By Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabweans to uphold the principles of national unity as the country commemorates the 38th anniversary of Unity Day. Speaking on Sunday, he said no effort to divide the nation would succeed, describing unity as “sacred” and essential to Zimbabwe’s identity.
The annual event marks the signing of the Unity Accord on 22 December 1987 by the late former President Robert Mugabe and the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo. The agreement brought an end to political conflict and laid the foundation for national reconciliation.
Mnangagwa said the Accord remained a cornerstone of peace, development and nation-building. He called on citizens to recommit themselves to unity, avoid actions that fuel division and protect the country’s image and identity.
He also reiterated that Zimbabwe’s diversity—across cultures, languages and communities—should be a source of national pride. “This sense of pride should extend across every province and district, from Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare,” he said.
Reviewing national progress, Mnangagwa highlighted what he described as gains under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), citing growth in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure. He said the newly launched NDS2 would prioritise industrialisation, value addition and inclusive economic growth.
The President added that unity had enabled Zimbabwe to navigate economic challenges, including Western sanctions, and that local mineral processing efforts were being scaled up to maximise value from natural resources.
Mnangagwa also referenced government-backed programmes aimed at strengthening social cohesion, including the Gukurahundi National Outreach Programme led by traditional leaders. He said differences in perspective should be resolved through dialogue, emphasising that no culture or language should be regarded as superior.
“As we commemorate this Unity Day, let us remain alive to our responsibility, both at home and in the diaspora,” he said, calling on citizens to continue modernising and industrialising the country.
Unity Day is observed annually in recognition of the peace pact between Zimbabwe’s former liberation movements, ZANU and PF-ZAPU.
