UNAC Party Calls for Unity, Dialogue and Reforms After a  Successful SADC Summit

by Priviledge Zviregei

The United African National Council (UNAC), Zimbabwe’s first political party to win elections in 1979, held a press conference to address key issues following the successful hosting of the recent SADC Summit in the country. 

UNAC, which is currently an opposition party, emphasized its belief in a “united, peaceful and productive Zimbabwe.” The party highlighted its role in negotiating and demanding the basic tenet of democracy, “one-person, one-vote,” which was achieved in 1978. However, the party expressed concerns that this principle has been “misused at most polling stations” since independence, leading to contested election results.

Drawing from its experience as both a governing party in 1979-1980 and an opposition party since then, UNAC stressed that “dialogue is the ultimate mode of understanding between and among warring parties.” The party credited this dialogical approach for driving the white minority rule out of the country, culminating in the Lancaster House Agreement and the free and fair plebiscite of 1980.

Commenting on the recently concluded SADC Summit, UNAC expressed gratitude to the nation for hosting the event peacefully and productively. The party recognized the efforts of the military and police in ensuring the security of the event. 

UNAC also went on to congratulate President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on his appointment as the SADC Chair, stating that this presents an opportunity for the opposition to engage with the regional body on economic challenges and political concerns, such as electoral reforms.

Furthermore, the party congratulated several Zimbabwean officials on their leadership roles within SADC, including the Minister of Finance, the Foreign Minister, and the Chair of the Standing Committee of Senior Officials. UNAC believes that the hosting of the SADC Summit has kicked-started the nation’s infrastructural development and can expect notable technological innovation, as the SADC Chair is based in Harare.

UNAC emphasized the need for unity, inclusivity, and dialogue to resolve differences and conflicts among political parties, including ZANU-PF. The party believes that when the nation unites and parties work together for the common good, no problem is insurmountable.

Addressing the issue of political prisoners, UNAC humbly appealed to President Mnangagwa to consider releasing all political party members and civilians charged with various offenses before, during, and after the SADC Summit. The party believes this would demonstrate “mercy, and forgiveness” and help the detainees better understand the principles of SADC, such as development, technological innovation, tolerance, security, solidarity, good governance, and democracy.