Dr Justice Mhishi

BY NEWSSPACEZIM WRITER 

Prominent philanthropist Dr Justice Mhishi has called on Zimbabweans to reject tribalism and embrace unity, saying national development can only be achieved when citizens work together as one people regardless of their ethnic, cultural or linguistic backgrounds.

Dr Mhishi, who is well known for his charitable work and donations in Shamva and surrounding communities, said Zimbabwe’s future depends on preserving the unity that was forged during the liberation struggle.

“Zimbabwe is a nation built on sacrifice, courage and unity. The soil we stand on today was not freed for one tribe, one language, or one region, it was liberated for all Zimbabweans.

“The blood that was shed during the struggle for independence did not choose whether it belonged to Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Tonga, Venda, or any other group. It was Zimbabwean blood, shed for a Zimbabwean dream,” said Mhishi.

He said tribalism and lack of unity threatens the foundation upon which the country was built and undermines efforts towards national progress and economic transformation.

“Tribalism, therefore, is not just a social problem but it is a betrayal of that sacrifice. It divides what was meant to be united. It weakens what was meant to be strong. It plants hatred where there should be respect, and suspicion where there should be trust. When we fight each other because of tribe, we are undoing the very freedom that was fought for,” he said.

Dr Mhishi with former South African president Jacob Zuma

Dr Mhishi noted that Zimbabwe’s diversity should be celebrated as a source of strength rather than viewed as a point of division.

“Zimbabwe is a blessed nation. We are rich not only in natural resources but in culture, language, history and human potential. Our diversity is not a reason for division, it is our greatest strength. Each tribe, each culture, each language adds something unique and valuable to the identity of Zimbabwe. Together, they form a complete and powerful nation,” he said.

He urged citizens to abandon attitudes that promote tribal superiority, emphasizing that all Zimbabweans have an equal role to play in nation-building and development.

“We must reject the mindset that elevates one tribe above another. No tribe is superior. No culture is more important. We are equal, and we are one. The future of Zimbabwe does not belong to a single group, it belongs to all of us, collectively. Vision 2030 is not a tribal vision; it is a national vision. It will not be achieved through division, but through unity, cooperation, and mutual respect,” ssaidDr Mhishi.

The philanthropist also stressed the importance of fostering national identity among younger generations and encouraging values that strengthen social cohesion.

“Let us choose to appreciate one another. Let us speak words that build, not words that destroy. Let us teach the next generation that being Zimbabwean comes before tribal identity. Let us remind ourselves that the freedom we enjoy today came at a cost, a cost paid by brave men and women who believed in one Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mhishi further called on Zimbabweans to honour liberation war veterans by safeguarding the unity they fought to achieve.

“We must also honour our war veterans not only with words, but with action. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten. They gave their time, their youth, and in many cases, their lives so that we could live in a free and independent nation. The greatest way to honor them is to protect that unity they fought for,” he said.

As Zimbabwe continues pursuing its national development aspirations under Vision 2030, Mhishi said unity remains an indispensable ingredient for progress.

“The time for division is over. The time for unity is now. We say no to tribalism. We say yes to unity. We say yes to Zimbabwe. One people. One nation. One future.

“Zimbabwe will rise, not as tribes, but as one united country, proud of its past and confident in its future,” he said.

Mhishi’s remarks come at a time when calls for national cohesion, inclusivity and collective responsibility are increasingly being viewed as critical to accelerating development, attracting investment and ensuring that no community is left behind in Zimbabwe’s journey towards prosperity.

He has also been pushing the message of unity across the southern African region as he emphasised that no borders should differentiate as we are one people.