Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
AS Zimbabwe commemorates Unity Day tomorrow, the nation reflects on a monumental journey of nation-building.
Established on 22 December 1987, following the historic signing of the Unity Accord by the country’s founding fathers — the late former President Cde Robert Mugabe and the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo — this day remains a hallowed pillar of Zimbabweans’ national identity.
Under the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, the spirit of the Unity Accord has been transformed into a living, breathing catalyst for socio-economic transformation.
A legacy of shared sacrifice
The peace and tranquillity Zimbabweans enjoy today are not accidental. They are the fruits of a common struggle for liberation where Zanu and Zapu, through their respective military wings ZANLA and ZPRA, fought side by side.
This collaborative spirit, which was evident at the Lancaster House Conference, laid the groundwork for the Unity Accord — a priceless gift that has shielded the nation from the civil wars and unrest seen elsewhere on the continent.
As the late Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, once noted: “The Unity Accord is against tribalism, regionalism and racism. It promotes respecting one another and treating each other as one big family.
“As we celebrate Unity Day we should take cognisance of the fact that no-one is greater than the other because of his/ her birthplace. We are all equal citizens of Zimbabwe and we are called upon to play our part . . . together we cannot fail.”
Leading by example: The Second Republic’s vision
Since his inaugural address in 2017, President Mnangagwa has consistently reinforced the message of reconciliation over retribution.
By declaring himself “everyone’s President regardless of colour, tribe or race,” the Head of State and Government has fostered the stability necessary for economic prosperity.
His mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” underscores that national development is a collective responsibility that transcends superficial binaries of class, gender or geography.
Addressing the past, securing the future
A defining hallmark of the Second Republic’s commitment to unity is the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme.
Unlike previous eras, the current administration has taken the bold step of seeking grassroots closure on historical injustices.
Led by traditional leaders, this home-grown initiative has seen significant progress. As of 5 December 2025, the programme recorded an impressive 22 486 testimonies and grievances, demonstrating a transparent and sincere commitment to national healing.
By addressing these “dark chapters”, the Government is ensuring that the unity of the nation is built on a foundation of truth and mutual respect.
Unity as a driver of NDS1 and NDS2
Building on the President’s vision, it is evident that the philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind” has transitioned from a powerful rhetorical stance into a tangible reality through concrete developmental milestones across all of the country’s 10 provinces.
In the realm of infrastructure, the Second Republic has embarked on an unprecedented scale of road rehabilitation and dam construction.
These projects are not centralised in metropolitan hubs but are distributed across every province, ensuring that even the most remote areas are integrated into the national economy and have access to essential water resources for both domestic and industrial use.
In the agricultural sector, the Government’s commitment to grassroots empowerment is showcased through the highly successful Intwasa/Pfumvudza programme.
By focusing on climate-proofed agriculture at the household level, this initiative has become a guarantor of food security for millions.
This approach ensures that the “place” being developed is the individual smallholder farm, fostering a sense of national pride and self-sufficiency that transcends regional boundaries.
These policy frameworks are designed to be inclusive, creating an economic environment where growth is shared and sustainable.
By stabilising the currency and inviting investment, the Government is building an economic fortress that supports the broader goal of national unity.
The impact of these initiatives is deeply rooted in the key pillars of national unity. Social cohesion, for instance, acts as a primary stabiliser that prevents civil unrest and creates a welcoming environment for foreign direct investment.
When a nation is at peace with itself, it becomes a more attractive destination for capital. Similarly, inclusive policies ensure that historically marginalised regions finally benefit from national resources, closing the gap between the periphery and the centre.
The ongoing efforts towards reconciliation are also perhaps the most vital for long-term progress. By healing historical wounds, the nation is able to move past old grievances and align under a singular, focused national vision.
This call to action requires every Zimbabwean to play their part; it is an invitation to move forward as one people, ensuring that the legacy of peace left by our founding fathers is translated into a legacy of prosperity for future generations.
A call to action
As we celebrate this day, the message from the highest office is clear: Zimbabweans must reject self-hate, regionalism and violence. Unity is the cornerstone upon which our development trajectory is built. Unity Day is more than a holiday, it is a celebration of our unwavering determination to grow as a sovereign people.
It is now the duty of the current generation to protect this peace and work tirelessly towards the shared vision of a prosperous Zimbabwe.
Long live unity! Long live Zimbabwe!
Bongani Ndlovu