Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
ZIMBABWEANS have been encouraged to cherish and uphold peace, unity, and national development in line with the Second Republic’s vision of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
As the country prepares to commemorate the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987, political stakeholders have emphasised the importance of consolidating the prevailing peace and unity, which they say are critical for Zimbabwe to achieve its long-term developmental goals.
The country’s leadership, fronted by the late former President Cde Robert Mugabe and the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, decided to pen the Unity Accord as a way of spreading peace across the country after disturbances that threatened to divide the nation.
Cde Molly Mpofu, who was a ZIPRA cadre during the liberation struggle, believes Zimbabweans must continue to cherish the gains of the Unity Accord, which has fostered development across the country.
“We are grateful to be here as a country and to have leaders who prioritize peace over conflict. This peace we are enjoying today signifies that we are ONE people, and this must continue such that we foster development as a people,” he said.
Colonel Retired George Nare said development that has been implemented across the country is credited to the existing unity, hence the need to uphold that for posterity.
“This is the time Zimbabweans must believe in the country’s leadership. Without the Unity Accord, we would not be this far. All the milestones registered are because of the existing unity. Let’s continue to demonstrate that oneness which informed our leaders to carry this forward for generations to come,” he said.
ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, said Zimbabweans must always guard the prevailing peace and unity.
“As we are set to commemorate Unity Day in a few days’ time, it gives us time to reflect on the past years to ensure we shape the future. We must remain united as a people beyond tribal lines,” he said.
Zimbabwe enjoys peace and unity that has been the basis for unprecedented infrastructure growth registered over the last 38 years.
