Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is experiencing significant progress and transformation in various socio-economic sectors since the signing of the Unity Accord 38 years ago, and therefore it is the responsibility of every Zimbabwean to continue industrialising and modernising the economy in an environment of hard work and unity, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his message on the commemoration of the 38th Unity Day anniversary yesterday, the President said since the signing of the Unity Accord, the country has recorded “countless victories” highlighting the strength of the nation as a cohesive unit.
“As we reflect on the journey we have travelled since the signing of the Unity Accord, we continue to celebrate the countless victories we have scored as Zimbabweans,” President Mnangagwa said.
“The National Development Strategy 1, which concludes this year has delivered.
“Going forward, NDS2 was launched, with our focus shifting to industrialisation, value addition and inclusive growth.
“We are committed to accelerating the transformation of our economy, creating jobs and improving the quality of life of our people.”
President Mnangagwa said the peace and stability being enjoyed in the country has seen various sectors across the economy breaking production records and positively impacting the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
“The agriculture sector is flourishing, with record-breaking production in maize, wheat, cotton and tobacco, among other crops,” the President added.
“This upward trend of production and productivity must be sustained during this current season as we consolidate national food security and sovereignty.
“Similar success is being experienced in the mining sector, where output of minerals has been on the rise.
“Efforts are underway to upscale local processing of the minerals, in order to realize the best value for our God-given resources.
“The manufacturing sector is expanding, while tourist arrivals are on the increase.
“Infrastructure development projects are positively impacting lives and livelihoods.
“Such notable advancements in these and other sectors of our economy, have all been possible as a result of the prevailing unity, peace and stability which our country is enjoying.”
The President also added that the Second Republic will continue to consolidate the gains of independence and unity through implementation of various measures and policies.
Despite its various cultures and tribes, President Mnangagwa said, Zimbabwe will remain a unitary state, an inheritance bestowed to the nation by the country’s forebearers.
He said: “My Government remains committed to the mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that we consolidate the gains of the independence, unity and peace, bequeathed to us by our forebears.
“The ongoing Government-led Gukurahundi National Outreach Programme through the guidance of our traditional leaders, is receiving Government’s support, towards promoting National Healing, Unity and Reconciliation.
“Fellow Citizens, Countrymen and women; Zimbabwe is a unitary state, a land with many cultures, languages and tribes that make us a uniquely diverse society, united under one flag and one national anthem.
“No culture, language or tribe, is superior over any other. Differences in perspectives, ideas and approaches may arise, these must, however, be amicably resolved through dialogue.
“This is the inheritance and ethos left for us by our Founding Fathers, through the historic Unity Accord we are celebrating today.”
President Mnangagwa called on Zimbabweans to shun attempts that seek to divide the nation, show seeds of disharmony and hatred.
He said the country’s national unity is scared, thus the onus is on Zimbabwean to guard, preserve this critical pillar of our nationhood.
“Under my Administration, there is no room for antagonistic and divisive differences, which breed hatred and disharmony,” he said.
“No attempt to divide us, will ever succeed.
“This is the individual and collective pledge we must all make on this important day, across every community within our borders.
“Our national unity is sacred. This day must see us all, re-commit ourselves to guarding, preserving and promoting this critical pillar of our nationhood.”
He called the nation to remain patriotic and defend the image of the country.
The President said this sense of pride should be extended to every province and district across the country.
