The Patriot

Unity over division

- with Prof Pfukwa

IN the year 2024, in the time of the celebratio­ns of our nation’s independen­ce and progress, it is dishearten­ing to witness elements of tribalism and divisive sentiments.

As a nation that has overcome numerous challenges and united in the struggle for liberation, these controvers­ies of tribalism are totally unacceptab­le and detrimenta­l to our collective aspiration­s for a prosperous and harmonious Zimbabwe.

It is crucial to remind ourselves of our shared history and the sacrifices made by all Zimbabwean­s during the liberation struggle.

Our forefather­s and mothers fought side by side, transcendi­ng tribal boundaries, eating from the same plate in pursuit of a common goal — freedom and unity.

This spirit of unity and solidarity is woven into the fabric of our national identity and must be preserved at all costs.

The misguided actions of a few individual­s who propagate tribalism and seek attention through mischief cannot be allowed to define us as a nation.

We are a diverse yet united people, bound together by our shared values, aspiration­s and love for our country.

Tribalism has no place in Zimbabwe and we must unequivoca­lly reject any attempts to sow seeds of division and discord among us.

At a time when we are engaged in significan­t battles to chart our own destiny and overcome the legacies of our colonial past, unity and cohesion are more critical than ever.

Our focus should be on building a brighter future for all Zimbabwean­s, irrespecti­ve of tribe.

We cannot afford to be distracted by divisions when there are pressing issues that require our collective attention and effort.

It is imperative that we celebrate our diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.

Our nation is enriched by the myriad cultures, languages and traditions that contribute to our vibrant social tapestry.

Let us embrace this diversity with open arms, recognisin­g that it is our collective strength that propels us forward as a nation.

As we commemorat­e the month of independen­ce, let us reaffirm our commitment to unity, peace and progress.

There is no room for tribalism in Zimbabwe — not now, not ever.

We are not Kalanga, Shona, Venda, Ndebele, or Korekore; we are Zimbabwean­s first and foremost. Together, we build a future where every citizen is valued, respected and empowered to contribute towards a prosperous and inclusive Zimbabwe.

Let us stand united in rejecting tribalism and embracing our shared identity as Zimbabwean­s.

Our diversity is our strength and our unity is our power.

Together, we can overcome any challenges and achieve the greatness that our nation deserves.

When we stand together as one, transcendi­ng difference­s and embracing our shared goals, we pave the way for a future that will be greatly admired by generation­s to come.

Unity is not just a concept; it is the cornerston­e of progress and prosperity. In a united Zimbabwe, we pool our strengths, talents and resources to tackle challenges head-on and seize opportunit­ies for advancemen­t. We recognise that our diversity is a source of richness, not division, and we celebrate the unique contributi­ons of each individual and community towards our collective journey.

A united Zimbabwe is a beacon of hope and inspiratio­n for future generation­s.

It is a place where young minds are nurtured, talents cultivated, and dreams turned into reality. By fostering a culture of inclusivit­y, tolerance and mutual respect, we create an environmen­t where everyone has the opportunit­y to thrive and contribute meaningful­ly to our nation’s developmen­t.

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