‘Prevailing peace must lead to development’

POLITICAL and traditional leaders have said Zimbabweans must use the peace prevailing in the country to work to develop their country.

Zimbabwe celebrates Unity Day today following the historic Unity Accord signed between PF Zapu and Zanu-PF in 1987, giving birth to Zanu-PF.

In separate interviews, political and traditional leaders said the peace prevailing in the country is a result of the Unity Accord and citizens should be grateful to the sacrifices and work done by our leaders.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo said Unity Day is important for economic development.

“Unity Day is an important day because after liberating us, our leaders saw that we were divided along tribal lines and they sat and signed an accord to address the divisions and fights. So it is this unity that has led to the economic growth we are witnessing today. Unity Day is an important day as it assures investors of the peace that prevails in the country,” he said.

Cde Jaheliduna Ndlovu, popularly known as Mpisi from Monde outside Victoria Falls said Unity Day should be a reminder of the sacrifices made by the country’s leaders.

He urged citizens to observe the day with tolerance and respect for those that fought for the prevailing peace.

“Unity is not complete if you don’t unify war veterans who fought the war and felt the pain of liberating this country. So that’s the purpose of Unity Day, it should start with war veterans.

“Generally, when you talk about independence and unity some people don’t understand it. We forget that whatever economic and political freedom we are enjoying came through blood and sweat,” said Cde Ndlovu.

Bulawayo-based traditionalist Mr David Mhabhinyana Ngwenya implored Zimbabweans to show pure unity and respect for each other, as well as the founding principles of the country.

“All that our leaders preached about to unite this country is not being followed. We should go back to basics and have elders who were there who have the duty to guide the younger generation. We need to explain the truth to our people especially the youth who are lost. We should be able to gather all the information and share with the younger generation so that we remain united as a country,” he said.

Mr Ngwenya encouraged the older generation to return to the olden days and teach the younger generation cultural values.