‘Go ye and preach the gospel of peace’

“GO ye and preach the gospel of peace,” said President Mnangagwa as he gave traditional leaders the green light to start the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme, soon after officially launching the exercise at the State House in Bulawayo yesterday.

The launch of the programme is a culmination of a process, which the Second Republic embarked on in February 2019 to pursue the resolution of the post-independence conflict issue through an internal and home-grown process.

National Council of Chiefs president Chief Mtshane Khumalo yesterday provided a detailed timeline of how the process was undertaken under their guidance.

He said President Mnangagwa first met the chiefs from Matabeleland region on June 24, 2019, to discuss critical issues affecting the region.

Chief Mtshane said there was a follow-up meeting on August 22, 2019, which was attended by the President together with a high-powered Government delegation.

“It was at this meeting that the decision was made for traditional leaders to spearhead the Gukurahundi resolution process.

In early September 2021, the National Council of Chiefs presented the consultation report to the Chiefs of Matabeleland North and South, with Government officials in attendance,” he said.

He said in that meeting, the Government reaffirmed its readiness to address issues around the documentation of Gukurahundi victims which entailed issuing them with birth and death certificates as well as national identity documents.

“Your Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that the documentation exercise was undertaken successfully as a result of this initiative,” said Chief Mtshane Khumalo.

He said on March 11, 2022, the National Council of Chiefs convened a meeting with Chiefs from Matabeleland North and South seeking their input on the methodology and roadmap towards the resolution process.

Chief Mtshane Khumalo said engagement was crucial in refining the approach which was to be used and ultimately led to the development of a Gukurahundi Manual, a document which is essentially the constitution and guiding tool for the exercise.

The Gukurahundi Manual was launched at the State House in Bulawayo on October 18, 2022.

“Following the development of this manual, to date, the National Council of Chiefs has been steadfast in its commitment to capacitate chiefs and members of the chiefs’ panel from Matabeleland North and South. This capacitation has included comprehensive training on documentation, conflict resolution, historical context, and effective communication techniques,” said Chief Mtshane Khumalo.

“At these trainings, it was emphasised that our mandate requires dedication to ensure that our outreach programme is inclusive and representative of all affected communities, with the intent of fostering a safe space for open dialogue and healing.”

Chief Mtshane Khumalo said a 12-member Gukurahundi Steering Committee held a training of trainers’ workshop ahead of the preparations for the outreach programme.

“Furthermore, 72 chiefs and 144 rapporteurs from each of the 14 districts in Matabeleland were trained, enhancing their understanding of this mandate. Additionally, 1 008 members of the chiefs panel from all 14 districts in Matabeleland North and South were trained utilising the Manual and Handbook developed to facilitate the effective and efficient implementation of the community engagement process,” he said.

“This comprehensive training has equipped our traditional leaders and their panels to engage effectively with their communities on this sensitive issue.”

Chief Mtshane Khumalo said while the training was ongoing, the Government also provided laptops, recorders and printers that will be utilised during this programme.

“Your Excellency, under your exemplary leadership you have prioritised this issue of healing and also recognised the role of the chiefs in healing and reconciliation of the nation. Indeed, the Chiefs are abakhi bokuthula/vayananisi/peacebuilders,” said Chief Mtshane Khumalo.

“We have made significant strides in preparation for rolling out this programme to the affected communities. Through strategic consultations, capacity-building initiatives, and inclusive dialogues, we have laid a strong foundation for reconciliation and healing.”

Chief Mtshane Khumalo said they are looking forward to having their Command Centre which will be used for data storage including other relevant materials to ensure their safe keeping.

He said they were now geared to move to the communities to commence the programme which they believe will be a success. — @nqotshili