Over 1,000 members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA/MOZA) marched through the streets of Bulawayo today to articulate their demands to the power-sharing government. They chose to protest today as the first 100 days in office draws to a close. The protest started at four different locations, converging on Mhlahlandlela Government Complex. There have been no arrests reported at the time of this release.

The song sung by the peaceful protesters rang out through the streets of Bulawayo – ‘We are not scared to reveal failures of this inclusive government, boboza (expose it’).

Two protests began earlier than scheduled as members were eager to start. On arriving at the government complex, they handed over their list of demands and placards to the guards at the gate before sitting down to await the arrival of the rest of the participants. Bystanders were amazed to note the peaceful women and men arriving in waves and join each other seated in at the complex. Many followed the protestors to receive the newsletter outlining WOZA’s demands and to observe the spectacle. Five thousand copies of the newsletter were distributed during the four processions; all were grabbed by eager bystanders, not a single one remaining to litter the streets. People reading the list of demands were heard to be debating the content as the demonstration went by.

10 police officers came out of the Police Drill Hall as members sang their songs at the complex but they just watched and then moved off, going about their business. There were many police officers around the four starting points but they did not take action other than to call or radio in that a protest was underway. At one location, police officers were heard commenting that WOZA should not have allowed the 100 days to elapse before demonstrating. A man in plain clothes was overheard telling the civil servants at the gate, “these women are helping you.”

After the peaceful group had disbursed, a police vehicle with two officers arrived and were seen leaving with placards and copies of the newsletter left with the guards at the gate. Some placards read, ‘restore the rule of law’, ‘provide social welfare’ and ‘fix the education system’.

The protest and the list of demands handed over to the government complex today follows wide consultations with members in Bulawayo and across the country. WOZA has been conducting meetings and workshops preparing members to hold the power-sharing government accountable for the promises they make. This has been part of the Take the Step campaign, designed to encourage Zimbabweans to continue with the civic participation that they demonstrated in March 2008.

As part of our campaigning we have been reminding people to look beyond the words and promises – ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. As we march today, government should get the message loud and clear – enough talking, more doing. We have been patient for long enough.