Zimpapers Logo

Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]

DECEMBER 22, 1987 will remain etched in the memories of Zimbabweans as a significant day for uniting fellow countrymen beyond political interests as leaders prioritised national interests ahead of personal gains.

It is not a secret that the formative years of the country’s independence had serious political challenges which have become known as Gukurahundi.

The late former President Cde Robert Mugabe is on record having said the era was a moment of madness.

But beyond that, scars that were caused by Gukurahundi, were hardly addressed despite the repeated calls from people from Matabeleland and Midlands, to have them addressed.

Their argument was that the Unity Accord brought about a political solution but the social impacts were left unattended to.

While it seemed as if the country would not confront its dark past, President Mnangagwa, breaking from the past when he came into power, took a bold decision by committing to address the social effects of Gukurahundi, while stating that the country should not be held by its past.

He declared that solving Gukurahundi was his personal mission as he did not want to leave a youth with scars from the past.

“We have to boldly confront and tackle the aftermath of that era, heal wounds it left in its wake and where possible assuage persistent difficulties and challenges traceable to it. This, I am resolved to do until we remove whatever bitter memories may exist and are likely to linger. We are the generations that must resolve early independence conflicts, so we must release our children to move forward as united people,” said President Mnangagwa in his 2021 Unity Day message.

The President said devolution projects being implemented by his Government are expected to accelerate development in communities that have previously been labelled as marginalised.

His message followed a series of meetings that he had already held with civil society organisations under the Matabeleland Collective in 2019 and thereafter traditional leaders from the region to find a way of solving the 1980s issue.

Fast forward to 2023, it is encouraging that traditional leaders have conducted the necessary trainings equipping them to start the Gukurahundi hearings.

President of the National Council of Chiefs Chief Mtshane Khumalo, briefing the media earlier this week, said what is now left is for President Mnangagwa to launch Gukurahundi public hearings, allowing chiefs to start the public hearings.

At least 1 008 people have been trained to conduct the public hearings and the Office of the President and Cabinet is financing the coming hearings.

Prior to the Gukurahundi hearings, the Government has already started to assist those who were affected by Gukurahundi, including the issuance of national documents, to those who could not access them.

Deputy President of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Fortune Charumbira said the traditional leaders have already started to reap low hanging fruits from the engagements with President Mnangagwa in terms of addressing the effects of Gukurahundi.

“In terms of birth certificates, when we first launched, we invited the Registrar General and heads of provinces from the Civil Registry Department and in change of management, that is what we call quick wins. We didn’t need to go to the outreach first in order to give people birth certificates. We unlocked that part. That issuance of birth certificates, death certificates for victims of Gukurahundi is a continuous process and it will continue, during and after the outreach,” said Chief Charumbira.

Political analyst Mr Methuseli Moyo said it was worth noting that the public hearings are soon to start.

“It is encouraging that finally the hearings are set to begin. We hope the chiefs will be able to steer the process well for the nation to achieve healing. We need it,” said Mr Moyo.

He said the development of the country hinges on a united people.

Mr Moyo said the nation needs to commemorate the Unity Accord as it brought the country on a development trajectory.

“For any nation to move forward and develop, there must be unity and security. The Unity Accord ensured that December 22, 1987 is one episode that remains memorable because it brought national peace and security,” said Mr Moyo.

Development practitioner Mr Teddy Ncube said Unity Day in Zimbabwe is a pivotal occasion, symbolising the nation’s journey toward cohesion after historical challenges.

“In the context of Zimbabwe’s complex history, this day holds immense significance, serving as a reminder of the importance of unity in overcoming adversity. The day underscores the crucial role unity plays in fostering socio-economic development,” said Mr Ncube.

He said a united populace can collectively address challenges, promote stability and create an environment conducive to progress.

Mr Ncube said by prioritising unity, the country can harness diverse strengths to propel our socio-economic growth and there is still a lot to learn from the birth of Unity Day.

“We can draw lessons from Unity Day to prioritise inclusivity, collaboration and understanding. Embracing diversity while fostering a shared national identity will be key in navigating future challenges and building a resilient, prosperous Zimbabwe,” said Mr Ncube.

In a statement, Council for Churches in Africa said mutual engagement brings sustainable development in any progressive society.

“It is the time Clergymen reflect on how tolerance and co-existence mechanisms transformed Zimbabwe thus far. We celebrate Unity Day annually, on every 22nd of December as a means to respect, adhere and conform to the founding principle values of the Unity Accord. The spirit of Ubuntu being guided by compassion, love, honesty, trust and tolerance has brought unity among Zimbabweans and gave birth to the best definition of peace,” read the statement.

It said the Unity Accord remains relevant today as it shows the importance of tolerance, compromise and compassion in developing the country.

“We really appreciate the efforts by both stakeholders and institutions involved in the upbringing and existence of Unity Day after signing the Unity Accord. We respect peace ambassadors involved in the signing of the Unity Accord and therefore accept the responsibility to uphold all its provisions,” it said.

“As churches, we  assure our commitment and duty to the maintenance, observance and adherence to the tenets of the Unity Accord which gave birth to Unity Day.”– @nqotshili