Zimbabwe National Pledge

The Zimbabwe National Pledge is a pledge of patriotism mandatory to be recited by school pupils in Zimbabwean schools. it was officially launched at Harare High School by Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary Dr Sylvia Utete Masango on 3 May 2016 and replicated in all the country’s 10 provinces. The pledge is expected to build an individual consciousness and commitment to children about their country.

The wording was extracted from the preamble of the national Constitution adopted in 2013.

The Pledge

Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies, I salute the national flag. United in our diversity by our common desire for freedom, justice and equality. Respecting the brave fathers and mothers who lost lives in the Chimurenga/Umvukela and national liberation struggles We are proud inheritors of our national resources We are proud creators of and participants in our vibrant traditions and cultures We commit honesty and the dignity of hard work

Reception

The requirement to do a national pledge was not received well by some Zimbabweans who argued that the pledge was unconstitutional and against their religious beliefs as Zimbabwe as a country supports freedom of worship. Some people also criticised the government for introducing a national pledge without consulting them first.^[1] One parent contested the constitutionality of the requirement at the courts through Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

References