ON Tuesday, December 22, 1987, the Unity Accord was signed bringing together the erstwhile liberation movements of Zanu (PF) and PF- Zapu under the banner of Zanu-PF, a development which ushered in peace in the country.
Today, the nation commemorates the 35th anniversary of Unity Day. The Unity Accord is credited for ending post-independence political disturbances commonly known as Gukurahundi.
The Unity Accord was signed by the late former President, Cde Robert Mugabe, and the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo.
Mindful of what they had fought for, Dr Nkomo and Cde Mugabe realised that a compromise could only save the young sovereign nation from plunging into anarchy, so the two leaders decided to make bold steps. They sacrificed a lot of personal interests for the benefit of the country.
The Unity Day heralded a new Zimbabwe, a new beginning, and a dawn of a new era. Looking back, citizens recall the agony they experienced because of the clashes and political disturbances prior to signing of the Unity Accord.
Gogo Sibusisiwe Nkomo from Bubi District recalls receiving the news of the Unity Accord during a meeting. She said the development brought a sigh of relief to her as she could not bear the hostility and violence any more.
“We thank God that the commotion and agony that we were experiencing at the time came to an end because of the signing of the Unity Accord. People were no longer safe during daytime and night and even the innocent people were being victimised,” said Gogo Nkomo.
“A lot of people died and there was a lot of fighting. Children were no longer going to school because of the violence and there was no freedom of movement. We were called for a meeting where we were informed about the Unity Accord and personally I was relieved.”
Gogo Nkomo said the Unity Accord brought the much needed peace and tranquility in the country.
Former freedom fighter, Cde Gilbert Dube said the Unity Accord played a significant role in ending hostilities that were prevailing in the country.
He said it was painful to see the country plunged into violence after blacks had successfully fought to liberate their country.
“The Unity Accord assisted in bringing to an end the hostilities and tensions in the country. The signing of the Unity Accord was a conflict management strategy that saw the two liberation forces putting their differences aside and focusing on working together for the development of the country,” said Cde Dube
“Before the Unity Accord was signed there were clashes all over the country and the forces from the two political parties could not see eye to eye. It wasn’t easy to integrate the different forces into a single army, but eventually, it happened after our leaders took the initiative to put their difference aside and unite”.
Mrs Maretha Dube from Gwanda said the hatred that existed before the signing of the Unity Accord between different ethnic groups in the country was an issue of grave concern.
She said instead of people enjoying the gains of the liberation struggle, political tensions flared with bloodshed.
“A lot of clashes were recorded before the Unity Accord and an example is the Entumbane Uprising which occurred between 8 and 12 February 1981 where a lot of lives were lost. This was all because of tribal differences,” said Mrs Dube.
She said she was relieved when the news of the Unity Accord was announced to the people.
Mrs Dube said now that the disturbances came to an end, more focus and energy should be redirected towards developing the country.
Mr Hlelani Ncube from Bulawayo said he recalls hearing news of the signing of the Unity Accord on television.
He said while many had reservations about it, he felt that it was the best move which the political leaders could have taken.
Mr Ncube said the political leaders had to put the interests of the people first. He said as the country celebrates Unity Day, he is fully aware of the significance and importance of the day. – The Chronicle
