Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to use the National Unity Day on Friday to re-commit themselves to safeguarding, preserving and promoting the nation’s rich heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
In a speech to mark 36 years of national unity, he said the Unity Accord signed by the country’s founding fathers, the late President Robert Mugabe and late Vice President Joshua Nkomo following brief security instability shortly after independence in 1980, remains a guide for Zimbabwe.
“Today marks 36 years since the illustrious icons of our liberation struggle and founding fathers, the late comrades Joshua Nyongolo Nkomo and Robert Gabriel Mugabe, signed the historic Unity Accord in Harare on 22 December 1987. Riding on this timeless heritage, we must accelerate the attainment of our vision for inclusive development and a modernized, industrialized, prosperous and empowered society,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said, anchored on the heritage of unity, it was critical to safeguard and advance the country’s national interests.
“Every Zimbabwean, at home and those in the diaspora, must remain encouraged by the fact that we are not stuck in the past nor consumed (by) the wounds of yester year disturbances. Our nation is moving forward with hope and determination, crafting a brighter and more prosperous future for all Zimbabweans, leaving no one and no community or place behind,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the national healing process led by the traditional leadership has now been fully resourced as indicated in the 2024 national budget.
He said community-based programs will commence next year, with a broad array of interventions that will involve individuals and families affected by the security disturbances.
He added that the government was committed to accelerate development in areas that suffered delayed progress as a result of disturbances.
“This is the only way to address the needs of those affected communities for genuine and sustainable broad-based inclusive empowerment,” he said.
He called upon every Zimbabwean to shun divide and rule tactics perpetrated during colonialism and avoid being tempted by opportunistic neo-liberals who must never be given a foothold in the country.
“As such, let us all reject regionalism, tribalism, self-hate and all forms of violence. Increased production and productivity across all sectors of the economy remain our collective priority. Our developmental philosophy Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, igonamatirwa ne vene vayo, Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo must now be distilled right down to family and community levels: Musha ne dunhu zvinovakwa nevene vazvo,” he said.
On the economic front, President Mnangagwa said the formulation and implementation of policies, programs and projects will continue to be based on inclusivity.
President Mnangagwa said the decentralization of national events such as Independence celebrations, which began last year, signifies commitment to national unity and participatory governance.
Dam construction, energy, health and education infrastructure projects, he said, are being implemented for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.
“Our history must help inform and shape our development trajectory for a brighter and more prosperous future.
Together as a united people, we are the only guarantors of our independence, peace, stability, freedom and development. Let us therefore remain patriotic and continue wholeheartedly serving our great motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
New Ziana
