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Open letter to all Zimbabweans - Stay-Away - Wednesday, 22 January, 2003
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
January 16, 2003

The NCA is calling upon all Zimbabweans to stay away from work for one day on 22 January 2003. This is a call for a collective expression of a view point to the politicians. A stay away is legal and legitimate. Each one of us is born with a fundamental right to express his/herself. This right remains an individual right, even when we express it as a group. The right cannot be taken away, whatever the circumstances.

In calling for this stayaway, the NCZ is asking Zimbabweans to say the following messages to the Mugabe regime:

• That we are angry at the following things resulting from bad governance: food shortages, fuel shortages, transport blues, high cost of living, unemployment, shortage of drinking water, wanton killings, endemic poverty and political violence.
• That we desire a new constitution, which is democratic and provides for good governance.

A time must come in the life of every nation, when those who are governed tell the ruling politicians a straight message – that you are causing us misery. Is this not the time? The NCA believes this is the time. The solution is to push for an open democracy where we can all freely participate in shaping our destiny. This is what the NCA stands for.

But, we must make it clear that a one-day stay away is the beginning of a long road to real freedom. We must start the journey now. Many more stayaways and other forms of mass action will be required. If we follow this path, success is certain.

We look forward to your support on Wednesday, 22 January 2003.

Yours sincerely
Lovemore Madhuku
NCA Chairperson

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