‘Unity will triumph over adversity’

Wallace Ruzvidzo

Herald Reporter

THE unity among Zimbabweans must stand as an immovable barrier in the face of adversity wrought by the country’s erstwhile detractors whose sole aim is to see Zimbabwe divided and in disarray, President Mnangagwa has said.

Under the Second Republic, buttressing unity among citizens has been a top priority and a vital cog in the country’s developmental efforts.

The President on Sunday launched the historic Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme in Bulawayo, laying the foundation for everlasting national healing and peace.

Writing on his official X account yesterday, President Mnangagwa said: “Yesterday, I launched the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Programme to promote national cohesion and healing. Let us unite, address historical grievances and foster reconciliation under the guidance of our Chiefs. Together, we choose reconciliation over retribution. #Zimbabwe  #NationalUnity”.

In his remarks at the launch of the programme at State House in Bulawayo, the President said Zimbabwe was aware of continued efforts by the country’s detractors to instil divisions and instability.

Their efforts would however come to naught, he said.

“History records that all internal divisions amongst us as a people have been instigated by our detractors in various guises through generations. It is our detractors who worked tirelessly to pit one tribe against the other during the colonial era.

“These oppressors sought to sow seeds of division amongst liberation struggle fighters and within communities. Their interference and machinations were designed to divide us and consequently created our post-independence conflicts,” said the President.

“We are aware that the same forces have not abandoned their ultimate goal of thwarting the realisation of our determination to remain as united Zimbabweans.

“Our unity must stand as an immovable barrier to prevent their historic goal of subjugating us in numerous ways including in the economic sphere. The interference by our detractors manifest itself in different  ways.”

He put the country’s erstwhile detractors on notice that all their various manifestations would not succeed.

Zimbabwe, the President said, would continue on its economic development trajectory.

“They manifest as political parties with a regional agenda, which seeks to divide our people and to question the unitary nature of our State. We see them!”

The country’s detractors have roped in so-called non-governmental organisations to push their nefarious agenda, but President Mnangagwa said they would not succeed as long as Zimbabweans are     united.

“They manifest as voluntary organisations ostensibly concerned with the people’s plight, yet they exaggerate and magnify regional grievances whilst at the same time seeking to belittle our efforts at reconciliation and unity at the behest of their founders. We see them!

“They are present in all forms of the media, including social media, propagating statements of hatred, difference and vengeance against specific groupings of our nation. We see them! Let us all say to them you shall not succeed,” he said.

The attainment of the country’s national goal of becoming an upper-middle-class economy by 2030, said President Mnangagwa, hinged upon the maintenance of a united front by the general citizenry.

“This unity is not simply an aspiration; it is the cornerstone upon which we will build a brighter future for all.

“A future where every citizen, regardless of their background, feels invested in our shared goals.

“A future where our collective energy is directed towards achieving our national vision — a vision where prosperity and opportunity touch every corner of our land, where education unlocks potential, and where healthcare shall remain a right, and never a privilege,” he said.

The President said every Zimbabwean had a role to play in the country’s developmental efforts, as no one and no place would be left behind.

“This programme is a strong statement of intent in our quest to cement the unity of our country against the odds that are thrown at us by our eternal detractors.

“This vision, ambitious, yet attainable, cannot be realised in a climate of division. It requires the collective strength, the unwavering commitment, and the active participation of every Zimbabwean,” he said.