He told The Zimbabwean last weekend that peace-loving Zimbabweans from across the political divide should find common ground and deny blood thirsty politicians space to perpetrate violence ahead of the elections.
He said his organisation was helping communities to form home-based mediating committees and voluntary work groups to carryout tasks at respective households in a bid to integrate communities.
The Nhimbe (work groups) are a popular tradition among African cultures aimed at fostering a spirit of oneness among communities.
“We have realised that ‘Nhimbe’ is a valuable tool in the fight against political polarisation among communities, hence the initiative to promote it as elections approach. People find common ground as they carry out targeted tasks at their homesteads for little or no tangible reward at all,” said Mahiya.
The mediation committees arbitrate over issues and iron out differences in the best interests of social harmony without anyone resorting to violence. The committees have the people’s mandate to preside over issues arising out of political differences.
Mahiya urged people to make lasting bonds out of his organisation’s peace initiatives and shun political leadership that preaches violence and hate speech.
“We want innocent people to come together on a common peace platform and expose perpetrators of violence. It is high time these dwindling pockets of political leaders surviving on violence are exposed,” he said. He also commended the Pastors Fellowship Zimbabwe Nationwide Peace Prayer Campaign.
Zimbabwe church pastors are holding musical prayer sessions across the country in a bid to eradicate violence. “The church has a pivotal and complementary role to play regarding eradication of political polarisation among communities. If churches continue to bring together people from rival political parties through peace prayers, sooner rather than later violence in Zimbabwe will be reduced to minimum levels,” Mahiya said.
Post published in: News