Unity promotes development

Sione Amidu, Gwanda Correspondent

IN the last few years, the rainbow province as Matabeleland South is affectionately referred to has recorded significant infrastructure development, which has seen the lives of ordinary citizens improve exponentially. 

The obtaining peace in the country, which finds its footing in the signing of the Unity Accord on 22 December 1987 has been instrumental in fostering development across all of the country’s 10 provinces. 

The late former President, Cde Robert Mugabe and late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo signed the historic Unity Accord, which gave birth to the united Zanu-PF.

The peace pact followed some disturbances in the Matabeleland region and the Midlands, which have come to be known as Gukurahundi. 

Gukurahundi has been blamed for stalling development especially in the Matabeleland region, which was affected by the 1980s disturbances.

While it seemed as if the country would not confront its dark past, President Mnangagwa, breaking from the past when he came into power, took a bold decision by committing to address the social effects of Gukurahundi, while stating that the country should not be held back by its past.

The Unity Accord brought about peace which has culminated in the country’s vast development  as Zimbabwe forges ahead with its vision of becoming an upper middle-class economy by 2030.

The Government has adopted an accelerated drive for infrastructure development across the country, building schools, dams, roads, factories, education facilities, health facilities as well as creating a conducive environment which has seen the country becoming an investment destination of choice.

In an interview, Gwanda Mayor Councillor Thulani Moyo said the Unity Accord brought about a lot of development across the country as citizens continue in the spirit of working together.

“A lot of infrastructure has been constructed in the province which includes schools, clinics, dams and roads. This thrust resonates with the Government’s vision, which is in the process of transforming the province into an upper middle-income economy by the year 2030.

“The fruits of the Unity Accord are being seen in the President’s philosophy which states that Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. This statement brings people together and focuses on development without discriminating each other.

“Brick by brick, we have been developing our town leaving no one behind because of the unity among us. This has seen development coming to Gwanda. We have an open door policy and our town is open for business,” said Clr Moyo. 

He said developmental projects that the Second Republic has worked on using devolution funds have positively impacted Matabeleland South.

“Devolution funds have ensured the success of the projects. We have seen the development of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road,Tuli-Manyange Dam, schools like Garanyemba, Tshanyaugwe, Jahunda, the new court building and many other developmental projects being done in the province are a result of the peace and unity prevailing in the country.

“Recently, the President launched a blueprint within local authorities and we are driving the economy of the country. This brings people together to govern local issues; we have seen devolution and decentralisation whereby development is brought locally. The locals decide what they want to do in terms of development and in terms of job creation,” said Clr Moyo.

Ms Nozithelo Mabhikwa a miner operating in the province said the Unity Accord which aimed at national reconciliation, has created a stable environment essential for development initiatives. 

She said it has been a catalyst for positive change in the province.

“In Matabeleland South, the presence of a cohesive and stable environment fosters an atmosphere conducive for development. The collective efforts have attracted investments and sustained projects as infrastructure development requires collaboration and unity among various stakeholders.

“The improved infrastructure in Matabeleland South is a tangible outcome of collective effort, reflecting the unity and stability that has contributed to the province’s overall progress. Examining notable developments post the Unity Accord such as dam construction, schools, clinics and road construction would reveal the pivotal role unity played in fostering progress,” she said.

Mr Ntuseng Moyo, a renowned businessman from Gwanda said the signing of the Unity Accord brought about peace among all ethnic groups and tribes across the country. 

“We are witnessing the unity between everyone; there is no development without unity. Because of the unity and stability that is there in the country, people have learnt to understand each other and work together with confidence. We have people coming from other provinces because of this unity. In the past, it was very difficult for people from other provinces to come and help in developing our province.

“We have formed partnerships with people from other provinces and in that process, development takes place. In the mining sector, they bring their own resources to come and work here with confidence because people are united,” he said.

Mr Moyo said there is no marginalisation in the country and all provinces are benefiting from the Government’s developmental projects.

“One Government was formed as a result of the Unity Accord and it ensured that there won’t be marginalisation. This has seen all provinces benefiting from the Government. In our province, we have seen a lot of dams being built like Mtshabezi and Zhove. This has helped develop the province as people have solar-powered irrigation.

“A lot of roads have been tarred including the Gwanda-Guyu Road. We have seen the revitalisation of irrigation schemes such as Guyu-Chelesa and Makwe irrigation schemes just to name a few.”