By Lungile Siziba
Zimbabweans must work together for the development of their country without paying attention to tribes and regions, President Mnangagwa has said.
He said this at the launch of the community engagement with traditional leaders in Bulawayo recently.
“Today we make an unapologetic statement to the effect that tribalism, regionalism and ethnic hostilities have no place in our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” said the President.
“We are determined to build as one nation, acting in unison and speaking with one clear voice. From Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare, as a unitary State, under one flag, singing one national anthem.
“The Second Republic took a deliberate decision to invite all political actors who had participated in the 2018 harmonised elections to join in a platform of national convergence. The objective is to engage in constructive dialogue amongst ourselves in the quest to achieve a collective goal of national development for the benefit of all our citizens regardless of political persuasion.”
President Mnangagwa said the overriding desire is to achieve peace, unity and harmony in the country.
And out of 23 Zimbabweans who participated in the Presidential election, nearly 20 heeded the call of unity.
Since 2019, they have joined hands in national dialogue under the banner of Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) and numerous activities and community programmes have been undertaken for the benefit of the country.
Added the President: “Today, once again we progress along the trajectory of national unity by officially launching this important community engagement programme.
“The journey towards forging national unity did not commence today. Indeed, history records that in 1987, the founding fathers of our nation (the late former President Robert Mugabe and the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo) made a decision to unite our peoples under the national banner by signing the 1987 Unity Accord.
“The 22nd of December has been set aside as a public holiday where we all take stock of our history and remind each other of our oneness. Despite our determination to achieve unity, our nation has not been spared of the divisive machinations of our detractors who seek to drive a wedge between our people, and generally destabilise our country.
“The Gukurahundi issue has provided fertile ground for those who seek to retain us in a locked position of perpetual conflict and acrimony. Some political formations have sought to use the Gukurahundi issue as a political weapon which they deploy in the regions of Matabeleland and Midlands in order to gain political mileage for selfish political ends.”
President Mnangagwa said he had noted that whenever Zimbabwe approaches elections, external forces using opposition political parties they control, make a concerted effort to incite citizens to engage in divisive conduct, “ostensibly all under the quest of achieving what they term justice for the region”.
He advised the leaders and other representatives of people of Matabeleland to be vigilant and to disregard attempts by any party or grouping to achieve political mileage through the Gukurahundi issue.
“Never again shall we be divided by those who purport to teach democracy. Our traditional leaders who are the custodians of our culture are best placed to deal with issues affecting their respective communities in consultation with Government.
“To the external detractors who seek to maintain Gukurahundi as a perennial fountain of conflict, I say to you ‘lingena ngaphi’. This is a matter for Zimbabweans and shall be resolved by the people of Zimbabwe.
“These mischievous actors have not succeeded and they will not succeed. As Zimbabweans, we have continued to boldly seek the path of peace and dialogue as a way of resolving all the issues that confront us,” said President Mnangagwa.
It is against that background that in March 2019, a grouping of non-governmental organisations working under the umbrella of Matabeleland Collective sought audience with President Mnangagwa to discuss issues affecting the Matabeleland region.
At the first meeting with the Matabeleland Collective, the President said all matters affecting Zimbabwe, including the Gukurahundi issue, should be discussed openly.
On the Gukurahundi issue, a decision was made during collective discussions that Chiefs, as the authorities closest to the people, should lead the community engagement programme.
Zimbabwe’s constitution and customary law empower Chiefs to resolve conflicts among people in accordance with traditions and customs.
The President launched the beginning of the programme driven by Chiefs.
Chiefs will start consultations and dialogue with their communities on historic and other issues affecting their welfare, in line with the Second Republic’s thrust of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
President Mnangagwa appealed to the Chiefs as they embark on this key assignment to diligently carry out their duties guided by the principles of Ubuntu.
“In the same vein, I also appeal to the general public to unite behind this noble cause. I urge the affected people and communities to cooperate with our traditional leaders in this process,” he said.
Churches, civil society organisations and community leaders were called upon to continue contributing positively to this nation building process.
All provinces and the nation at large, were implored to join hands in solidarity with the discourse.
“This irreversible process, we have embarked on, will enhance our developmental agenda to strengthen the unity of our people through a shared narrative that affirms our common identity, dignity and humanity,” said President Mnangagwa. The Government shall avail the necessary resources required for the initiative.
Traditional values should be respected at all times and divisive ideologies that perpetuate conflict should be shunned, said the President.
Chiefs were allowed to immediately assume their community engagement role in line with their traditional values.
