NPRC launches Midlands Provincial Peace Pledge

THE National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) has successfully launched the Midlands Provincial Peace Pledge in Gweru, amid solidarity messages of peace from political parties, aspiring candidates, civil society, churches and human rights organisations.

NPRC Commissioner Ms Netty Musanhu said her commission upholds peace as a key ingredient for development before, during, and after the July 30 harmonised elections. She said the pledge is the first in the history of elections in Zimbabwe, adding that it is in line with President Mnangagwa’s repeated calls for free, fair, peaceful and credible elections.

“Peaceful elections are a key ingredient for long-term peace and development in the country and the NPRC has a key role to play in contributing towards this goal.

“Let us work to together for social cohesion and nation building. It is our responsibility as Zimbabweans to create a social compact for the future,” said Ms Musanhu.

She condemned any action of violence, saying that it impacts negatively on people, especially women and children. Zanu-PF representative Cde Barbra Rwodzi, who is also the aspiring National Assembly member for Chirumanzu Constituency, said her party, through its leader President Mnangagwa, has been preaching peace.

“As a big brother, our message has always been of peace as enunciated by our leader President Mnangagwa,” she said.

MDC-Alliance representative Advocate Brian Dube thanked the police and the courts for ensuring peace in the province.

“I would like to particularly thank ZRP and the courts. Police presence is always there when we go out for campaigns and politically motivated crimes are being dealt with expeditiously by our courts,” he said.

A pastor representing the church said they have been engaging each other and political parties to campaign and pray for peace under the campaign: “I Pray, I Vote.”

“We are spreading the message of peaceful voting and telling our members to go and participate.

“Gone are the days when the church was relegated from participating in democratic spaces,” said the pastor.