Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
THE cumulative number of documented testimonies in the ongoing Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme has surpassed the 25 000 mark, with the Government hinting that the public hearing phase could move towards a conclusion in the next four months.
This was revealed by the Attorney-General, Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who is also the head of the secretariat of the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme.
Giving an update on the latest milestones on the national healing initiative, Mrs Mabiza noted that the initiative launched by President Mnangagwa in July 2024, has seen a surge in participation as Zimbabwe seeks a home-grown solution to the 1980 political disturbances.
The hearings, which began in full swing in June last year, are being spearheaded by traditional leaders across Matabeleland North and South.
Mrs Mabiza said the steady influx of submissions from both Matabeleland North and South provinces signifies a transition toward the reporting and recommendation stage of the victim-centred process.
According to the latest data, the truth-telling process has seen a balanced and sustained participation from both provinces, with women taking a leading role in the documentation process.
“The cumulative total of documented testimonies now stands at 25 034, recorded through outreach and online platforms.
“Of these, 13 662 (54,57 percent) were submitted from Matabeleland North and 11 372 (45,43 percent) from Matabeleland South,” said Mrs Mabiza.
“Women continue to lead the truth-telling process, accounting for 15 200 testimonies (60,72 percent), while 9 834 (39,28 percent) were submitted by men.
“In addition, 74 chiefs have posted submissions on the online platform, demonstrating active engagement by traditional leadership structures.”
While the process remains flexible to ensure no one is left behind, the secretariat has provided a tentative window for the conclusion of the public hearings.
Mrs Mabiza explained that the steering committee will conduct a comprehensive review in four months to determine the transition to the final reporting phase.
“In approximately four months, the steering committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the progress made so far,” she said.
“Following this review, they will advise the National Council of Chiefs on the appropriate next steps, which will include transitioning to the reporting and recommendation stage.”
Mrs Mabiza further emphasised that the focus remains victim-centred.
“The determination of a definitive closing date for the public hearing phase rests with the Steering Committee, in consultation with the National Council of Chiefs . . . everyone who wishes to be heard will have that opportunity.”
Addressing the critical issue of compensation for victims who lost property, livelihoods, or breadwinners, Mrs Mabiza confirmed that the Second Republic is already crafting the necessary legal and financial frameworks.
“We acknowledge that reparations, both individual and communal, are a central pillar of this process,” she stated.
“To ensure interventions meaningfully address the concerns of those affected, the Government has initiated the development of legal and policy frameworks, informed by the testimonies collected.”
Mrs Mabiza assured the public that any measures taken “will be grounded in verified evidence, ensuring they are equitable, responsive, and fully aligned with the needs of affected individuals and communities.”
She also took the opportunity to debunk claims suggesting that traditional leaders were disgruntled over allowances or that victims were hesitant to participate.
Mrs Mabiza dismissed such reports as “incorrect and misleading”.
“The Government has already allocated the necessary budget, and all obligations toward traditional leaders and participants are being fulfilled,” she said.
“Traditional leaders continue to provide invaluable support to the process, and their co-operation and dedication remain highly appreciated.”
Mrs Mabiza reiterated that while reparations are a priority, the integrity of the data remains paramount.
“The immediate priority is to ensure that the experiences of victims are fully recorded and verified,” she said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa