Opposition supporters defy Mugabe

MDC supporters put aside fears of attack

Thousands of opposition supporters in Zimbabwe have disregarded warnings of violence and gathered outside Harare to protest against President Robert Mugabe's Government.

Workers have nothing to show for 20 years of independence

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai

Trade unions cancelled their customary May Day rallies, fearing attacks by supporters of the president.

But the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) - the main opposition party which has close links with the unions - drew some 2,000 to a rally.

"Workers have nothing to show for 20 years of independence and Mugabe cannot possibly change that in another year or two," MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai told journalists before the rally.

"That is why we must struggle and dedicate ourselves to removing him."

MDC activists have been killed and beaten in recent days by supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party.

Farm attacks

There are continued reports of intimidation on white-owned farms.

Morgan Tsvangirai: Call to remove Mugabe

A spokesman for a farm support group said about 200 veterans attacked four farms in the Mvurwi area, north-east of Harare, on Sunday night.

They beat farmworkers and forced them to sing songs praising President Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.

In a pre-May Day message, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) called for an end to political violence.

"We appeal to all political leaders and political parties, large and small to embrace democracy in full and use political tolerance and dialogue in order to ensure free and fair elections," it said.

Meanwhile, the ruling Zanu-PF party avoided a public test of its popularity in the capital.

The party traditionally holds a mass rally to celebrate May Day - but this year it was cancelled.

A cabinet meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, where it is believed that Mr Mugabe could announce a date for parliamentary elections.

Strike hint

ZCTU Secretary-General Isidore Zindoga hinted at the possibility of a general strike over minimum wage demands.

"If ever there's going to be a stayaway, the first stayaway will be to achieve this immediate demand because this is life-centred," Mr Zindoga said.

With economic mismanagement causing rapid inflation, the ZCTU is seeking an increase in the national minimum wage to at least 7,000 Zimbabwe dollars ($184) a month.