THERE was an interesting debate on ZTV on Wednesday about the introduction of the National Pledge in all schools.
What I found interesting was that the following day, a colleague was playing an audio of her three-year-old daughter reciting the pledge.
Apparently, they are already reciting it at nursery school and when she comes home, she enthusiastically recites it to her mother.
I could even tell from the audio that although so young, she is fascinated.
As she grows up, I am sure she will learn to fully understand and appreciate this National Pledge: “Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies, I salute the national flag.
“Respecting the brave fathers and mothers who lost lives in the Chimurenga/ Umvukela.
“We are proud inheritors of the richness of our natural resources.
“We are proud creators and participants in our vibrant traditions and cultures.
“So I commit to honesty and the dignity of hard work.”
So where exactly is the problem with Zimbabwe adopting this National Pledge?
What is wrong with saluting our National Flag and all it represents?
In fact, the National Pledge is about our identity and history as Zimbabweans.
In the US, the majority of houses permanently hoist the US flag in honour of that country’s heroes.
They actually take pride in that, yet in Zimbabwe, this concept is virtually non-existent.
The National Pledge says ‘respecting our brave fathers and mothers who lost their lives in liberating Zimbabwe’ is crucial.
It says ‘committing to honesty and the dignity of hard work’ is key.
So where is the dilemma?
If anything, the hullabaloo now must be about ensuring the National Pledge is swiftly translated into local languages.
It is fundamental to note that the National Pledge is not unusual to Zimbabwe.
There are many countries including the so-called champions of democracy who adopted this concept long back.
It is their way of cherishing and remembering their invaluable history.
It is also their way of preserving their history for future generations.
Below we look at the national pledges of a few countries.
India
“India is my country.
“All Indians are my brothers and sisters.
“I love my country, and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.
“I shall always strive to be worthy of it.
“I shall respect my parents, teachers and all elders and treat everyone with courtesy.
“To my country and all my people, I pledge my devotion.
“In their well-being and prosperity alone lies my happiness.”
Nigeria
“I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest.
“To serve Nigeria with all my strength, to defend her unity, uphold her honour and glory, so help me God.”
America
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Singapore
“We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.”
Against this background, it is imperative to note that in order for the National Pledge to thrive in Zimbabwe, parents, teachers and every citizen must play their role.
Let us catch them young and as much as our children sing the National Anthem and recite the Lord’s Prayer, so must they recite the National Pledge within the right context, fully acknowledging the ‘Zimbabweanness’ in them and their priceless history.
That way, the National Pledge will not be an empty recital.