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Zanu PF using Zapu/Zipra legacy to cleanse its image through Unity Day, says Zapu
2 hrs ago |
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ZAPU spokesperson Richard Gandari says the ruling Zanu PF is exploiting the legacy and liberation credentials of ZAPU and ZIPRA to sanitise its "soiled” reputation through annual Unity Day commemorations, which he argues are no longer meaningful.
Gandari said the Unity Accord of 22 December 1987 - signed 38 years ago - was never a symbol of genuine national unity, but a desperate attempt to end state‑sponsored bloodshed during Gukurahundi.
"Today marks 38 years since the momentous signing of the Unity Accord between ZAPU and ZANU, which resulted in what was supposedly a united ZANU PF. Motivated by the need to end the bloodletting sponsored by the state, our founding President Joshua Nkomo led ZAPU into the Unity Accord with a heavy heart. His message to ZAPU was very clear: ‘Enter into this Unity Accord – albeit under duress – but eventually come out without blemish,'" Gandari said.
He said ZAPU remained inside Zanu PF for 22 years before formally withdrawing in 2009 to revive its independence as a political movement.
Gandari accused Zanu PF of using Unity Day as a shield to hide behind ZAPU's disciplined image.
"The public holiday commemorating the Unity Accord of 1987 is a desperate attempt by the Zanu PF regime to hide behind the human shield of our disciplined party. The regime is desperate to sanitise its soiled name by aligning itself with our clean image as ZAPU," he said.
"There was never any national unity established through the Unity Accord. It was simply a lifesaving move by our genuinely patriotic and humanitarian leader who prioritised the sanctity of people's lives over personal glory."
Gandari said Zimbabwe remains deeply divided.
"The nation remains divided along several fault lines. Tribalism, nepotism, cronyism and regionalism continue to plague Zimbabwe from Plumtree to Chimanimani," he said.
He added that Unity Day has become a political tool rather than a symbol of reconciliation.
"To us, Unity Day is a self‑serving ploy by the Zanu PF‑led government to project a façade of national unity. Yet Zimbabweans are more divided than ever before. Disparities between Zimbabweans have only become more glaring," he said.
Gandari said a small elite benefits from corruption and state capture while the majority suffer.
"The vast majority of Zimbabweans wallow in abject poverty. Polarising figures continue to fan disunity to weaken opposition forces and silence dissenting voices. Unity Day is a central cog in the ruling party's propaganda machine. There is nothing sincere about Zanu PF's lip service to unity," he said.
He urged Zimbabweans to build unity from the ground up.
"As Zimbabweans, let us find each other within our communities, in order to unite in word and in action. Let us defeat the sowers of division once and for all."
Gandari said the Unity Accord of 22 December 1987 - signed 38 years ago - was never a symbol of genuine national unity, but a desperate attempt to end state‑sponsored bloodshed during Gukurahundi.
"Today marks 38 years since the momentous signing of the Unity Accord between ZAPU and ZANU, which resulted in what was supposedly a united ZANU PF. Motivated by the need to end the bloodletting sponsored by the state, our founding President Joshua Nkomo led ZAPU into the Unity Accord with a heavy heart. His message to ZAPU was very clear: ‘Enter into this Unity Accord – albeit under duress – but eventually come out without blemish,'" Gandari said.
He said ZAPU remained inside Zanu PF for 22 years before formally withdrawing in 2009 to revive its independence as a political movement.
Gandari accused Zanu PF of using Unity Day as a shield to hide behind ZAPU's disciplined image.
"The public holiday commemorating the Unity Accord of 1987 is a desperate attempt by the Zanu PF regime to hide behind the human shield of our disciplined party. The regime is desperate to sanitise its soiled name by aligning itself with our clean image as ZAPU," he said.
"There was never any national unity established through the Unity Accord. It was simply a lifesaving move by our genuinely patriotic and humanitarian leader who prioritised the sanctity of people's lives over personal glory."
"The nation remains divided along several fault lines. Tribalism, nepotism, cronyism and regionalism continue to plague Zimbabwe from Plumtree to Chimanimani," he said.
He added that Unity Day has become a political tool rather than a symbol of reconciliation.
"To us, Unity Day is a self‑serving ploy by the Zanu PF‑led government to project a façade of national unity. Yet Zimbabweans are more divided than ever before. Disparities between Zimbabweans have only become more glaring," he said.
Gandari said a small elite benefits from corruption and state capture while the majority suffer.
"The vast majority of Zimbabweans wallow in abject poverty. Polarising figures continue to fan disunity to weaken opposition forces and silence dissenting voices. Unity Day is a central cog in the ruling party's propaganda machine. There is nothing sincere about Zanu PF's lip service to unity," he said.
He urged Zimbabweans to build unity from the ground up.
"As Zimbabweans, let us find each other within our communities, in order to unite in word and in action. Let us defeat the sowers of division once and for all."
Source - Byo24News
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