Staff Reporter
Political analysts have commended citizens for not succumbing to social media-driven calls for nationwide protests on the 31st of March. Despite weeks of online agitation, the public largely ignored the demonstrations, which had been widely circulated through various digital platforms. Analysts say this is a clear sign that people are becoming more discerning in distinguishing genuine concerns from attempts to destabilize the nation.
Leading political commentator Dr. Edwin Moyo said the failure of the protests to materialize demonstrates that citizens are aware of the dangers of misinformation and foreign influence.
“The public has shown political maturity by refusing to be used as pawns in a larger scheme that seeks to create chaos. Social media can be a powerful tool, but when used irresponsibly, it becomes a weapon for disinformation and manipulation.” Moyo said.
Social media had been awash with messages urging citizens to take to the streets in protest against various economic and governance issues. However, authorities and analysts had warned that such demonstrations were not only illegal but also counterproductive.
Political analyst Linda Ncube noted that the flopping of the protests reflected a growing understanding among citizens that protests do not provide lasting solutions to national challenges.
“Real change comes through structured engagement, dialogue, and policy discussions. The idea that taking to the streets will solve deep-rooted issues is outdated. People are beginning to understand that stability and progress require constructive approaches rather than disruptive actions,” Ncube stated.
Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, also weighed in, praising citizens for refusing to be misled by social media propaganda.
“Zimbabweans have shown great awareness and responsibility by rejecting these attempts to incite unrest. The government remains committed to addressing national issues through dialogue and engagement, not anarchy and disorder,” Muswere said.
Security experts pointed out that such protest calls are often orchestrated by individuals with hidden agendas, using digital platforms to create an illusion of mass dissatisfaction. Another analyst, Tinashe Dube, noted that while social media plays an important role in modern communication, it has also become a battleground for misinformation.
“Many of these protest campaigns originate from groups that do not have the best interests of the nation at heart. They capitalize on public frustration and amplify discontent to create a false sense of crisis,” he said.
Observers argue that the failure of the protest calls should serve as a lesson on the importance of critical thinking when engaging with online content. They say national issues should be addressed through legitimate channels, such as policy reforms, stakeholder engagement, and institutional processes rather than through street protests that often lead to instability.
