ZANU-PF Youth League has said the signing of the Unity Accord on December 22, 1987, between liberation movements PF-Zapu and Zanu-PF symbolises political tolerance and the promotion of cultural diversity.
Today marks the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Unity Accord. The historic agreement brought to an end post-independence political divisions and disturbances.
In a statement yesterday, Zanu-PF Youth League secretary for legal affairs Cde Phineas Makombe said the Unity Accord brought to an end the post-independence political conflicts and united Zimbabweans.
“The signing of the Unity Accord is by far the most significant symbol of political tolerance in cultural diversity in the history of Southern Africa and beyond. The two political parties realised the need for this country to go forward while protecting the gains of what they had fought for during the liberation struggle,” he said.
Cde Makombe said the Unity Accord set a pedestal for economic growth and democratic space.
“The nation’s founding fathers, the late Comrades Joshua Nkomo and Robert Gabriel Mugabe put their differences aside and prioritised nationalism and patriotism, which was one of the clarion calls of the Unity Accord,” he said.
Cde Makombe said in line with his development agenda of leaving no one and no place behind, President Mnangagwa is buttressing the spirit of unity among Zimbabweans.
He noted that for a country to progress, there is a need for unity of purpose among the citizenry.
“Lack of unity is a catalyst of many social upheavals, war, discontent, and irreconcilable civil political differences, which if left to blossom can cause serious socio-economic decay which is detrimental to the county’s development,” said Cde Makombe.
He said the setting up of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) symbolizes the Second Republic’s commitment to tackling post-independence disturbances through national healing and reconciliation.
Cde Makombe said the Zanu-PF-led Government under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa has stepped up the fight against imperialists bent on dividing the nation.
As the country commemorates Unity Day, Cde Makombe urged youths to desist from being cannon fodders of the imperialists working against their country.
“Today’s youths regardless of political orientation, colour, creed, race or ethnicity are identified as Zimbabweans and should be at the forefront of fostering peace and reconciliation. They should be patriotic and focus on contributing to the country’s economic growth,” he said.
“Young people must take a leaf from the country’s founding fathers who were selfless, which clear mirrors how divisions are destructive typical of the Rwandan genocide of 1992 involving the Tutsi and Hutu ethnic groups.”
Cde Makombe said the development of Zimbabwe requires all citizens to put their hands on deck when it comes to nation building and as espoused by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo”.
He said unity among Zimbabweans is a basic pillar of development and for posterity. – The Chronicle
