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Herald Reporters

On December 22, 1987 the late former President and Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) leader Robert Mugabe and former Vice President and Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) leader Joshua Nkomo signed the historic Unity Accord that ended the political disturbances of the 1980s.

The Unity Accord led to the formation of single nationalist political party under the name Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu PF).

In 1997 the day was declared a public holiday known as the National Unity Day, during which Zimbabweans reflect on efforts towards peace and reconciliation in Zimbabwe.

As the country prepares to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the unity accord on Tuesday, The Herald solicited for views from the general public on the day.

Luke Muchirahondo

In Harare Mr Jephat Harry Mhandu (70) said day is important to him because it brought peace and stability to the country.

“From that time there was a lot of development since the country was stable, there was freedom to travel and a lot of construction of infrastructure such as schools took place,” he said.

Mrs Julita Katerera (79) of Domboshava said the day symbolises freedom, peace and prosperity.

“It is unfortunate that this year we will not be able to celebrate the day properly because of Covid-19 regulations,” she said.

Mr Patrick Barai (33) of Hatcliffe said the unity accord brought peace and unity in the country which in turn fostered development and prosperity.

“Unity enabled Zimbabwe to defend its sovereignty, grow its economy, uphold peace, enhance democracy,” he said.

In Mashonaland West Ms Temptation Kachambwa (32) who sells her wares in Chinhoyi CBD said: “Unity Day did not only unify the two political parties but the two major tribes in the country. The peace that we enjoy today is as a result of the unity accord. I am free to engage in my business because of that.”

Clever Mugadza (35) a taxi operator in the same town said: “My business relies heavily on peace. I have continued to operate the business since 2018 without any disturbances.

“I want to thank the late former President (Cde Robert) Mugabe and late Vice President Cde Joshua Nkoma for signing the unity accord.”

Tendai Makumbi (44) a vendor added, “Without unity there is no peace and existence of peace brings stability and progress.”

Ms Shumirai Matunhima said: “We managed to attend school freely and peacefully. Our security forces should continue to guard this peace jealously. I am grateful for the unity and peace that we enjoy.”

In Manicaland Mrs Rebecca Zengeni, a teacher at Chinyauhera Secondary School 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.”

Ms Nyarai Mafuta from Jarawani Village in Zimunya said for her, the Unity Day is important because it helped communities to be united.

“Unity day is important in that it represented the joining of two parties, so that they can plan together on how to prosper the nation. Today, we are still enjoying this unity,” said Mrs Farai Mudzokora from Zimunya.

Eighty-seven-year-old Gogo Vena from Chiadzwa said she was happy the younger generations were enjoying the fruits of the unity that came about as a result of the signing of the Unity Accord.

“I know how the unity that we enjoy today came about. I believe it gave the younger generation a brighter future. They are enjoying their life today because of that,” she said.

In Mashonaland East, Unity Vusumuzi Matibiri a young farmer from Marondera said: “Unity Day is important because it symbolises the wisdom of our leaders who set their differences aside and placed the interests of the nation ahead of theirs and their political parties.

“Without unity Zimbabwe could not be what it is.”

Jerald Mutsinziri, a local mechanic from Marondera said: “Unity Day is important because it reminds us of how our leaders, the late Cde Robert Mugabe and Cde Joshua Nkomo joined hands to bring peace in our country. There is no development without unity. The signing of the Unity Accord brought peace between the Shona and Ndebele tribes. Today we still see that unity between the two tribes.”

In Beitbridge, Mr Enock Kwinika of Goda area in Ward 5 (Beitbridge Rural) said the Unity Day was very critical for Zimbabweans since it a day on which the foundation for the country’s economic and political stability was laid.

“Where there is no unity, people are likely to think and act selfishly, which is retrogressive,” he said.

Mr Phefhumula Sibanda of Mapani Village in Beitbridge West, said the unity accord laid the foundation for teamwork and team building among Zimbabweans.

An academic from Gwanda South, Dr Omphile Marupi said the unity accord ushered in a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s history by reminding the populace the tenets of the struggle for independence.

“Unity Day is a reminder to us all as Zimbabweans that we are enjoying the peace and tranquillity because of the unity we have,” he said.

“The existing peace we have as a country cannot be ignored noting that in the region, we are highly respected as a peaceful and united country.”

Dr Marupi added that it was important for Zimbabweans to cascade the peace obtaining in the country to the future generation to maintain the legacy that defines them as a united and peaceful people not only in the region but worldwide.

In Masvingo, Cosmetics trader Ms Amanda Jokonya urged Zimbabweans to cherish the gift of unity by marking the Unity Day, noting that many countries were plunged into chaos after their leaders failed to unite.

“We are lucky that our founding fathers managed to rally our people to cherish unity, which is the cornerstone of development,” she said.

“Other countries have sad tales of conflict and destruction because they failed to unite so we should value this unity in our country.”

Masvingo taxi driver Mr Luke Muchirahondo said unity was key for socio-economic development to take place.

“Unity is very important for national development and in Zimbabwe we know that Government set December 22 every year as the day to celebrate the unity between Zanu PF and Zapu, which created the peace we enjoy today,” said Mr Muchirahondo.

Informal trader Mr Gabriel Mupasiri said Zimbabwean should cherish unity and leverage on it to grow the national economy.

“We are lucky as Zimbabweans that our founding fathers former president Cde Robert Mugabe and ex-Vice President Joshua Nkomo saw beyond and sat down to sign Unity Accord, which ended a dark and tumultuous period in the history of our nation culminating in the unity we enjoy today,” said Mr Mupasiri.

In Mashonaland Central Lindsay Tazvivinga said unity day is a symbol of unity and hope.

“On this day people appreciate the need for peace and unity in the country despite our diverse backgrounds.”

Godwin Muzavazi said the day is for all Zimbabweans regardless of their political backgrounds.

“Everyone has to celebrate this day because it reminds us of unity and peace that we cherish in our nation.”