adminPamela Shumba Chronicle Reporter
THE country recorded a historical achievement by holding peaceful harmonised elections that should be emulated by other countries in the region, the Senior Minister of State, Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, said yesterday. Speaking during the belated International Day of Peace Commemorations at a Bulawayo hotel, Cde Khaya Moyo commended the people of Zimbabwe for maintaining peace before, during and after the elections.
The day, which was held under the theme “Education for Peace”, started with a march by two groups one from TM Hyper and the other from Basch Street Terminus (Egodini) to the venue.
Cde Khaya Moyo also planted a tree for peace at Milton Junior School.
“Today is a day to celebrate our own contributions in peace building. The first which goes without mention is the fact that Zimbabwe recorded its historical achievements that other countries in the region should emulate, that of holding a peaceful harmonised election and maintaining a post-election mode of peace and calm,” he said.
“The second one is to celebrate the milestones in as far as building sustainable peace is concerned. We have come together to celebrate the fruits of everyone of us in spheres of Government and non-State institutions or as individuals towards building the peace we have today.”
He said he was happy that the country managed to join the rest of the world in commemorating the Day of Peace.
“Although the country’s 2013 International Day of Peace celebration is belated, I am happy that today, we have managed to join millions of people who among other activities, observed a minute of silence for peace on 21 September at 12 noon in every time-zone all over the world.
“This is a day when all peace efforts are celebrated, strengthened and enforced, within and among all nations and people, thus offering an opportunity for the world to pause, reflect and consider how best to break the vicious cycle of violence that conflict creates,” he said.
Cde Khaya Moyo said the Day of Peace also provided an opportunity for individuals, organisations, communities and governments to create practical acts of peace.
“Zimbabweans, without exception want sustainable peace in order to be able to enjoy and celebrate life, the inherent freedoms and rights, and undertake meaningful and rewarding human development activities for the benefit of families, communities and the nations.
“This year, the commemoration is centred on making each other aware of our inner conflicts and eliminating their negative effects upon our intentions,” he said.
Cde Khaya Moyo commended the late Vice President Landa John Nkomo for his commitment in working for peace in the Organ for National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration (ONHRI).
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations secretary-general Mr Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country director Ms Verity Nyagah said it was time for reflection on violence and call for ceasefire.
“It is time to reflect on violence and call for ceasefire and highlighting education for peace. Every child deserves to receive quality education. We must therefore equip them for life in the 21st century. We still have a lot of work to do because more that 57 million children in the world are out of school.
“We must reverse the decline of the education sector and bring attention to the value of education. Let us invest in schools and our teachers,” said Ms Nyagah.
Every year on 21 September the global community comes together to commemorate the International Day of Peace.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Cde Lazarus Dokora, the Minister of State for Bulawayo Province, Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, officials from different Government departments, United Nations agencies, civil society, non-governmental organisations, uniformed forces and school children attended the event.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter