Opinion / Columnist
Overcoming political and social divisions
2 hrs ago |
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It is no secret that the world today stands divided - politically, socially, and even spiritually. From families to nations, divisions have torn communities apart and weakened our collective potential. Yet, every division we see at the political level begins as a social problem. Healing our nations, therefore, starts with healing our hearts, our homes, and our relationships.
Historical Roots of Division
In Zimbabwe, the story of division dates back to the late 1800s, when tribal differences and colonial manipulation sowed seeds of mistrust among our people. Those divisions, though historical, still cast long shadows today. After independence, political differences emerged - and by the late 1990s, our country had become deeply polarized.
What began as political disagreements soon filtered into families and communities. Brothers, sisters, and even church members found themselves on opposite sides of the political spectrum, refusing to see eye to eye. We stopped talking to each other. We stopped forgiving each other. The social fabric that once held us together began to tear.
The Power of Peace and Collective Action
Yet, even amid all these challenges, Zimbabwe remains a remarkably peaceful nation. This peace is not something to take for granted - it is the seed from which unity can grow. If nurtured with wisdom, love, and accountability, peace can become the foundation of a new era of national healing.
To overcome political and social divisions, we must fight corruption together - not as members of political parties, but as Zimbabweans who love their country. Corruption divides us, weakens our institutions, and destroys trust. Both the ruling party and the opposition must take responsibility for building integrity, transparency, and fairness in every sphere of national life.
Building a Just and Inclusive Society
There must also be a clear separation between the state and partisan politics. Access to food, education, or healthcare should never depend on political affiliation. No Zimbabwean should suffer because of how they vote or which leader they support. Justice and equality must be the foundation of our development.
True unity is not about everyone agreeing on everything - it is about respecting our differences and working together for the greater good. When leaders from all sides come together to fight poverty, unemployment, and corruption, the nation rises above bitterness and blame.
Across the country, small community groups, churches, and youth organisations are already hosting peace dialogues that bring together people from different political and tribal backgrounds. These local efforts prove that reconciliation begins at the grassroots - one conversation at a time.
Faith as a Bridge for Unity
Faith must also play a critical role in rebuilding unity. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity." Our faith teaches us to forgive, to love our enemies, and to seek peace even when wronged. Spiritual revival can be the moral compass that guides our nation toward healing.
Churches, mosques, and traditional leaders must all promote reconciliation, not division. The pulpit, the classroom, and the political stage must echo one message - "We are one people."
A Call to Action
As I watched the recent ZANU PF conference in Mutare, I reflected deeply on the need for all political gatherings - regardless of party - to prioritize unity and national development. Every leader, from local councils to Parliament, must commit to dialogue over division and service over self-interest.
Let us build a Zimbabwe where young people grow up believing that their dreams matter more than their political loyalties. The youth must take the lead in building bridges across political, tribal, and economic lines, because the future of Zimbabwe belongs to them.
Let us also create spaces where families divided by politics can once again break bread together and focus on what unites us, not what divides us.
Conclusion: Choosing Unity Over Division
The time has come for us to rise above the walls that separate us.
Let every Zimbabwean - whether in the ruling party or the opposition, rural or urban, rich or poor - become an ambassador of peace. Let us fight corruption together, serve our communities together, and pray for our country together.
Unity is not a slogan; it is a daily choice.
If we choose forgiveness over bitterness, truth over propaganda, and love over hate, then Zimbabwe will rise again - stronger, wiser, and truly united.
May the Almighty help us overcome every division in our hearts, families, and nation.
Tatenda Hwari is a Zimbabwean writer and social commentator who focuses on issues of peace, national unity, and youth transformation. His work encourages dialogue, forgiveness, and moral renewal as pathways to a stronger and more inclusive society.
Historical Roots of Division
In Zimbabwe, the story of division dates back to the late 1800s, when tribal differences and colonial manipulation sowed seeds of mistrust among our people. Those divisions, though historical, still cast long shadows today. After independence, political differences emerged - and by the late 1990s, our country had become deeply polarized.
What began as political disagreements soon filtered into families and communities. Brothers, sisters, and even church members found themselves on opposite sides of the political spectrum, refusing to see eye to eye. We stopped talking to each other. We stopped forgiving each other. The social fabric that once held us together began to tear.
The Power of Peace and Collective Action
Yet, even amid all these challenges, Zimbabwe remains a remarkably peaceful nation. This peace is not something to take for granted - it is the seed from which unity can grow. If nurtured with wisdom, love, and accountability, peace can become the foundation of a new era of national healing.
To overcome political and social divisions, we must fight corruption together - not as members of political parties, but as Zimbabweans who love their country. Corruption divides us, weakens our institutions, and destroys trust. Both the ruling party and the opposition must take responsibility for building integrity, transparency, and fairness in every sphere of national life.
Building a Just and Inclusive Society
There must also be a clear separation between the state and partisan politics. Access to food, education, or healthcare should never depend on political affiliation. No Zimbabwean should suffer because of how they vote or which leader they support. Justice and equality must be the foundation of our development.
True unity is not about everyone agreeing on everything - it is about respecting our differences and working together for the greater good. When leaders from all sides come together to fight poverty, unemployment, and corruption, the nation rises above bitterness and blame.
Across the country, small community groups, churches, and youth organisations are already hosting peace dialogues that bring together people from different political and tribal backgrounds. These local efforts prove that reconciliation begins at the grassroots - one conversation at a time.
Faith as a Bridge for Unity
Faith must also play a critical role in rebuilding unity. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity." Our faith teaches us to forgive, to love our enemies, and to seek peace even when wronged. Spiritual revival can be the moral compass that guides our nation toward healing.
Churches, mosques, and traditional leaders must all promote reconciliation, not division. The pulpit, the classroom, and the political stage must echo one message - "We are one people."
A Call to Action
As I watched the recent ZANU PF conference in Mutare, I reflected deeply on the need for all political gatherings - regardless of party - to prioritize unity and national development. Every leader, from local councils to Parliament, must commit to dialogue over division and service over self-interest.
Let us build a Zimbabwe where young people grow up believing that their dreams matter more than their political loyalties. The youth must take the lead in building bridges across political, tribal, and economic lines, because the future of Zimbabwe belongs to them.
Let us also create spaces where families divided by politics can once again break bread together and focus on what unites us, not what divides us.
Conclusion: Choosing Unity Over Division
The time has come for us to rise above the walls that separate us.
Let every Zimbabwean - whether in the ruling party or the opposition, rural or urban, rich or poor - become an ambassador of peace. Let us fight corruption together, serve our communities together, and pray for our country together.
Unity is not a slogan; it is a daily choice.
If we choose forgiveness over bitterness, truth over propaganda, and love over hate, then Zimbabwe will rise again - stronger, wiser, and truly united.
May the Almighty help us overcome every division in our hearts, families, and nation.
Tatenda Hwari is a Zimbabwean writer and social commentator who focuses on issues of peace, national unity, and youth transformation. His work encourages dialogue, forgiveness, and moral renewal as pathways to a stronger and more inclusive society.
Source - Tatenda Hwari
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