Staff Reporter
The much-publicised March 31 protests, fronted by expelled former ZANU PF member, Blessed Geza and his allies, have been exposed as a money-making scheme for a select few, with investigations revealing that key organisers are personally benefiting from diaspora-funded donations meant to finance the demonstrations.
A well-placed source intimately involved in the protest planning told this publication that what is being sold to the public as a "people's revolution" is, in reality, a carefully orchestrated plot by a small circle of individuals to enrich themselves under the guise of anti-government activism.
"This so-called revolution is a scam. The likes of Geza, Godfrey Tsenengamu, Wellington 'Nyokayemabhunu' Masiwa, and Joel Mugariri have been receiving substantial funds from diaspora well-wishers who believe they are supporting a genuine protest movement. But in truth, these men are pocketing the money while sending poor youths to face teargas and police batons," the source revealed.
According to the insider, substantial amounts of money have been flowing in from Zimbabweans abroad who were convinced they were contributing to a legitimate cause.
However, instead of being used for mobilisation, logistics, or assisting protesters, the funds are allegedly being misappropriated by the protest leaders.
"There are spreadsheets and transaction records showing thousands of dollars coming in, but very little is being spent on actual protest preparations. These men are living large—suddenly upgrading their lifestyles and making suspicious financial transactions—all while telling desperate youths to risk their lives on the streets," the source added.
Another Harare-based activist who initially supported the protests but grew suspicious, confirmed the financial irregularities.
"At first, I believed in the cause, but then I noticed how Geza’s inner circle were suddenly flashing money, booking expensive hotels, and holding secret meetings in upscale restaurants. Meanwhile, the actual potential protesters—mostly unemployed youths—were being given nothing, not even transport money. It’s a disgrace," the activist said.
One youth who had been recruited for the protests but later backed out shared his disillusionment.
"They promised us allowances, food, and legal support if arrested. But when we asked for even bus fare to attend their meetings, they said there was no money. Yet we see them posting from fancy places. They are using us," said Tinashe Chiweshe, a 24-year-old man from Chitungwiza.
Political analyst, Tendai Gwenzi weighed in stating that such exploitation undermines genuine activism.
"When protest leaders prioritise self-enrichment over the struggle, they claim to champion, they betray the very people they claim to represent. This kind of greed destroys trust in any form of opposition politics," Gwenzi said.
As the March 31 protest date approaches, questions linger over whether the demonstrations will even materialise—or if they were ever meant to, beyond serving as a fundraising facade for a select few.
