Mnangagwa reaffirms commitment to National Unity on Unity Day

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged to uphold strategies that strengthen national unity and social cohesion as cornerstones for Zimbabwe's economic transformation.

In his Unity Day message delivered at State House in Harare, marking the 37th anniversary of the Unity Accord, President Mnangagwa commended Zimbabweans for their resilience and enduring unity despite external challenges.

He emphasized that the Second Republic has prioritized grassroots development, decentralization of services, and heritage-based approaches led by traditional leaders to foster national cohesion.

"Under the Second Republic, we are cementing and consolidating national unity and social cohesion through several strategies," President Mnangagwa said.

"These include accelerated development at grassroots level and broader decentralization. Home-grown unity and peace-building processes, led by our chiefs, are a testimony of the effectiveness of our heritage-based strategies in addressing contemporary realities."

He highlighted Zimbabwe's rich diversity in customs, languages, and cultures as a source of strength driving the nation's progress across various sectors.

"From Zambezi to Limpopo, from Plumtree to Mutare, we sing with pride one national anthem and fly one national flag. We are diverse but one," he said.

President Mnangagwa acknowledged the nation's ability to withstand adversity, including economic shocks and droughts caused by the El Niño phenomenon, as evidence of its unity and resilience.

"Our trials and tribulations have become the wind beneath our wings, helping us soar to greater heights like the fish eagle that adorns our sacred national flag," he said.

Despite detractors' efforts to sow division, he said Zimbabweans had remained vigilant, embracing peace, self-belief, and confidence in their identity.

The President applauded the country's achievements in various fields over the past year, urging citizens to use these successes as a foundation for achieving Vision 2030, Zimbabwe's goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.

"Let us continue running our own race, competing solely with who we were yesterday, for the ultimate benefit of the peoples of our great motherland," he said.

He also commended Zimbabwe's leadership at the 44th SADC Summit in August as a reflection of the nation's unity and commitment to regional solidarity and integration.

President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to commemorate Unity Day with sober reflections on the historic 1987 Unity Accord, which ended political conflict and laid the foundation for national unity.

"Never, never, never again should anything ever divide us. United we must stand, strong and solid as the walls of Great Zimbabwe," he said.

Concluding his address, the President wished Zimbabweans a safe and joyous festive season, calling for responsible celebrations.

"On my own behalf, that of Government, and indeed my family, I wish all fellow citizens, at home and abroad, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025," he said.

"May the New Year ahead bring hope and greater prosperity for our motherland, Zimbabwe."

Unity Day remains a pivotal moment for Zimbabweans to celebrate their shared identity and recommit to the principles of peace, unity, and progress.