The group thought to be organising a march on Saturday to State House in Harare, where members are expected to demand the resignation of 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe, has distanced itself from messages on social media calling for support for the event.
Messages under #Tajamuka said members and supporters would meet at the Africa Unity Square in the capital, but on Friday the group denied it had anything to do with the messages.
“Going to State House is treasonous and we are not going to participate in treasonous activities,” said the group’s spokesperson, Sten Zvorwadza.
“We are not part of that agenda, but other individuals who are bent on tainting our image by linking us to violent activities have come up with this plan.”
Zimbabwe has been rocked by protests since last week Friday when the government imposed a ban on basic food imports and other commodities from South Africa. Cross border traders protested in BeitBridge on both sides of the border.
The protests, which have turned violent in some areas, spread from BeitBridge to Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
On Wednesday the protests escalated when teachers went on strike over delayed salaries. The strike coincided with the call to stay away from work by a group known as “#This Flag”, led by pastor Evan Mawarire, whose campaign to speak out against the ills affecting Zimbabweans has gained traction on social media platforms.
Although political parties have made no claim to the ongoing unrest, #Tajamuka has claimed credit for the growing resistance to government laws that impoverish many Zimbabweans.
On Friday, the Zimbabwe government appeared to relent with reports in state media saying the import bans were being revised.
Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, who was heckled in London by Zimbabweans living there, said the import ban was aimed at curbing the flight of US dollars from the country.
Zimbabwe is caught in a serious cash crunch with most banks unable to process transactions.
The government has warned of a crackdown on dissenters, especially those using social media to spread “subversive messages”.
Zvorwadza said he, together with #Tajamuka member Promise Mkwananzi and Pastor Mawarire, were being targeted by state security agents for leading the protests.
Mawarire has indicated that he intends to call for another stay away.
“What we are saying is the idea of having people march from Africa Unity Square to State House is machinations of enemies who are bent to tarnish our image and accuse us of banditry and treason, something which is not part of us,” said Zvorwadza.
He warned against the march, saying #Tajamuka would only engage in peaceful protests.
The fiery activist, however, said it was inevitable for the nation to shut down because everyone was suffering, with people not being allowed opportunities to fend for themselves.
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