Long live our culture of non-violence, sanity and orderliness

Jeremiah Mudonha Suburban Correspondent

AS ZIMBABWE proudly hosts the SADC Summit in our vibrant city, Harare, we are reminded of the values that have always defined us: non-violence, sanity and orderliness.

These three principles have guided us through struggles and triumphs, earning us global respect.

In our Ubuntu spirit, we set aside differences and welcome guests with open arms.

We understand that every household has its challenges and our guests have theirs too but we never fight in their presence.

Violence is never our culture and it never will be.

Instead, we are determined to work together, embracing peace, tolerance and understanding, creating a harmonious environment for all.

Let us maintain our streets’ cleanliness, free from litter and debris.

As responsible people, we care not to litter and dare not leave trash lying around – instead, we determinedly work together to keep our surroundings beautiful and tidy.

We commend President E.D. Mnangagwa for his tireless efforts in promoting cleanliness through his clean-up campaigns, which have instilled in us the values of maintaining a clean environment.

We will continue to uphold these values, taking pride in our well-maintained public spaces, reflecting our nation’s beauty and hospitality.

Furthermore, we have consistently strived to maintain sanity on our roads, driving with courtesy and respect for one another.

We encourage one another to keep on observing traffic laws, avoiding reckless behaviour and ensuring a safe journey for all.

Hopefully, the menace of “mushikashika” (pick-up and drop-off at undesignated zones) is dead and buried as it disrupts traffic flow and causes congestion. This culture of road sanity is a hallmark of our nation’s commitment to orderliness and respect for human life.

We should continue to prioritise safety and courtesy, creating a positive experience for all road users.

Let us continue upholding our standards, ensuring vending activities are conducted in designated areas, maintaining orderliness and avoiding car street washes that can pollute water and disrupt traffic.

We have always taken pride in our well-organised vending spaces and let us keep it that way. Harare, our sunshine city, is ready to shine, showcasing our nation’s beauty and hospitality.

Let us demonstrate respect for one another, our visitors and our nation.

Let us show our guests that we can host a successful and peaceful event, valuing their presence and participation.

Long live our respect for one another, a cornerstone of our Zimbabwean culture.

We know non-violence, sanity and orderliness as our own values, and we will not be swayed from our commitment to them. Anything contrary to these values is unacceptable and will be rejected outright, as it shames our country, goes against the Zimbabwean spirit and is retrogressive to the peace and interests of our great nation.

We will uphold these values, now and forever.