adminThe leadership at various levels should take it upon themselves to preach the gospel of peace. Violence has in the past claimed lives, maimed others, destroyed property and stalled development. Political differences have been the major source of violence. Supporters of different political parties are usually the major culprits of violence and it is therefore incumbent upon leaders of political parties to preach the gospel of peace.
The country can only prosper if there is peace and tranquility. Political instability as a result of infighting does not only cost lives and property but also scares away investors. The inclusive Government has demonstrated that people from different political parties can co-exist and work together as a team as long as they have a shared vision. Cde Mugabe in fact said the principals to the inclusive Government surprised many by working cordially when they were expected to quarrel and this is as it should be.
The President said he managed to relate well with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara. The cordial relations that the principals are enjoying should cascade to the different structures of the three main political parties. The fact that the nation continues to witness sporadic cases of violence in the different parts of the country confirms that there are individuals within our midst who have not embraced the leadership’s anti-violence crusade.
These are individuals who believe that they can only resolve challenges emanating from their political differences by engaging in violence. The political leadership, we want to believe, has by now learnt that people cannot be coerced into voting for an individual.
Beating up people is in fact a primitive way of mobilising support whose results are always negative. The country is preparing for both the referendum scheduled for anytime this year and the harmonised elections set for next year and what should be at play is persuasive language.
It is only those individuals who manage to convince people to be on their side who are the winners at the end of the day.
Zimbabweans should not dread national events such as the referendum and general elections but should instead look forward to participating in such events. This can only be so if the people are guaranteed peace before and after the elections or the referendum.
Cde Mugabe, as already alluded to, has made it a point that each time he addresses a gathering, he reminds the people of the need to refrain from violence and it is time all those in leadership positions from national level right down to the village become peace ambassadors.
Violence, as already stated, has all the negatives associated with it and it is therefore a victory if as a nation we are able to avoid it. The nation should be able to identify and punish severely individuals fanning violence.
The youths have in the past been abused by such individuals who pay them money to fight their own brothers, sisters or even parents. We want to once again say no to violence and Zimbabwe which is known for its high literacy rate should engage in the battle of the minds as opposed to violence.
Online Reporter