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Paidamoyo Chipunza Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS from all walks of life yesterday called for peace and reconciliation as the nation today celebrates Unity Day.

They said it was time to ensure the country develops middle income economy status by 2030 as per President Mnangagwa’s vision.

Zanu-PF secretary for Information and Publicity Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo said the Unity Accord, signed by former leaders of liberation movements Zanu-PF and PF-Zapu on December 22, 1987, formed the basis of unity for all Zimbabweans.

He said the unity must be respected and defended at all costs.

“This agreement formed the basis of the unity of our people across the country and must be respected and defended at all costs. Efforts to derail it must be discouraged. The letter and the spirit of the Accord must be upheld at all times,” he said.

Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Judith Ncube said there was need to unite as a country and enable economic drosperity.

Minister Ncube said without unity even at family level, no meaningful progress can be                                   realised.

“We need to put our heads together so that we take charge of our situation and progress as a nation. Without unity, even at the smallest unit, which is a family, you do not achieve anything,” she said.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association secretary-general Cde Victor Matemadanda said the benefits of the liberation struggle were not meant for one person but the majority of Zimbabweans.

“The spirit of fighting for liberation was not to liberate one person but every Zimbabwean to unite, progress and develop. We did not fight to be in power but to prosper as a nation,” he said.

Cde Matemadanda condemned some political leaders whose hunger for power exceeded national interest.

“What we saw on November 18 (2017) is the true spirit of unity, which should be appreciated and always upheld for the development of our country.

“Conflicts do occur but they must be solved through the proper channels without resorting to violence,” he said.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth Cde Pupurai Togarepi said differences must never be allowed to divide the nation.

“We should never again allow our differences whether religious or political to degenerate into conflict. When we differ, let us always seek unity,” he said.

MDC-T vice president Mr Obert Gutu said it was time Zimbabweans appreciated that they were one people.

“We can be compartmentalised into our different political parties but at the end of the day, there is more that unites us than divides us,” said Mr Gutu.

He said national interest must override individual interests.

“This is what nationhood is all about. This is what really defines patriotism. The gallant sons and daughters of the soil who paid the ultimate sacrifice to liberate us from racist Rhodesian colonial bondage will turn in their graves if we remain this divided, angry, hateful, bitter and malicious,” he said.

The Unity Accord was signed in 1987 by the liberation movement leaders, former president Robert Mugabe and the late Dr Joshua Nkomo leading to the formation of Zanu-PF.