A nation united can overcome any adversity

Dr Obert Moses Mpofu

As aptly expressed by President Mnangagwa, a divided people can never build a nation.

We all have to work together to achieve our national aspirations.

There have been several events in our history that have threatened to divide us. These events, although unfortunate, have shaped our nation and had a lasting impact on all of us.

We should, however, not live in the past, nor should we totally ignore it. We should learn from it and use its lessons to build a common and shared future, for we are one people.

We should also learn, accept and make peace with the past as we chart a new and prosperous future for our nation.

There are events such as Gukurahundi that invoke strong emotions amongst our people.

Such events, as unfortunate as they were, are part of our history.

There are very few, if any, countries that have not experienced difficulties in their history.

As nations are born and evolve, there will be hiccups and difficult situations along the way.

Zimbabwe is no different.

What is important is how such difficulties are addressed.

They can only be addressed by working together.

This is what the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme seeks to achieve.

Once this exercise is complete, our unity and cohesion as a nation will be fortified.

Unity immensely benefits our nation, whilst disunity has undesirable outcomes.

Last week, His Excellency, our President, Dr Mnangagwa, launched the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme in Bulawayo.

This is a commendable initiative. It is what our nation needs for healing.

It is the courage to confront unpleasant episodes of the past that makes all the difference.

A nation united can overcome any adversity.

It is unity that brings strength. And to achieve unity, we need to engage.

This is what the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme seeks to do.

Championed by traditional leaders, the initiative affords all those who have a stake in the matter the opportunity to speak.

We should, however, all play our part to ensure that the intention of such noble initiatives achieve the intended outcomes.

Working as a collective, therefore, becomes crucial.

As we continue working for the good of the country, let us take heed of the President’s words that we should not dwell on shadows of yesterday but focus on the future.

National healing for those who feel aggrieved is of utmost importance, and the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme offers the perfect opportunity for us to chart a path towards total national healing and reconciliation.

Zimbabwe has been on a journey filled with many obstacles, as well as opportunities.

As we embark on this highly emotive undertaking, it is important to exercise patience, calm and compassion, as well as be considerate of others.

It will be a difficult task, of course, but our chiefs, who are leading the exercise in their respective communities, are well-equipped to ensure that the initiative meets its intended objectives.

Our history as a nation should be able to spur us forward as we strive to attain our national goals.

As we forge ahead, let us never for a moment forget the importance of unity among the people of this great nation.

Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary-General of ZANU PF. He writes in his personal capacity.