Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU-PF National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, has described Unity Day as a sacred milestone that transitioned the nation from a period of hostilities to an era of unprecedented economic growth and reconciliation.
The remarks coincide with today’s commemoration of Unity Day, at a time when the Second Republic’s Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme has recorded significant milestones in fostering national healing.
As of December 5, 2025, the reconciliation outreach programme had recorded a massive 22 486 testimonies and grievances since its commencement in June. Matabeleland North accounted for 55,19 percent of the submissions, while Matabeleland South contributed 44,81 percent.
The data, submitted by 74 chiefs across the two provinces, signals a strong buy-in from communities in the home-grown initiative spearheaded by President Mnangagwa to bring closure to the post-independence disturbances of the 1980s.
Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, traditional leaders have been empowered to lead the Gukurahundi public hearings, ensuring an internal and culturally sensitive process of nation-building.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Cde Machacha said the signing of the Unity Accord by two revolutionary movements, Zanu and PF-Zapu was the bedrock upon which the prevailing peaceful environment is built.
“Unity Day is observed in remembrance of the signing of the Unity Accord between Zanu and PF-Zapu, which signalled the end of hostilities in the southern provinces of the Midlands, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo,” said Cde Machacha.
“These disturbances had led to the loss of lives and the destruction of property, and the signing of the Accord allowed all communities in the country to live together in peace.”
He noted that the peace dividend had allowed the ruling party to focus on its core pillars of Unity, Peace and Development.
“The attainment of that peace and reconciliation ushered in an era of unprecedented economic growth across all provinces.
“This is why the Zanu-PF motto is Unity, Peace and Development. We know that only under conducive conditions of peace and unity can our country truly prosper,” he said.
Cde Machacha’s sentiments align with the Second Republic’s “leaving no one and no place behind” philosophy.
Reflecting on the lessons of history, Cde Machacha urged Zimbabweans to use the December 22 public holiday as a moment of reflection and education.
“We encourage peace and unity because we have learnt from our own history.
“During a period when our country was torn apart by divisions and violence, the moment our leaders came together and signed the Unity Accord, we saw peace prevail,” Cde Machacha added.
“Let us work together to build our country brick by brick and stone upon stone, ensuring a meaningful and hopeful life for all our people.”
Cde Machacha called for continued love and solidarity among citizens, stating that peace and unity remain the “essential ingredients” for the development of the country.
