Celebrating unity in a fragmented nation

Tomorrow Zimbabwe celebrates Unity Day, an accord signed between ZANU and PF ZAPU in 1987, something that is no longer worth the paper it is printed on.
The accord, which sates that the two parties “irrevocably committed themselves to unite under one political party”, was signed following armed disturbances that lasted five years.
There are lingering questions, accusations and counter-accusations over what triggered the Matabeleland atrocities, but then, it was important to put an end to it, and write a new history of peace and tranquility.
The accord, though well-meant in fostering unity between the country’s two major political parties of the time, which also represented the two major ethic groupings; the Ndebele and Shona, has been eroded in meaning in recent years.
People scold each other on tribal lines on social media while the Gukurahundi issue is a hot potato even at national level. Not that anyone can blame them, for years Government failed to acknowledge and deal with the violence in Matabeleland.
This year, Government started a process, which is viewed with skepticism as Chief Fortune Charumbira, one of the major players in the “healing” process is from Mashonaland, largely viewed as a loyalist of the perpetrators.
There is a need to have an earnest conversation around the issue lest future generations be tormented by the same hatred and blame that has the nation split.
There has also been serious underdevelopment of the Matabeleland region especially areas such as Binga occupied by the Tonga people. This has further fueled enmity along regional lines.
The inaccessibility of the area 40 years after independence and 33 year after the unity accord leaves one wondering if the documents were only to stop an armed conflict or unite the people.
How can people be united while basic necessities and infrastructure such as roads, telephone or even internet connectivity is missing? How do people then purport a unity of purpose when there are no equal opportunities?
It is time the national leadership came up with plans for a movement towards real unity. As it stands, ZAPU long pulled out of the agreement.
When withdrawing from the accord in 2008 – they said they could no longer deal with a selfish leadership that is corrupt and mismanages resources.
For people to still be celebrating the day is a sham. It is better to have real issues that separate people addressed, than to spend large sums of taxpayers’ money on a meaningless union in a fragmented nation.
There are children that are taught to hate, by those that were hurt before.
There will always be that usual spat or insulting of a Shona speaking visitor to Bulawayo over their forefathers’ atrocities.
The chain will never stop unless real national healing, not cheap politicking is initiated. Nhau/Indaba