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ZANU-PF leaders in Matabeleland have praised the Second Republic under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa for promoting unity and inclusive development that leaves no one and no place behind.
The remarks come as the nation prepares to commemorate the 38th anniversary of Unity Day next Monday, marking the signing of the historic Unity Accord between ZANU and PF-Zapu in 1987.
The Unity Accord, signed on 22 December 1987 by the late former President Cde Robert Mugabe and the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, brought together the two former liberation movements under the banner of Zanu-PF, laying the foundation for peace, stability and national cohesion.
In separate interviews yesterday, Zanu-PF leaders in the region said the Government has continued to advance the spirit of unity through inclusive development initiatives anchored on the Second Republic’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
Zanu-PF Politburo member and Bulawayo Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Judith Ncube said the signing of the Unity Accord laid the foundation for a peaceful country. She noted that the Accord ended years of conflict that threatened to tear the nation apart and ushered in inclusive development.
“The Unity Accord is one of the major political milestones in Zimbabwe since independence. It extinguished the fires of conflict in our nation and established the foundation of peace and unity that we enjoy up to now.
“Today, we are witnessing development under the Second Republic in the form of infrastructural projects, notably the construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani — a project first mooted in 1912 but never implemented under the Rhodesian administration until the advent of the Second Republic,” said Cde Ncube.
She said the project will address water challenges in Bulawayo and boost food security.
“Lake Gwayi-Shangani is expected to create an irrigation greenbelt for communities along the 252km pipeline to Bulawayo and permanently address water challenges in the city,” she said.
Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Mabutho Moyo commended the Second Republic for championing unity and spearheading national healing and reconciliation, particularly through efforts to address the Gukurahundi issue.
“In 1987, the late former President Mugabe and the late former Vice-President Joshua Nkomo, as leaders of ZANU and PF-Zapu respectively, put aside their differences and prioritised nation-building. This day remains a key milestone in the existence of Zimbabwe as a united nation,” he said.
Cde Moyo said while Unity Day had been commemorated over the years, meaningful healing required decisive action.
“The holiday alone is unfortunately not enough without deliberate action on healing. For years we celebrated Unity Day, but something was still missing. However, the ushering in of the Second Republic saw His Excellency President Mnangagwa, as one of his first acts in December 2017, commission a healing instrument through the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission,” he said.
Cde Moyo urged Zimbabweans to embrace Unity Day and support the ongoing reconciliation processes.
“A united nation thrives, while a divided one falls. It is never too late to heal and find closure. I urge Zimbabwe to unite and support this noble and necessary process,” he said.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo said the ruling party remains the resolute custodian of the principles enshrined in the Unity Accord, with tangible development and national healing serving as proof of its relevance.
“As we approach the anniversary of our historic Unity Accord, we are reminded that this agreement was not merely a political settlement, but a sacred covenant for peace, a definitive end to conflict and a bold blueprint for a unified, inclusive Zimbabwe,” he said.
Cde Moyo said under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the Unity Accord was being translated into real development outcomes.
“In Matabeleland North, leaving no one and no place behind is no longer a slogan, but a lived reality. Through the Second Republic’s devolution agenda, we are witnessing unprecedented infrastructure development,” he said.
Cde Moyo cited projects such as the Lake Gwayi-Shangani construction, expanded road networks and the establishment of new clinics and schools as clear evidence of the Unity Accord in action. Beyond infrastructure, Cde Moyo said the Government remained committed to national healing.
“The National Peace and Reconciliation programmes remain a cornerstone. The ongoing consultative processes, including hearings on post-independence disturbances, are a critical and courageous part of this journey aimed at fostering justice, truth and closure,” he said.
He added that President Mnangagwa’s philosophy Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo has reinforced collective nation-building and inclusivity.
“As we commemorate Unity Day, let us look at the bridges being built, the roads being paved, the lights coming on and the peaceful platforms for dialogue now open. These are the true fruits of our hard-won peace,” he said.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial deputy chairperson Cde Albert Nguluvhe said the Second Republic has put in place deliberate strategies to strengthen unity and consolidate the gains of the 1987 Unity Accord.
“38 years ago, Zanu-PF leader Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe and his PF-Zapu counterpart Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo forged a strong alliance through the signing of the Unity Accord. Since then, Government has continued to foster unity, particularly under the Second Republic,” he said.
Cde Nguluvhe said unity has also ensured long-lasting peace, which remains critical for investment and economic growth.
“This is a clear indication that no place is better than the other and we are one people, thereby cementing the spirit of oneness which was birthed by the Unity Accord. It has helped to eliminate marginalisation of some communities. We need to continue upholding unity because it has birthed significant development,” he said.
Cde Nguluvhe said the Second Republic’s decentralisation of national events, with Matabeleland South set to host the 2026 Independence Day celebrations, is a culmination of the Unity Accord. He said infrastructure development projects have been rolled out in the province, bringing the much-awaited development.
He said enforcing unity has also ensured long-lasting peace in the country, which is critical for investment. The Government’s decision to hold Gukurahundi hearings is a significant milestone in fostering unity.
“The Second Republic has taken a bold move to hold the long-awaited Gukurahundi public hearings. This Government-led national healing and reconciliation initiative will play a crucial role in unifying the nation,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
“It was an important step for Government to accept that something happened during the Gukurahundi era which left scars. People will now be able to let out what they have been holding onto for so many years. Hopefully, people will be able to bury their departed ones.”
Cde Nguluvhe added that unity has further been promoted through inclusive governance, youth empowerment, economic development in marginalised areas and enhanced access to information through the establishment of new media platforms.
He said through devolution, local authorities have been empowered to drive development and decision-making, bringing governance closer to communities.
