Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
TODAY, June 26, 2025, marks a historic and profoundly significant moment for Zimbabwe as the long-awaited Gukurahundi community hearings officially commence.
This pivotal initiative, spearheaded by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa, represents a crucial step in confronting past atrocities and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and unified society.
However, as the nation embarks on this delicate healing process, the genuine efforts of the Government have been repeatedly met with attempts of sabotage by opposition and shadowy political movements, seeking to exploit historical grievances and undermine progress for their own cynical agendas.
These detractors have consistently sought to disturb the Gukurahundi process, not out of concern for the victims, but from a calculated desire to maintain political leverage and sow unrest.
This was part of a broader plot to sully the reputation of the Second Republic, portraying its efforts at national healing as flawed, and thereby undermining public trust and stability.
They have demonstrably failed in their attempts to sabotage the long-awaited process.
Their tactics range from spreading misinformation to discrediting the traditional leadership, all in a bid to derail a crucial national initiative.
Such actions reveal a profound disregard for the need for healing and reconciliation within the affected communities, prioritising narrow partisan interests over the collective well-being and the pursuit of a just resolution to a painful chapter in the nation’s history.
Despite their concerted efforts to sow discord and cast doubt on the integrity of the proceedings, the firm resolve of the traditional leadership and the commitment to a victim-centred approach have prevailed, ensuring that the critical step towards healing can finally begin today.
These same political entities have vehemently opposed the leadership of traditional chiefs in the Gukurahundi hearings, advocating instead for alternative mechanisms.
Their arguments often dismiss the inherent capacity and cultural legitimacy of chiefs to facilitate such a sensitive process.
This stance is exemplified by shadowy political movements like the Assemblies of Minorities (AM), led by one Chilumbo Mudenda, who are openly denouncing the involvement of traditional leaders in the process, claiming they should not be allowed to preside over the hearings.
In a similar vein of attempted disruption, Mthwakazi Republic Party member Mfanelo Sibanda and Zapu Bulawayo provincial secretary Vivian Siziba also failed in their bid to urge Gukurahundi victims to boycott the hearings.
Indeed, for communities deeply rooted in tradition and respect for local leadership, traditional chiefs are arguably better placed to lead such sensitive proceedings, further highlighting the futility of these calls for a boycott.
In their denunciation, the detractors appear to fundamentally misunderstand or deliberately ignore the critical and unique role played by traditional leaders.
Their intimate understanding of local dynamics, their position as custodians of cultural memory, and their long-standing presence within affected communities offer a unique and empathetic platform for victims to share their testimonies, a role that cannot be replicated by external political actors.
The failed attempts at disruption underscore a fundamental disconnect between these political elements and the aspirations of the affected communities.
While some may seek to politicise the Gukurahundi issue for their own agendas, the chiefs, by contrast, are focused on genuine reconciliation and closure.
Their unwavering commitment to providing a safe and accessible space for victims to speak their truth highlights why they are, indeed, the most appropriate leaders for this delicate and vital national endeavour.
Despite the loud and confused noise to soil the process, National Council of Chiefs president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, confirmed that all systems are in place for the historic Gukurahundi hearings.
He stated that all logistical measures are fully in order for an efficient and disruption-free start.
Also, Chief Mtshane assured the nation that preparations, including transport for traditional leaders to rural areas and the secure storage of sensitive testimonies, have been meticulously finalised, paving the way for this pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s national healing and reconciliation process.
“After extensive preparations, including the training of chiefs and setting up the Command Centre, I can confirm that everything is ready for the long-awaited Gukurahundi hearings which starts tomorrow (today).
“This includes transport for chiefs to rural areas and the secure storage of testimonies, all fully in place and ready for hearings to begin today without any hitches,” said Chief Mtshane.
He added: “Chiefs and those who are part of the process are collecting vehicles from the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED) in the Bulawayo depot. Some chiefs have also provided their own vehicles. We are raring to go.”
Chief Mtshane’s tone underscores the anticipation that the process will unfold seamlessly.
It paints a clear picture of a well-co-ordinated and ready initiative, strongly indicating that the Gukurahundi hearings are expected to proceed without any major challenges and ultimately achieve their intended objectives.
It is also important to note that these hearings are not only about revisiting the past but also about shaping the future.
As part of the broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income country by the end of the decade, acknowledging and healing historical wounds is recognised as a foundational step.
National unity, inclusivity, and peace are seen as essential components of sustainable development and prosperity, making these hearings a crucial element in achieving the nation’s long-term goals.
