The Sunday Mail
Debra Matabvu
The new Government has re-established the much-needed foundation for unity and social cohesion by commendably opening the political space and promoting engagement, churches have said.
The churches — through the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) — said the steps taken by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Government to promote political freedoms and set up the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), including the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 post-election violence, were key ingredients for national healing and unity.
EFZ president Dr Shingi Munyeza said the Second Republic had provided the correct foundation for unity in Zimbabwe; thus, it was important for Zimbabweans across the political, tribal and racial divide to unite and move the country forward.
The country yesterday commemorated the 31st anniversary of the Unity Accord, which was signed between Cde Robert Mugabe, the then-First Secretary of the ruling Zanu party and Dr Joshua Nkomo, the leader of Zapu.
National dialogue, Dr Munyeza said, has the ability to bring together Zimbabweans from all works of life.
“The New Dispensation has allowed increased political freedoms. . .
“The increased political space allows for the citizenry to express themselves without fear and this lays one of the basic requirements for social cohesion.
“However, more still needs to be done because the nation needs healing before we are united.
“The post-election violence inquiry jolted the positive momentum towards national healing.
‘‘The appointment of a substantive commission (NPRC) as soon as the New Dispensation came to into office was commendable, but the pace of engagement has been very slow,” said Dr Munyeza.
“I am one of the proponents for national dialogue, starting with the two main political parties, Zanu-PF and MDC Alliance. Without unity and social cohesion, there can never be sustainable development.
“I also believe a national dialogue, without emphasis around political affiliations, is ultimately key. Our politics has been toxic and divisive. I expect our political leaders to unite and lead us.
“I look forward to the day when we see each other as Zimbabwean first before our political affiliations, tribal groupings, race, religion and class structures.”
NPRC chairperson Retired Justice Selo Nare also praised Government for promoting unity through the setting up the peace and reconciliation commission.
“People must then recognise that without peace, we cannot move forward as a nation.
‘‘We cannot realise progress, stability and economic development without peace,” he said.
“What needs to be done now is for the commission to carry on with its mandate so that healing and reconciliation begins.
“It is important to note that the commission is not and should not be confined to the Matabeleland situation only. As NPRC, we are dealing and seized with different situations and conflicts to deal with.
“In the elections, we had two officers who gave evidence to the Motlanthe Commission; that is the role we played.
“We have also dealt with the Chiadzwa situation where we were invited. Politically, we have covered other areas in Mashonaland Central, we have also covered areas in Matabeleland South where there is gold and there were machete conflicts.
“However, these are not the only areas that have experienced conflict; thus, there is need for the commission to move around the country with this message of peace, reconciliation and healing so that we move forward as nation.”
The Unity Accord was signed on December 22, 1987.
