Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement Urges Nationwide P...

Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement Urges Nationwide Protests After Freedom Day Court Appearance

Zim Now Writer

The Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement has rallied Zimbabweans to join upcoming nationwide protests, escalating their fight for the release of the imprisoned politician and a “free, just and equal Zimbabwe”.

The announcement comes after a large show of support for Sikhala at his court appearance on January 24, which they have called “Freedom Day”.

The movement said the court hearing send a clear message to the “regime in Harare” that Zimbabweans thirst for Sikhala's freedom and “FREEDOM FOR THE OPPRESSED MAJORITY.” They plan to return to court on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 11:15am for the sentencing, emphasising Sikhala's continued innocence and his role in condemning femicide in the wake of Moreblessing Ali's brutal murder.

JSSM believes Sikhala’s release will aid Ali’s grieving family in finding closure and reunite his own family, enduring hardship with him imprisoned for nearly two years. They appeal to the judiciary to “correct their wrongs” by freeing him, stressing their non-partisan stance as “progressive Zimbabweans”.

Regardless of the January 29th outcome, the movement promises “nationwide protests”, citing Zimbabweans’ prolonged suffering and section 59 of the Constitution, guaranteeing peaceful petitioning rights. They denounce the rising cost of living under Mthuli Ncube’s “cruel taxing regime” and vow to challenge it through mass action.

Additionally, JSSM urges opposition leaders to unite and offer a credible alternative to Zanu PF, emphasising that “Zimbabwe will not be freed by one messiah”. They invite all supporters of a free and equitable Zimbabwe to join their chapters and contribute to the struggle for a new political and socioeconomic order.

The Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement’s statement marks a significant escalation in their campaign for the politician’s release and sets the stage for potential nationwide protests in Zimbabwe. It remains to be seen how the government will respond and whether the judiciary will act as JSSM hopes.