Alarmed by recent disturbing acts of violence and vitriolic dimensions which many politicians have taken since the inception of intra-party elections, several hundreds of Christians descended on the streets of Harare today in a religious march dubbed Walk Your Talk Peace March.
Led by Zimbabwe Divine Destiny (ZDD) leader Bishop Ancelimo Magaya, the massive demonstration was meant to encourage politicians to campaign harmoniously and be tolerant to diverse views.
Starting just a few minutes after 10 am, the march took off at Corner 3rd and Central Avenue and moved along 4th Street, halting at Samora Machel to give prayers, and proceeded to Jason Moyo thereafter.
The marchers carried signs that read, “The Church Shall Never Be Silenced by Earthly Rulers, Stop Intra and Interparty Violence, Love Thy Brother/Sister, Peace cannot be kept by Force” among other messages.
They later assembled at Africa Unity Square park for a key address from various speakers.
Besides Bishop Magaya, other key speakers at the march were ZDD Provincial Chairman Reverend Gathre Melusi, leader of the Wailing Women Organisation Bishop Rachel Mushonga, Human Rights Lawyer Doug Coltart (Citizens Manifesto), Sheperd Mazorodze (Zimbabwe Prayer Network – ZPN), United Citizens Alliance Youth Director Tawanda Kalonga, and a delegate from the War Veterans Peace Initiative Forum (WVPIF).
During their addresses, leaders de-campaigned violence-instigating politicians and appealed to citizens to desist from fanning violent conducts.
Walk Your Talk Peace Talk comes just a day after President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced July 30 as the poll date.
It is also a second great demonstration after the Africa Day Peace March which happened last week.
ZDD announced that they will host yet another peace march on the 27th of June, three days before the elections.
You can watch videos from the march and key speeches on our facebook page here and on Twitter here.
