Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
UNITY must start from the family level, cascading to other facets of life, as that is the only way people can forgive each other for past wrongs and forge ahead to create a united and developed nation.
These were the sentiments of Politburo Member and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo Province, Cde Judith Ncube who suggested that the National Unity Day commemorations should also be localised and not only discussed at political level.
The National Unity Day is celebrated annually on 22 December, a day set aside to commemorate the signing of the Unity Accord of 1987 between Zanu-PF and PF-Zapu.
The historic document was signed by the late former President, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe and late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo which saw the end of various political disturbances experienced in the Matabeleland region and parts of Midlands Province.
This year’s Unity Day celebrations are going under the theme, Unity day theme: United Towards Vision 2030.
“When we start the month of December each year, it reminds us of an important time, 22 December showed the qualities of leaders that we had. They saw it fit to bury the hatchet and as a country be able to move forward despite our differences.
This is an important lesson that we learnt as a people to forgive each other and move forward. This is why we have this important day set aside and celebrated. Even in families, unity is important, also at the work place so that we all achieve set goals, we have to be united as one in peace.
When we discuss anything in the family or at the workplace, they must be discussions that are developmental and peaceful as that is the ultimate goal so that we reduce poverty,” said Cde Ncube.
She said she was happy that political parties back then saw it fit to dialogue and solve their differences amicably.
“I would like to honour the leadership that saw it fit that parties sit down, converse and let bygones be bygones. We are grateful to our leaders as this is a clear testimony that if a people are united, there is peace and harmony in the country. This, however, needs us to continuously work closely together in order to develop the nation,” she said.
In Bulawayo, as part of the Unity Day celebrations, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) will have a steam train excursion from Bulawayo to Plumtree Town.
“I am yet to confirm with them the numbers of those that will take part on this train ride. This will give people the opportunity to travel together, chat together and enjoy. Traditionally, the President’s message on National Unity Day on the day will be read out in the province,” said Cde Ncube.
Zanu-PF provincial chairman Cde Obert Msindo said the developments being experienced in the country were a clear testimony that a united nation was destined for prosperity.
“There were always cries of marginalization of the provinces on this end but for now there has been so much development that has come through courtesy of President Mnangagwa and the people are happy.
“That is where our unity is evident because if you look at developmental projects like the rehabilitation of roads, provision of water through work being done on the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and many more. All people in Matabeleland are cognisant of these developments, even going further to the Methane gas projects, it’s all positive developments,” he said.
Cde Raymond Mutomba, the Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration in Bulawayo said the direction the party is taking in regards to unity was a positive one. – @NyembeziMu.
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