Zimbabwe Unity Day (December 22): The 1987 Unity Accord
Unity Day is a public holiday in Zimbabwe on December 22. It marks the Unity Accord signed on December 22, 1987 by Robert Mugabe of ZANU and Joshua Nkomo of ZAPU, which merged the two main liberation movements into ZANU–PF and ended years of conflict, especially in Matabeleland and the Midlands.
| Name | Unity Day (Zimbabwe) |
|---|---|
| When | Every year on December 22 |
| Next date | Tuesday, December 22, 2026 · in 59 days |
| Type | Public Holidays |
| Observed in | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe |
| Topic | Patriotic & History |
| First observed | 1987 |
| Public holiday? | Yes |
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 22 every year |
| Marks | Unity Accord, December 22, 1987 |
| Signed by | Robert Mugabe (ZANU) and Joshua Nkomo (ZAPU) |
| Holiday type | National public holiday |
| Independence Day | April 18 (1980) |
Background
Both ZANU and ZAPU fought against white-minority rule in Rhodesia during the liberation war. After independence in 1980, tensions between them grew, and the early 1980s saw serious violence in Matabeleland and the Midlands, in which thousands of civilians were killed. The Unity Accord of 1987 brought the parties together, and Joshua Nkomo — affectionately called “Father Zimbabwe” — became Vice-President.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1961–1963 | ZAPU and ZANU founded |
| 1964–1979 | Liberation war (Second Chimurenga) |
| April 18, 1980 | Zimbabwe becomes independent |
| 1980s | Conflict in Matabeleland and the Midlands |
| December 22, 1987 | Unity Accord signed |
| 1990 | Joshua Nkomo becomes Vice-President |
How the Day Is Observed
- Official speeches calling for national unity and peace.
- Reflection on reconciliation and nation-building.
- A holiday at the start of the Christmas season, when many people travel to their rural homes.
👉 Related: South Africa’s Day of Reconciliation — December 16
Zimbabwe at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Harare |
| Population | About 16 million |
| Official languages | 16, including English, Shona and Ndebele |
| Natural wonders | Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe |
| Independence | April 18, 1980 |
Great Zimbabwe
The country takes its name from Great Zimbabwe, the ruins of a medieval stone city built between the 11th and 15th centuries. Its massive dry-stone walls, built without mortar, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famous soapstone Zimbabwe Bird carvings found there appear on the national flag and coat of arms.
Zimbabwe’s National Holidays
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Independence Day | April 18 |
| Africa Day | May 25 |
| Heroes’ Day | Second Monday of August |
| Defence Forces Day | Day after Heroes’ Day |
| Unity Day | December 22 |
When is Unity Day (Zimbabwe)?
Unity Day (Zimbabwe) is observed every year on December 22. Here are the dates for the coming years:
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Countdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 22, 2026 | Tuesday | in 59 days |
| 2027 | December 22, 2027 | Wednesday | in 424 days |
| 2028 | December 22, 2028 | Friday | in 790 days |
| 2029 | December 22, 2029 | Saturday | in 1155 days |
| 2030 | December 22, 2030 | Sunday | in 1520 days |
| 2031 | December 22, 2031 | Monday | in 1885 days |
FAQ
Unity Day is celebrated on December 22.
The Unity Accord signed on December 22, 1987 between ZANU and ZAPU.
Robert Mugabe for ZANU and Joshua Nkomo for ZAPU.
Yes, it is a national public holiday.