford Mutashu, told ZBC News this Friday that retail operations will continue uninterrupted.
“The shops will be fully opened and we encourage the consumers to be fully aware that our operations have the full support of the security services, what we have learnt is that demonstrations have never ever worked instead they have crippled the operations of the economy so it is within our interest that business will be as usual,” Mr Mutashu said.
Other business associations have also stressed the need for a peaceful environment with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, saying Monday will be a normal working day.
In a statement, the federation urged its members to remain focused on the gains of Zimbabwe’s independence and defending the national sovereignty.
Other business players are equally determined not to miss any productive time.
“Industry and commerce needs that platform to scale up operations and productivity becomes the hall mark of such a trend so indeed from what I have gathered it will be business as usual on Monday,” Managing Director -Bullion Group, Mr Persistence Gwanyanya said.
Government has assured the citizenry that law enforcement agents are on high alert to deal with any rogue elements threatening peace and stability in the country.
