adminRunesu Gwidi Masvingo Correspondent
Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Ezra Chadzamira has urged the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to ensure that its thematic committees are non-partisan and use a socially-cohesive approach in dealing with conflicts.
Speaking during a recent outreach programme held by the NPRC in Masvingo, the minister said it was important to major on peace and unity building rather than meddling in party politics.
“For the peace committees to succeed in their co-business of bringing peace and reconciliation through dialogue, they must not carry with them politically- motivated grudges,” said Minister Chadzamira.
“The Second Republic under President Mnangagwa apparently values harmony, unity, social cohesion and amicable conflict management.
“What unites us is greater than that which divides us. For instance, when Cyclone Idai struck the country, even well- known political foes had to re-unite for the common purpose of assisting victims.
“I would like to thank the people of Masvingo remaining peacefully connected. You will note that our people did not take part in the violent industrial shutdown which took swept most urban settlements countrywide.”
He continued; “It is not enough to talk about peace, but to believe in it and then work on it. Our Head of State is taking bold steps towards promulgation of legislative reforms and economic recovery.”
Minister Chadzamira said there was a correlation between peace and economic development.
He said a peaceful society was free from social unrest and other risks.
“Investors do flock to that society, which would certainly result in speedy economic recovery,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Jeffres Chitando, an alleged political flip-flopper, who initially was in the MDC-T before defecting to the National People’s Party, and rejoining the MDC- A, nearly caused chaos at the same NPRC organised programme.
He told participants in the meeting that he was not happy seeing his opponents, who allegedly assaulted him during the previous elections walking scot-free.
“There is no national healing and reconciliation if politicians who attacked us during previous elections are still walking scot-free,” said Mr Chitando.
The outreach was also attended by traditional leaders, representatives from various Government departments, civic society organisations and NPRC commissioners.
Online Reporter