Zimpapers Logo

Herald Reporters 

Zimbabweans from all walks of life have described unity as a critical ingredient for peace and stability in the country and called upon every citizen to foster unity for national development.

They said this in separate interviews yesterday ahead of the commemoration of the 34th National Unity Day today. This year’s Unity Day commemorations are being held under the theme: “United Towards Vision 2030.” 

The Unity Accord, which gave birth to the annual commemorations, was signed between PF-Zapu and Zanu (PF) on December 22, 1987, and is credited for the peace that Zimbabwe enjoys to this day.

Yesterday, farmers said the unity that was forged by national leaders in 1987 has ensured political stability, which has in turn, created a conducive environment for agricultural production. 

The Unity Accord, said the farmers, has allowed everyone to focus on the task of producing to feed the nation in a peaceful environment.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union president Mr Abdul Nyathi said it was because of the prevailing peace in the country that farmers are able to speak with one voice and work together for the development of the agriculture industry and the nation. 

“Unity Day is important for farmers more than anyone else. For a country to prosper and enjoy its natural resources, there has to be peace and political stability,” said Mr Nyathi. 

“Zimbabwe is a land of farmers and they are the majority of the population. The Unity Accord brought peace and stability. 

“As farmers, we unite in feeding the nation. Farming is a business and for it to grow, there is need for peace and political stability. God will bless whatever we do if we have peace among us.” 

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Dr Shadreck Makombe, said Unity Day was important to farmers as it helps agriculture to contribute to economic growth through the optimum utilisation of available resources in an environment where there is tolerance, peace and tranquillity. 

Cotton Growers and Marketers Association chairman, Mr Stewart Mubonderi, said if people were united, they would be better organised and can advocate for improvement of services and prices with one voice. 

“The Unity Accord brought peace which led to the stabilisation of the economy. Political stability will lead economic development. 

“Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy and depends on farmers. We hope the prevailing peace will continue so that we can produce and develop without fear,” he said. 

In Beitbridge, most youths said they were grateful to the authors of the Unity Accord that built the foundation for the prevailing peace and cohesion in the country.

“This is a day that marks the coming together of the two major political parties, in the spirit of fostering peace and development, and we will forever cherish it,” said Mr Michael Madhewu, a youthful entrepreneur in the border town.

“In fact, having a national unity of purpose has benefited us in a lot of ways including working together with other countries, upholding peace, and enhancing democracy.

“Therefore, the youth can learn to work together in unity, peace and with dignity. We need a peaceful environment for us to grow the country’s economy, at the same time boosting regional and international trade.”

Ms Kudakwashe Mukandatsama said people must take advantage of the National Unity Day to demonstrate kindness, love and support towards each other.

Fishers in Lake Kariba have also hailed Unity Day as a template upon which they have built their success. 

The fishing industry is now highly unionised and players are now speaking with one voice. 

Zimbabwe Kapenta Producers Association secretary-general Mr Nesbert Mapfumo said problems in the industry were being solved through unity. 

“Unity is a pillar in any development effort. The same applies to the fishing sector,” said Mr Mapfumo.

“The more we continue to be divided, the more problems we have. If we are united, we will tackle all problems holistically.” 

Ironically, blacks started venturing into the fishing industry from around 1987, mainly as cooperatives.

More blacks have now joined the fishing industry. 

Nyanyana Anglers Association Mr Abraham Mukono said unity was key for peace, which promotes development. 

“Unity Day is very important for the country and our well-being. As fishers, we can only be stronger through unity and that unity has been shown by the associations and unions that bring us together for development,” he said.

A University of Zimbabwe student, Mr Mussa Kanyongo, said the unity that prevails in Zimbabwe had brought unparalleled development in the country.

“The economy is stable and massive construction projects are underway targeting roads and schools. All this is happening because of the unity prevailing in the country.”

A secondary school teacher Mrs Ellena Chipangura said: “Unity Day is important for us as Zimbabweans because it fosters unity between all races, tribes and clans so that we can co-exist and enjoy the fruits of our country together.

“This will help in the development of the country and to plan everything together as Zimbabweans without discriminating against each other.”

An informal trader in Harare, Mr Gabriel Mupasiri, said Zimbabweans should cherish unity and leverage on it to grow the economy.

In Mashonaland East Province, a war veteran Mr Abel Marimo under Chief Svosve said: “As we celebrate unity, we bear in mind that as Zimbabweans we are one, we have to fight for our economy to prosper.”