Coalition Claims Reduced Activity as Nationwide Stay-Away Begins

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare

A coalition backing Friday's planned nationwide stay-away says its preliminary assessment indicates reduced economic activity in parts of Zimbabwe, citing quieter central business districts, lower school attendance and an increased security presence in major urban centres. Sungano yeVanhu – Ubumbano Lomphakathi (The People's Coalition) said its initial observations showed reduced traffic and congestion in central business districts, while police deployments had been stepped up in several towns and cities. The coalition is spearheading what it calls the Constitutional Restoration Campaign, opposing the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Act (No. 3), 2026, also referred to by the coalition as Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026.

Coalition reports reduced activity

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, spokesperson Jacob Ngarivhume said the observations were preliminary and that monitoring was continuing across the country.

"These are preliminary observations, and we continue to monitor developments across the country," Ngarivhume said.

"The indications so far suggest that many Zimbabweans have chosen to stay away as a peaceful expression of their views on Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026."

According to the coalition, there was reduced movement in some urban centres, with fewer vendors operating at Freedom Square in Harare, where police officers and water cannon vehicles were reportedly deployed.

The group also claimed that school attendance appeared lower than usual in several areas, although no official figures had been released by education authorities at the time of publication.

Transport disruptions cited

The coalition further alleged that magistrates' courts had issued an unusually high number of warrants of arrest after accused persons failed to attend court proceedings, attributing many of the absences to transport difficulties linked to the stay-away. Southerton Business Times could not independently verify the coalition's claims regarding court attendance, school absenteeism or the extent of business closures by the time of publication.

Stay-away linked to constitutional changes

The stay-away was called by social media activists following the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Act (No. 3), 2026, which was signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 7 July 2026. The legislation has generated legal and political debate, with several court applications challenging aspects of the amendment already before the courts.

In the days leading up to the planned stay-away, the Government, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe National Army warned against acts of violence, urging citizens to maintain peace and comply with the law. The coalition, meanwhile, commended citizens who it said had conducted themselves peacefully and reiterated its call for non-violence and adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law. Authorities had not issued an official assessment of the stay-away's impact by the time of publication.

Zimbabwe stay-away