Venue: Budiriro Suburb, Harare.
Date: 21 January 2012
Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu-PF, continues its practice of forced attendance of political gatherings in a campaign leading up to the election later this year. Community members are publicly threatened by Zanu speakers with promises of retribution from Zanu-PF youth militia if there is no attendance. In this clip, the speaker goes so far as to say that should someone not want to attend, that the absence be considered a crime and that the individual should leave their home and flee.
Public roll-calls are a common occurrence where those in a community not present are reportedly dealt with by the youth militia. Furthermore, the possession of paid-for Zanu-PF membership cards is also mandatory. Failure to produce a membership card is considered a serious offence by Zanu leaders and is punishable.
Post published in: News