Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
The 1987 Unity Accord has been hailed for propelling inclusive development across the country, buttressed by the Second Republic’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
37 years ago, Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) leader, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe and his Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) counterpart, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo forged a strong alliance which has become the bedrock for defeating neo-imperialists under ZANU PF.
The power of that alliance has been felt across the region with neo-imperialists who seek to infiltrate regional politics finding the going tough as ZANU PF has proved to all and sundry that there is no defeat in unity.
As Zimbabweans commemorate Unity Day next week, political experts believe the Second Republic’s decentralisation of national events is a culmination of the Unity Accord.
Political analyst Kudakwashe Munsaka said, “We need to keep hammering the importance of unity because without that we would be a different country. People are able to visit in any region and feel loved because of the prevailing peace within Zimbabwe,” he said.
Dr Abigirl Mupambi, another analyst noted, “It is because of the Unity Accord that the Second Republic continues to host national events across the country’s provinces and districts. Independence celebrations go to people in Bulawayo, Mt Darwin, Buhera, Gokwe among others and as this happens, infrastructure projects are unveiled, leaving no one and no place behind.”
The President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo is equally convinced unity has taken development to every district, which is critical for national transformation.
“It was a visionary gesture by our leaders then to unite in this manner as today people are seeing the development mantra coming to fulfill that vision of oneness. You cannot miss developments across the country and no district has been spared. This cements the Unity Accord and the young generation must take it further,” he said.
The Unity Accord has also ensured long lasting peace in the country, which is fertile ground for global investment capital.
