Harare, Zimbabwe (News of the South)-The recent hike in data bundle charges by telecoms operators after the setting of new floor prices by regulator POTRAZ has drawn the ire of prominent lawyer and activist Fadzayi Mahere who has questioned the seeming fear for social media by authorities.
Telecommunication regulator POTRAZ recently set new floor prices which all telecommunication operators are expected to abide by and the move has resulted in the country’s largest operator Econet’s data charges spiking up.
The move has been attacked by various personnel as government’s move to limit public interactions on social media in the aftermath of recent social media driven political demonstrations.
The Pastor Evan Mawarire inspired #ThisFlag and activist movement Tajamuka have of late carried stirring demonstrations against the government using social media to rally people and organize their activities.
However this POTRAZ hike of data charges is set to curtail much of that social activity thus drawing the anger of political activists.
Mahere who recently also championed a court action against banks for exorbitant charges says the public should stand up against this move.
“US $100 is not enough to buy 4GB of data!
“Let that sink in. Why does the system fear social media so much?’ she questioned.
“Shall we start buying South African lines and rely on international roaming for life? Now is the time to show ‘resilience’”.
“What’s our way forward? How do we win the data war? Toita sei? Any bright ideas?’ she said.
Another social media commentator drew a staggering parallel between Zimbabwe’s new charges and Mozambique’s.
“With six USD, yes $6. You get 5GB in Mozambique. Let that sink in. The difference in unbelievable”, he said.
Social media has become the new rallying ground for various anti-government movements in the country operating behind the safety net of technology in a country that is gripped by an excessive fear for authorities.
This new system has helped dismantle the web of fear resulting in some never before seen demonstrations where citizens have squared against police.
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