THE late former President Robert Mugabe and Vice-President Joshua Nkomo, also late, in 1987 joined hands to sign the Unity Accord that gave birth to Unity Day which is commemorated annually on December 22.
As the nation today commemorates the day, NewsDay Life & Style spoke to some creatives to find out their understanding of the day.
Most of the creatives echoed similar sentiments on the need to continue fostering unity and be tolerant to each other.
Also, as part of the celebrations, many events are lined-up across the country.
Jah Prayzah, singer
Happy to be celebrating a day that represents oneness, peace and love.
Zimbabwe is a beautiful and diverse nation with a lot of beauty enjoyed and owned by everyone who is Zimbabwean.
We pray that unity continues to grow and we continue to show the world how beautiful our nation and people are. Happy Unity Day
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Tafadzwa Mukaro, gospel singer
I am one of those people who cherish peace and unity, so Unity Day reminds me that we must always find ways of maintaining and continuously pursuing peace and be inspired to work together as a nation.
Although we might have different tribal backgrounds and beliefs, but we are one and we all form this beautiful country, so I believe this day must be used to preach the hymn of uniting people.
I cherish this year’s Unity Day more, unlike last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are going to be with family and friends on the day.
This means Unity Day this year has a new meaning as we have overcome the turmoil.
Macdonald “MacDee” Chidavaenzi, music producer
For me, Unity Day stands as a reminder of how powerful we are as one people rather than a divided lot.
The tribal differences that almost collapsed our standing as one nation were not just a threat to civil peace, but to development as well.
Today, in our industry for example, we have grown stronger due to the diverse cultural dynamics that we are able to sell to the international market.
I love the different cultures and values that we share and exchange as a nation.
This day should never be forgotten. United we stand, divided we fall.
Adiona Maboreke-Chidzonga, neo-soul songbird
Unity Day comes at the right time of the year, in the festive season, where we not only reflect on the year we have had, but the people that make our lives special.
There are a lot of negativities that we must fight as a people, so Unity Day reminds us that we are one and reignites the spirit of hunhu/ubuntu.
Eddie Ndhlovu, filmmaker
Unity Day started off as two political parties coming together, but for now, it symbolises the coming together of people for a good purpose, which is living in peace and harmony.
We, therefore, have to celebrate tolerance and unity among ourselves. United we stand, divided we fall.
We, therefore, have to celebrate tolerance and unity among ourselves.
Caroline “Caychi” Chirowodza
Unity Day is an important day where we join hands to celebrate the gains of our sovereign nation.
We are happy to have a peaceful nation and I look forward to a peaceful and united Zimbabwe for generations to come.
It is a result of unity that as an artiste I have the freedom to perform for everyone regardless of race, colour, creed or tribe as we are one people.
Dominic Benhura, renowned sculptor
Unity Day is a great day whereby leaders united our country to safeguard peace in our nation up to date.
Nigel Munyati, Zimbabwe International Film and Festival Trust executive director
Unity Day is an opportune time for us to reset the hunhu/ubuntu button and revisit who we are as a nation, not a collection of tribes.
Simbarashe Nyamadzawo, author and motivational speaker
I understand Unity Day as a holiday with a political history. However, on a personal level, I use the day as a time to relax, wind down, reflect on the preceding year and plan for the coming year.
