… as Zimbabwe Marks 38 Years of Unity Accord
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to national unity, declaring that no force will ever succeed in dividing the country, as the nation marks the 38th anniversary of the Unity Accord.
In his Unity Day address, the President described unity as a sacred pillar of Zimbabwe’s nationhood and urged citizens across all communities to recommit themselves to preserving peace, cohesion, and a shared national identity.
“Our national unity is sacred. This day must see us all recommit to guarding, preserving, and promoting this critical pillar of our nationhood,” President Mnangagwa said, cautioning against actions or attitudes that could sow division.
“At no time should we allow our personalities to be instruments of division,” he added.
He further urged Zimbabweans to patriotically defend the country’s image and uphold the values of being united, peaceful, and hardworking.
The historic Unity Accord, signed on December 22, 1987, by the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe and the late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, brought together ZANU and ZAPU, laying the foundation for lasting national unity.
President Mnangagwa said the Accord ushered in an era of unity that remains a cornerstone for peace, stability, and development.
“This day remains forever etched in the rich history and heritage of our beloved motherland. Inspired by the spirit of the Unity Accord, we are working together as one indivisible nation towards a prosperous upper-middle-income society for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
He highlighted that Zimbabwe’s unity had enabled the country to overcome numerous challenges, including Western-imposed unilateral coercive measures, stressing that external pressure would not derail the nation’s development trajectory. “No amount of pressure, falsehoods or vilification will divert us from our people-centred development path,” he said.
The President also pointed to progress achieved under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which concludes this year, and the recent launch of NDS2, which will focus on industrialisation, value addition, and inclusive growth. He said the Government remains committed to accelerating economic transformation, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for Zimbabweans, noting strong performance in agriculture, with increased production in maize, wheat, cotton, and tobacco.
President Mnangagwa reiterated Government’s dedication to national healing, unity, and reconciliation, citing the ongoing Gukurahundi National Outreach Programme, guided by traditional leaders.
“No culture, language, or tribe is superior to another. Differences will arise, but these must be resolved amicably through dialogue,” he said, adding that unity and peace remain enduring legacies of the country’s founding leaders.
He emphasised that Zimbabwe is a unitary state with diverse cultures, languages, and tribes, united under one flag and one national anthem.
“This sense of pride should extend across every province and district, from Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare. Takabatana, Tirivamwe; Sibambene, Simunye,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also called on all Zimbabweans to uphold the values of unity and mutual respect, noting that the nation has recorded numerous successes as one united country since the signing of the Unity Accord. He said the historic agreement remains a timeless reminder that Zimbabwe’s strength lies in togetherness and a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.
