Zimbabweans worldwide celebrate Unity Day on 22 December, a holiday commemorating the 1987 Unity Accord between ZANU and ZAPU.
These two political parties united to bring peace and stability to a fractured nation. While the day holds great significance for those in Zimbabwe, it also offers an opportunity for Zimbabweans living abroad -particularly in South Africa – to reflect on how migration shapes their sense of unity, identity, and community.
A Growing Diaspora in South Africa
South Africa is home to one of the largest Zimbabwean diasporas, with millions seeking opportunities and stability away from the challenges back home. For many, the journey has been shaped by economic hardships, political instability, or the desire for better opportunities for their families. While South Africa offers a fresh start, it also challenges unity among Zimbabweans, who find themselves navigating a new and often unwelcoming environment.
“I think once we migrate to South Africa, we forget about our so-called Unity Day,” said Phumulani Ndlovu, who is based in Johannesburg. “Unity Day is very important to us. The problem is that many people are taking it as a political issue,” he told The South African.
Unity Day and The Struggle for Integration
Zimbabweans in South Africa often face xenophobia, discrimination, and economic barriers that strain their sense of belonging. These challenges can make it difficult for the diaspora to maintain the unity celebrated on Unity Day. Hostile attitudes and competition for limited resources sometimes foster divisions not only between Zimbabweans and South Africans but also within the Zimbabwean community itself. Differences in tribal, linguistic, and regional backgrounds may re-emerge, mirroring historical divisions.
“When we’re in South Africa, it turns into a situation where everyone is looking out for themselves,”said Rebecca Mashonganyika. We often find ourselves fighting against each other based on tribes, especially Ndebeles and Shonas. We should remember that Unity Day marked our reconciliation.
Despite these challenges, many Zimbabweans in South Africa have found ways to foster unity. Community organisations, churches, and cultural groups play a crucial role in bringing people together. Events celebrating Zimbabwean culture – from traditional music and dance to food festivals – offer opportunities for connection and solidarity.
Social media platforms have also become vital tools for uniting Zimbabweans abroad. Online groups and forums provide spaces for mutual support, job opportunities, and discussions about life in South Africa and developments back home. These networks have helped many navigate their migration journeys while keeping the spirit of Unity Day alive.
Celebrating back home in Zimbabwe
During the Unity Day commemorations in Bulawayo, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube highlighted the significance of the 22 December 1987 Unity Accord, emphasizing its role in fostering peace in Zimbabwe. She stated, “The unity accord is one of the political milestones in Zimbabwe since independence. It extinguished the fires of conflict in our nation and established the foundation of peace we enjoy now. Some may not value the Unity Accord because they don’t know what was happening.”
Zimbabwe’s Unity Day Background
Unity Day is a celebration of the historic event that took place on December 22, 1987, when the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) under the leadership of Robert Gabriel Mugabe and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) led by Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo merged to form ZANU-PF. This union marked a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards national unity, healing, and reconciliation.
The merger brought an end to years of conflict and division during the times of Gukurahundi genocide, paving the way for a more unified and stable Zimbabwe. Since then, Unity Day has been observed annually to commemorate this achievement and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to unity, peace, and stability.
Do you think Zimbabwe’s Unity Day is still relevant in 2024?
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