Harare, 22 December 2021 (TDI): Every 22nd December is celebrated as Zimbabwe National Unity Day to commemorate the merger of two political parties; Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), on 22 December 1987 to form a political and military alliance.
About Zimbabwe
On 18th April 1980, Zimbabwe officially gained independence from Great Britain. Zimbabwe is a beautiful and landlocked country in Southern Africa with an estimated population of 14 million.
The country is an exciting tourists destination known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic landscape. The economy is predominantly agricultural and industrial with highly improved capacity utilization in industry, higher agricultural production, and stabilization of prices and exchange rates.
Traditional arts in Zimbabwe include basketry, jewelry, textiles, pottery, and carving with diverse different cultures, beliefs, and ceremonies. The largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe is Shona.
History of Unity Day
As with many other African countries, soon after the independence, ethnic and political divisions took vanguard of national politics. The two major political parties were ZANU – ruling party and ZAPU – opposition party.
The tension between ZAPU and ZANU erupted strongly with guerrilla activity and massacre which claimed over 20,000 lives between 1983 and 1987 starting in Matabeleland in south-western Zimbabwe.
In 1987, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo the leader of ZAPU, and Robert Mugabe the leader of ZANU agreed to stem the violence. This agreement led to the signing of the Unity Accord on 22 December 1987.
The Unity Accord pioneers the formation of a single political party named Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and ushered in a new era of peace and development and an end to a decade of hostilities by 1990.
Gukurahundi
The political instabilities, disturbance, and hostilities that characterized Zimbabwe between Independence and the Unity Accord came to be known as Gukurahundi.
Gukurahundi translates as “the early rain which washes away the chaff before the spring rains.” It is derived from the Shona local dialect.
National Unity Holiday
Since 1997, 22 December National Unity Day has been celebrated as a public holiday to commemorate the unity and efforts of Zimbabwean leaders towards peace and reconciliation.
During his 2021 Unity Day address, President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged all Zimbabweans to continue in the spirit of peace and unity. He described the Unity Accord as “a national ethic and value which rises above party politics.”
In the address, Mnangagwa said, “I revere and celebrate Unity Accord because it is a national ethic and value which rises above party politics.” He further urged the people to emulate the character and efforts of Zimbabwean leaders towards peace and reconciliation. “It is a core part of processes which founded our nation, and keeps us together as a nation.” He added.
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