by Staff Reporters
The People’s Unity Party has called on Zimbabweans to shun protests and focus on business and national development, warning that past demonstrations left families bereaved, traumatised and disabled.
Addressing the media in Harare this week (Wednesday), People’s Unity Party leader Herbert Chamuka said political maturity was needed ahead of the 2030 elections and urged acceptance of Constitutional Amendment Number 3, which is now law.
“People’s Unity Party because all Zimbabweans want to focus on business and we encourage all those who were planning to protest,” Chamuka said.
“We all know what happened and the consequences from previous demonstrations, some people are still bereaved, have been traumatised and others are now disabled because of what happened.
With the next general elections due in 2030, Chamuka said political actors must commit to peace and respect for results.
“Even when the elections are due in 2030, we need everyone to uphold and maintain peace and accept the outcome without outbursts. We want all candidates and their supporters to show maturity,” he said.
Chamuka threw his weight behind the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment No. 3, arguing that debate should now end.
“Amendment Act Number 3 is now a law and everyone should accept that reality. No one should oppose it by now because it has been signed into law,” he said.
The party leader also appealed to exiled former ZANU-PF officials to return and contribute to government programmes.
“I also take this opportunity to invite all those who run away from this country claiming political persecution and invite them to come back and complement President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s development agenda and Vision 2030,” Chamuka said.
“These include the likes of Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere, Mandiitawepi Chimene, Patrick Zhuwawo, among others. So I extend an invitation to them to come back and work for their country,” he added.
Chamuka said opposition parties should prioritise economic recovery over political confrontation and called on President Mnangagwa to bring all parties together.
“As opposition political parties, we pray that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will invite all political parties to the table and form a government of national unity with the intention and special focus to build an economy, not concentrating on politics,” he said.
The People’s Unity Party said it will be rolling out business and peace-building dialogues in all 10 provinces in the coming months as part of preparations for 2030.