Source: President rallies nation to safeguard unity, peace – herald
Mashudu Netsianda
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to jealously guard the country’s unity and peace, saying national development can only be achieved through mutual respect, inclusivity and collective responsibility.
He was speaking during the launch of the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday, where he emphasised that Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
Despite differences in language, ethnicity and geographical origin, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans remain one people bound together by a shared national identity and destiny.
“In all that we do, let us jealously guard our unity and peace. We are one people, one country and an indivisible unitary State. No clan, tribe, or province is superior to another,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Let us love and respect each other in our diversity, as we carry forward the responsibility to build our beloved Zimbabwe, brick by brick, step by step and community by community. No one and no place should ever, be left behind.”
The President’s remarks came as thousands of people from across the country gathered in Bulawayo to celebrate the country’s rich cultural diversity through music, dance, food, traditional attire and indigenous languages.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s peace and social cohesion are anchored on the African philosophy of Ubuntu/Hunhu, which emphasises humanity, solidarity and communal coexistence.
“In a world where diversity is often weaponised, we must choose the progressive path of unity, peace-building and peace-making,” he said.
“This has its roots in our long-standing African philosophy and communal tradition of Ubuntu-Hunhu, embedded in the adage umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu — I am because we are.”
Emphasising that national unity remains critical to the country’s socio-economic transformation agenda and Vision 2030 aspirations, he said every community has a role to play in building a prosperous Zimbabwe.
The President urged citizens to reject division and work together towards inclusive development that uplifts all provinces and communities.
He also challenged young people to take pride in Zimbabwe’s heritage and uphold values of discipline, respect, compassion and patriotism.
“As our country joins the international community to promote and celebrate the world’s diverse cultures, we reaffirm that cultural diversity is not a source of division. It is a well-spring for human ingenuity and mutual understanding,” he said.
“It cements unity, peaceful co-existence and propels sustainable development. It warms my heart that across the ground, people from all our 10 provinces have united together, speaking all our languages, dressed in varied attire and adornments, sharing food, music and dance. Well done, Zimbabwe. Well done, Bulawayo.
“This is a testament of who we are as Zimbabweans. We stand with our heads high as a magnificent-diverse people, united under one indivisible and unitary State,” said President Mnangagwa.
“From Plumtree to Mutare, Zambezi to Limpopo, we are one; Simunye, sibambene, tirivamwe, takabatana. We sing one National Anthem, under one National Flag.”
The Culture Month commemorations are being held under the theme: “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions.”
President Mnangagwa also paid tribute to traditional leaders as custodians of culture and heritage in communities.
“I thank you, our traditional leaders, ngiyabonga zinduna-zethu, ndinotenda madzimambo edu for your stewardship over the country’s cultural heritage. Your role as the custodians of our traditions, languages and belief systems is irreplaceable,” he said.
“I appeal to you, to collaborate with stakeholders in the Culture and Creative Industries, to ensure that the sacred knowledge systems, ceremonies and values we hold dear, are documented and protected.
“I further, recommend, that Cultural Festivals be held among communities to entrench the unique norms, values and traditions of your respective societies,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Let us, equally, tell our children the stories of yesteryear, told to us by our grandparents.
“We are also called upon to have our own conversations and speak from our own narratives, through Zimbabwean films, books and cultural dialogue.”
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