…unite to remove campaign material in streets
Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru – Youth political party leaders from Zanu PF, Movement Democratic for Change (T), and Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) yesterday engaged in a unified clean-up campaign to remove campaigning posters and pictures, a move which was meant to preach peace and tolerance among political parties
The campaign, which was spearheaded by Community Solutions Zimbabwe, was conducted along the Gweru-Shurugwi road via Chaplin High School to Gweru Central Business District (CBD) saw political parties expressing their commitment to uphold peace for the development of the nation.
Speaking to TellZim News in an interview, ZANU PF Youth Secretary for Security, Tererai Chimombe said, the combined clean up and collaboration was meant to show how Gweru is united as a people.
“This shows that as a people we are one, we stand together as Zimbabweans despite our political differences. Politics is just a sense of belonging and differences in mindsets.
“I pray peace continues to prevail among us as Gweru people and as youths from Gweru despite our different political belonging,” said Chimombe.
CCC Cluster Leader, Clifford Mlilo said agreeing to disagree in politics was not a weapon of hatred and said people should work together for development.
“Agreeing to disagree is never a weapon of starting a war. We are peace champions and we stand for peace” Mlilo said.
Gweru Mayor and CCC Ward 4 councilor, Martin Chivhoko however said despite coming from different political parties, violence was never a solution.
“We co -exist as a people, when we look at political parties let me say, they are like football teams, it’s all about supporting the ideas you believe in but not killing each other as we are all citizens of this country.
“We live together, we eat together, thank you Community Solution for pushing the peace agenda which even moves in line with the government’s vision.
“If you kill each other, it is your father or mother’s household which loses a member. Why reduce the number of people in your family? Stay intact, self-control is a vital component,” said Chivhoko.
Guest speaker at the event, Gweru District Development Coordinator (DDC), Tarisai Mudadigwa said organizations such as Community Solutions were working for good cause to complement government efforts.
“We thank you youths and our civic organizations for complementing government in peacebuilding. We are one and it shows we are going somewhere. We have matured because gone are the days when it was deemed taboo to be seen meeting or congregating with other political sides while wearing different regalia.
“You see life is good when you walk freely and eat freely like what we are doing. As political party leaders let’s always bury our hatchet and build the country together.
“Conflict is everywhere, even in normal day-to-day lives but it takes self-control and maturity to understand that we are a family. Tolerance remains a priority among us as people. What you have done today is a clear demonstration that anything can happen, peace is possible and nothing can stop peacebuilding in Gweru,” he said.
