Preps for Gukurahundi outreach at advanced stage

Tanyaradzwa Rusike

MODALITIES to commence the Gukurahundi consultative meetings are at an advanced stage after the Government developed a manual and handbook to guide the processes.

The authorities have since set aside funds required for the programme, which will begin anytime soon.

The programme is expected to document and resolve civil disturbances that transpired in some parts of the country in the 1980s.

Hearings will be led by over 70 traditional chiefs from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces to identify people directly and indirectly affected by the disturbances, capture their views and establish community-led solutions to their grievances.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza said the programme will be launched soon.

“I am pleased to inform you that significant progress has been made to commence nationwide consultations to address historical grievances related to Gukurahundi,” said Mrs Mabiza.

“Demonstrating its commitment to confronting the issues surrounding Gukurahundi, the Government has allocated a dedicated budget to initiate these consultations.

“In addition to the budget allocation, I am delighted to announce that a comprehensive manual and handbook have been developed to guide the outreach programme. The manual and handbook serve as essential guiding frameworks, ensuring transparency, inclusivity and effectiveness throughout the consultation process.”

President Mnangagwa’s administration committed to confront the country’s ugly past by resolving outstanding issues associated with the disturbances.

Mrs Mabiza said the consultation processes are meant to create a platform for dialogue and reconciliation with the affected families.

“The hearings regarding the issues surrounding Gukurahundi hold immense significance for national peace and healing in Zimbabwe,” she said. “They will provide an opportunity to acknowledge and address historical grievances related to Gukurahundi by promoting truth and reconciliation. Furthermore, by providing a space for victims and their families to share experiences, the consultations facilitate healing and closure.

“Also, addressing the root causes of past conflicts through open dialogue and reconciliation efforts helps prevent similar incidents in the future and fosters unity and cohesion, whilst strengthening the social fabric of Zimbabwe.”

As part of the Government efforts to ensure the smooth implementation of the consultations, she said chiefs from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South have been equipped with the necessary gadgets to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.

“These gadgets include laptops, printers, recorders and high-quality microphones,” said Mrs Mabiza. “This proactive approach not only demonstrates Government’s commitment to ensuring that chiefs have access to the necessary resources for effective participation, but also reinforces its determination to address the historical grievances related to Gukurahundi in a comprehensive and meaningful manner.”

National Council of Chiefs president Chief Mtshane Khumalo said they were ready to start the consultations.

“Everything is now set,” he said. “We are only waiting for the President to come back to us and launch the programme. We are very happy that through the Office of the President, we received all the necessities that we need to use for the hearings.”