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Peace, the road to unity and prosperity
Students Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (ZSCM)
February 2005

'We want peace, we don't want war, no more war, stop the war' goes the famous song by a South African singer.

It is presumed that the singer had seen the African nations were lagging behind in development and in catering for the needs of their people. Wars had crippled African economies even after attaining independence. All the efforts and resources were being diverted into dealing with the calamities and the effects of these wars. The musician thus had to make a call for a peaceful continent if development and prosperity had to be realised.

Some people might argue that Zimbabwe is not at war at the moment. Yes it is true, we are not in the battlefield but we have a war with us. This war is slowly making the people of this land between the Zambezi and Limpopo become hopeless and defenceless citizens. The war that Zimbabwe has is hampering national development. The war has divided the people of once a beautiful nation.

Since the famous 'NO VOTE' in the constitutional referendum to present-day, the ordinary person in the street has been made to live in fear. People can no longer voice their concerns or exercise their democratic rights of association and assembly.

It has become a crime to belong to an opposite party or have views that contradict the status quo. A famous Zimbabwean scriptwriter lamenting on the violence being perpetrated to the innocent citizens as they try to air their grievances or exercise their democratic rights wrote, 'Freedom to say, Freedom to ask, Freedom to query, or shut down by batons and tear gas'.

This state orchestrated violence has become an everyday occurrence as people who try to express themselves against oppression and unjust laws are beaten. To add to this state sponsored violence the so-called war veterans, the youth militia and other youths are in the forefront of perpetrating violence against the otherwise peace-loving communities. Destruction of properties, killing of innocent citizens as well as raping of our dear mothers and sisters has become a culture.

Violence against the people, Zimbabwe is at war with itself! At war with its people! But, which country in this world has developed through violent means?

In all this it is very saddening to note that the youths are the main perpetrators of violence. The situation has gone out of hand to the extent that these youths no longer differentiate between the young and the old, men and women, boys and girls or even children. The politicians have made sure that they indoctrinate the youths so that they can, with no guilty quality conscience, cause chaos and mayhem in the communities. They see enemies everywhere they go. The youths have become 'weapons of mass destruction'. The most frightening 'animal' for the peace loving Zimbabwean which is fighting against the wishes and the aspirations of many is the youth.

The youths' focus has been diverted. Instead of using all the youthful energy in building the future, they waste it in unleashing violence on helpless citizens. And the returns for all this are not only unbelievable but an insult? Beer and few dollars not even enough to buy a decent meal for a week! The effects of violence on innocent citizens will one day come back to haunt all those who have been used by politicians that they can get into power. When the effects come, they don't affect the politicians but you. Uchasara wava wega vagokuramba katatu. It is very important for the youths to sit down and reflect on the kind of contribution they are giving to their communities.

Youths should know that the future of this country is in their hands. The old madalas came and did their part. Good or bad, they have lived their lives. Youths are thus supposed to have a will to build their nation. What has now become the trend, violence, is not productive. If anything, through such activities, the youths are plotting their demise as there will be no country left to speak about, but ruins.
Zimbabwe will never be built through violence. It is every citizen's right to participate meaningfully and gainfully in the issues that affect the nation, respect each other's views and beliefs. Today's Zimbabwe needs boys and girls who are united in fighting violence that has brought untold suffering to the people.

It is only when we are at peace that we can contribute meaning fully to the development of our nation. None other than us brings this peace. The country is in our hands. Lets build it in peace and harmony and together we will prosper.

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