Sundaymail Editor
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
THE Government has set up a coordination centre to manage, support and oversee imminent public hearings that are meant to document and address post-independence disturbances that affected parts of Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.
The centre will be responsible for coordinating the schedule and locations of public hearings, including arranging secure venues, transportation and other logistical needs.
It will also act as a support system for traditional chiefs and local leaders who will be leading the hearings, providing them with resources, training and guidance to manage discussions effectively and sensitively.
In addition, the centre will oversee the secure collection, recording and storage of testimonies and sensitive information gathered during the hearings, including ensuring data privacy protocols are strictly followed to protect participants.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who is also head of the secretariat for the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, said commencement of the hearings was delayed to allow for thorough logistical preparations. “The public hearings intended to document and address the post-independence disturbances were initially scheduled to commence in August,” she said.
“However, in recognising the gravity of this undertaking, it was deemed essential to allow adequate time for thorough preparation and the finalisation of all logistical arrangements. Such preparation is vital to conducting the hearings with the highest standards of efficiency and effectiveness, thereby creating a solid foundation for a meaningful and impactful engagement process.”
She said preparations for commencement of the hearings were progressing.
“Traditional chiefs have been capacitated and equipped to fulfil their roles with diligence, and a coordination centre has been established to oversee the proceedings.
“Our commitment is to ensure that the hearings provide a safe, supportive environment, where participants can share their experiences with confidence.”
The Government, she said, had allocated sufficient financial resources for the programme, signalling a commitment to promote reconciliation and closure for the affected communities.
“The precise start date will be communicated upon finalisation of the remaining logistical arrangements,” she added.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and steadfast support of all stakeholders as we advance toward the commencement of this vital phase in the engagement process.
“In the interim, we encourage the affected communities to remain engaged with their local leaders and traditional chiefs, who will serve as pivotal facilitators of the programme. Further updates regarding the official start date will be shared in due course.”
Mrs Mabiza said comprehensive safety protocols have been put in place to protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality.
“These protocols include secure methods for recording and storing testimonies, ensuring that sensitive information is managed with the utmost care and diligence.
“Traditional chiefs and their panels have undergone extensive training in confidentiality and the appropriate handling of sensitive matters, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to uphold the highest standards of discretion and professionalism.”
Additionally, secure venues have been arranged, she said, while counselling services will be provided to participants throughout the process.
“Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms have been established to ensure strict adherence to these safety protocols, thereby fostering a supportive environment in which participants can engage with confidence, free from any fear of exposure or reprisal,” she added.
The Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme is aimed at identifying those affected by the violence, gather their testimonies and develop community-driven solutions. Through this community-led dialogue, the initiative seeks to understand the root causes of the disturbances and come up with ways of addressing longstanding grievances.
Additionally, it will help identify the needs of Gukurahundi victims, enabling the State to provide interventions that support healing and closure.
Online Reporter