Ordinary Zimbabweans over the weekend expressed scepticism on the value of the Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting against the coronavirus, saying the event is a “waste of time”.
A Harare resident, Bernadette Mazaiwana, told the Daily News that the government should focus on stabilising prices of goods and services rather than organising prayers and fasts.
The government is busy organising prayers yet the prices of basic commodities are increasing daily.
Organising a prayer without dealing with the root cause of our country’s problems will not solve anything.
We can fast and pray, but will still be confronted by the same harsh reality.
Another consumer, Chamunorwa Marecha, told the publication that President Emmerson Mnangagwa should admit that he has failed and invite MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa for talks to deal with the country’s problems. Said Marecha:
Prayer only works when you admit your sins and repent from them. President Mnangagwa and his government need to admit that they have failed.
They must invite MDC Alliance leader (Nelson) Chamisa and others to the round table … to find ways of solving the country’s worsening problems.
Prices of basic foodstuffs have continued to skyrocket with a loaf of bread now selling for anything up to $68, depending on the shop, with sugar producer Tongaat Hulett hiking the price of sugar this week to $140 for a 2kg packet.
The retail prices of other staples such as rice, meat, eggs and mealie meal also been rising in tandem with the depreciating local currency.