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The Herald, December 23, 1987
THE leader of Zapu, Dr Joshua Nkomo, urged Zimbabweans not to think about who had gained or lost in the unity agreement signed yesterday.

What was important was the spirit behind the agreement — national unity.
Speaking after the signing of the Unity Agreement between Zanu-PF and Zapu, Cde Nkomo pledged to work for the success of national unity.

He said the document should be seen as an instrument for uniting the people of Zimbabwe irrespective of tribe, race or political affiliation.

The agreement was “a reality that our people should accept and throw their weight behind . . .”
What was contained in the agreement was a true feeling from both political parties. “This is the beginning of unity, for unity is not just the signing of documents, unity is what follows.”

Cde Nkomo appealed to the leaders of the two parties to be sincere in their endeavours to implement the agreement, otherwise “these signatures will be in vain”.

The Zapu leader said the decision and desire to achieve unity had been motivated by the two leaders’ willingness to leave for the future generations a peaceful and united Zimbabwe.

He said Zapu and Zanu-PF fought together during the struggle under the banner of the Patriotic Front.
Cde Nkomo said the PF did not fight against white people, but fought against a system that was evil, and the spirit of reconciliation reassured those people the PF fought against.

He said the signing of the agreement would enhance the success of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Commending President Banana for the tireless efforts in advocating national unity, Cde Nkomo said it would have been sad for the President to leave his office at the end of the month without achieving his goal —national unity.

LESSONS FOR TODAY
• The central figures to the Unity Agreement — Cdes Mugabe, Nkomo and Banana — had to forgo their egos for the sake of national unity. These are rare leadership qualities, now missing in today’s new breed of leaders, who brazenly boast that they’re working with the country’s detractors to make the economy “scream” even more.
• Both Cdes Mugabe and Nkomo saluted the facilitation role played by President Banana, a role that is yet to be celebrated by our historians.
• As Dr Nkomo says, there is no point in appending one’s signature to a document of such national importance, if there is no sincerity, otherwise “these signatures will be in vain.”
• Is it an evolutionary process to a mature democracy since every few years, Zimbabweans have national dialogues mediated by local and/or international mediators? Where do we get it wrong in between these agreements meant to bring lasting peace? And, what will break the jinx if we successfully had the Lancaster House Agreement, policy of national reconciliation, the Unity Accord and the Global Political Agreement?
• Dr Nkomo said constitutionalism was the nation’s compass, and emphasised that the role of the Unity Agreement was to “enhance the success of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.”

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