Editorial comment

The most encouraging thing about the just-ended ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference is the assurance that the ruling revolutionary Party is solidly united, with complete faith in their leader, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa. 

This is absolutely crucial at this stage when the nation is going through ‘birthing pains’ as a result of the ‘austerity for prosperity’ budget we are in the midst of. 

Even the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, was happy with the support his budget proposals received from the united conference.

No matter how difficult a task might be, unity and leadership go a long way in mitigating the problem.

We have gone through this before.

When we were fighting for our independence, we were subjected to all sorts of hardships, including loss of life.

However, we remained united, fully knowing that attainment of our independence would be worth the sacrifices we made. 

The acknowledgment, by the conference, of the economic challenges causing discomfort among the masses demonstrated that the Party is not divorced from reality. 

The resolutions passed at the conference show determination by the Party to use our resources to earn foreign currency through exports as opposed to relying entirely on imports.

It won’t be easy, but it is achievable.

We should all put our shoulder to the wheel  and make sure we see this period  through, regardless of our different political and religious persuasions.

Zimbabwe is our collective possession. 

The key word is unity and as we celebrate Unity Day on Saturday (December 22), we must remember that if we remain united the present economic hardships are no more than a passing fancy.

And of course the sequel to unity is peace.

The loss of life on August 1, following the unnecessary riotous behaviour by those demanding poll results prematurely should be a rude awakening for those who don’t value peace.

Indeed, the prerequisite for development is unity and peace.

Meanwhile, as we once more go through the festive season, let’s not be over excited on the roads.

So far this has been a very bleak year if we consider the lives already lost on our roads.

What is most saddening is that many of the accidents and resultant deaths could have been avoided, as they were a result of human error.

Simple things like speeding, driving cars whose indicators, brakes and tyres are faulty, are sure ways of inviting fatal crashes.

When driving, consider every other driver to be incompetent. 

If you collide with a driver who is on the wrong, in most cases it is you on the right who either die or end up badly maimed.

For those rushing to be with their dear ones during the Christmas holidays, remember the old adage: ‘It is better to be late than to be the late’.

Stay alive, look through your 2018 resolutions before you set yourself attainable goals for 2019.

The Patriot wishes all our readers, contributors and advertisers happy holidays and a prosperous 2019!