Editorial Comment: Masvingo Province has shown the way

senators in Masvingo last week, Jomic provincial co-chairperson Mr Wilstaf Sitemere (MDC-T) attributed the amity to increasing levels of tolerance between Zanu-PF, MDC-T and MDC supporters in Masvingo.
He also challenged legislators in the province to promote tolerance and to sensitise supporters on the importance of attending Jomic meetings.
Mr Sitemere’s message was echoed by the other co-chairs who urged political leaders at all levels to carry the message of co-existence to their constituents.
These are the messages we want to hear from all in leadership.
President Mugabe had been the lone voice before the other principals stepped to the plate to echo his sentiments.
The principals have, infact, set the requisite example in their weekly Monday meetings which, by their own admission, are permeated by camaraderie and spirit of Team Zimba- bwe.
We hail the leadership in Masvingo province for sending the right signal particularly as we countdown to the impending harmonised elections scheduled for later this year or early next year.
It has always been quite ironic that while the leaders meet and interact cerebrally in various forums, the supporters will be busy bashing each other at the grassroots.
The blame for the violence therefore lay squarely with the leadership, particularly as it is said a fish rots from the head down.
But now that the head has rejected the rot, we hope the structures will do the same.
And we urge other provinces to follow suit.
All parties, not necessarily the GPA ones represented in Jomic, should carry the message of peaceful co-existence to their supporters, no matter how insignificant the support base.
Be that as it may, the positive vibes from Masvingo are commendable. And we hope the leaders will continue walking the talk.
We are inspired by their call for tolerance because as the leadership they easily relate, and spend a lot of time together but when some address party supporters, they tend to change tune and give supporters bad messages.
Messages that advocate violence against rival party members.
We hope the leadership in other provinces will emulate Masvingo.
They have the responsibility of reining in their supporters and explaining to them the nature and expectations of the inclusive Government.
The inclusive Government was put in place to foster an environment of political and socio-economic stability in readiness for elections.
The past three years would have gone in vain if party supporters continue bashing each other in the run-up to elections.
We hail the leaders even more for coming up with a code of conduct to bind all political parties.
Under the code, political parties fomenting violence will be held accountable as the Code of Conduct compels them to publicly campaign against violence.
The Organ on National Healing and Reconciliation is seized with establishing a National Peace and Reconciliation Council to resolve political disputes.
We urge all progressive Zimbabweans to maintain the spirit of tolerance and maturity espoused by the Head of State and Government, and put shoulders to the wheel to move the inclusive Government forward.
We are aware that there are many, particularly in the West who are not amused by the prevailing peace.
They badly need violence to justify claims that the inclusive Government will abort or to trash the forthcoming elections should the outcome go against their expectations.
The one trait that separates man from other primates in the animal kingdom is possession of speech and the ability to solve differences through dialogue.
Let’s use our brains not brawn in political discourse, and through it all find a happy way of differing.