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with people taking advantage of the public holiday to conclude their festive season shopping.
Others marked the day by spending quality time with their loved ones.
All the events that characterised the National Unity Day were done in a peaceful environment that was brought about by the Unity Accord signed on 22 December 1987 by President Mugabe and the late national hero Vice President Joshua Nkomo.
In Bulawayo the Governor of Matabeleland South province Angeline Masuku, reminded residents that unity was an essential ingredient for development.
Governor Masuku said this at the Bulawayo province Unity Day celebrations held at Davies Hall.
She said youths were still not empowered in many aspects resulting in some of them not having a sense of ownership of the country.
“Youths should defend the country, which has survived many challenges including the illegal sanctions,” said Governor Masuku.
“We have fought our battles as the elderly and done everything to protect this country from enemies and all those that want to divide us and loot our resources. The youths should be equipped and financially empowered so that they do not sell this country to our enemies who have tried in vain to destroy it.”
She said it was essential that the youths understood the importance of Unity Day and be able to carry on its message and meaning for the benefit of future generations.
“The unity that we have has brought peace and development to our lovely country. We have discovered resources that will benefit us. The valuable natural resources would not have been discovered if we were still fighting,” said Governor Masuku.
Cde Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, a Zanu-PF Politburo member said the day meant a lot to the country as it also reminded citizens that they stood united and never bowed to foreign pressures that worked towards destroying the country.
“I am glad to tell you that our leaders, President Mugabe and the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo managed to come together and unite. Unlike in many cases where foreign mediators are engaged to solve conflicts, these great leaders were able come to a resolution without engaging the United Nations or other foreign mediators,” said Cde Ndlovu.
He said people had to remember where they were coming from and to consider what the country has achieved so far before complaining about their suffering and calling for regime change.
“Everyone has to celebrate this day because in remembering it, we are reminded of how disputes almost cost us the great, peaceful and lovely nation that we boast of today,” he said.
Bulawayo Zanu-PF chairman Cde Isaac Dakamela said the nation also needed to be reminded that the internal conflict that existed between Zanu-PF and PF-Zapu was not between the Ndebele and the Shona.
“It would be very bad if people are not reminded that the war was never between the Ndebele and the Shona as some mischievous people claim. These two parties had their own leadership structures that comprised both the Ndebele and the Shona,” he said.
Entertainment groups from different districts which included Amakhosikazi Entuthuko provided entertainment.
Midlands State University head of the politics and public administration department Dr Mark Chingono said Unity Day should be more comprehensive and should “transcend political parties”.
“It should be more than just a party issue,” he said.
Dr Chingono said unity at grassroots levels was more important than that of the political elites.
In Harare the major highlight of the day was the international women’s football match between Zimbabwe and South Africa played at Rufaro Stadium to mark National Unity Day.
Many people flocked to the stadium as witnessed by long and winding queues that started forming by mid-day.
Queues that formed at most banks in Harare eased yesterday, with ATMs recording intermittent visits, a sign that most people managed to withdraw their cash.
Liquor outlets recorded brisk business as patrons took advantage of their time off work to throng beerhalls and bottle stores.
The situation was near normal at Mbare bus terminus that is usually characterised by congestion as people travel to different destinations for the festivities.
But commuters complained of illegal fare increases by operators.
Mr Emanuel Chinake who was on his way to Mutare said bus operators had increased the fare from $5 up to $20.
“There are fewer buses on the road due to a blitz by the police and this has fuelled the fare hikes,” said Mr Chinake.
Mbuya Nyamuzuwe was on her way to Mutoko, but had not found any transport by midday.
“I have to travel today in order to avoid last minute travelling because many people will be heading for their rural homes tomorrow,” she said.
“However, I am optimistic that I will find transport by the end of the day.”
Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo hailed the peace and unity that prevails in the country, saying that was the prerequisite for development.
“Unity is a requisite for peace and development. Without unity there is no peace, without peace there is no development, without development there is no prosperity,” he said.
Cde Khaya Moyo said Zimbabweans should cherish and celebrate National Unity Day.
He said the day was meant to reflect on the sacrifices made by fallen heroes, adding it was because of the prevailing unity that Zimbabweans had managed to regain their land.
Cde Khaya Moyo said the people were now “on a thunderous march to totally own their God-given natural resources through indigenisation and economic empowerment.
“As we were our own political liberators, so shall we be our own economic liberators. The Unity Accord is the key to this process and to our destiny,” he said.
Zanu-PF secretary for administration for Magamba Ward in Mabvuku, Cde Tendai Mutupanyama, was delighted that the majority now knew the significance of Unity Day.
“We’re glad that many people now understand the significance of the Unity Day celebrations,” he said.
“Although there are no major activities taking place this year, we are advocating that the Unity Day Gala be held on 22 December next year.”
Cde Mutupanyama said there was more need for orientation of youths on the importance and significance of the Unity Day.
Zanu-PF chairman for Takawira District in Mbare 3, Cde Zebron Muchenje, said the match between Zimbabwe and South Africa at Rufaro Stadium was important for the day.
“We had to cancel a challenge match between Mbare Select and Mabvuku Select in order to accommodate the Rufaro Stadium match,” said Cde Muchenje.
He said they expected more activities at next year’s celebrations in Harare’s oldest high-density suburb.
The Unity Accord was signed in 1987 by the liberation movements Zanu-PF and PF-Zapu.
It brought Zimbabweans together to focus on developing the country following years of disturbances in Matabeleland and the Midlands soon after independence.
MDC-T national organising secretary Nelson Chamisa said unity was important.
“Unity is our maker and creator’s desire for progress and development,” he said.
Mr Chamisa said the Unity Day should not be a day for the elites and political parties, but should be unity of the grassroots where all Zimbabweans agree on national issues.
He said unity should transcend all towns, cities, farming areas and communities, adding that once unity based on common interests was achieved, Zimbabwe would begin to witness development.
Mr Chamisa said unity should cascade to churches, sports arenas, and all spheres of the national fabric. — Chronicle Reporter/Harare Bureau.
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