Chronicle Editor
Dr Obert Moses Mpofu
How does one correct the mistakes of old and ensure that the future is without any issues that weigh it down? The simple answer is through confronting past travesties with an open mind and pure intentions. History should never be allowed to be a burden that prevents a people from moving forward and developing their nation. Sins and mistakes of old should and must always be confronted as this is a critical ingredient in nation building.
For decades, Zimbabwe has limped on with the Gukurahundi issue acting like a grain of sand inside one’s shoe. For a very long time, it had become very difficult to nearly impossible to talk about this issue with clarity. Even though there are some previous attempts that were made towards resolving this thorny and very difficult issue, it seems the wounds did not fully heal. Previously, there was the Unity Accord which sought to bring harmony among all the people of this country. The Unity Accord of 1987, which served as the foundation of the efforts aimed at addressing Gukurahundi issues was consummated against the efforts of hostile elements, some of which were instrumental in the sowing of the seeds of division among us. Consequently, even though the Unity Accord was a notable turning point in the country’s history as it resulted in the birth of Zanu-PF and remarkable unity within the country, the Gukurahundi issue still remained unaddressed fully.
Openly speaking about this difficult issue had in previous years become taboo. As a result, there is so much that is unknown about this sad part of our country’s history. Not enough research or outreach has been done on the matter. There are therefore some among us oblivious to the fact that Gukurahundi indeed happened and put a dent on the lives of communities that were affected by it. Many should know that Gukurahundi is and was never a tribal issue but rather a national issue which now requires a lasting national solution.
With this in mind, His Excellency President E.D Mnangagwa has taken the bold step to definitively address this issue that has weighed our great nation down for decades through initiating the Gukurahundi Outreach Programme as a tool for brining finality to this issue. President Mnangagwa has not shied away from one of the dark parts of our history. Under his watch and guidance, efforts are being made to tackle the Gukurahundi issue and find peace, reconciliation and healing. Addressing this issue fully is critical to moving our great nation forward.
Last week, the President while addressing Chiefs at State House in Bulawayo, stated that the efforts of addressing the Gukurahundi issue, through an initiative called the Gukurahundi Outreach Programme has reached an advanced stage. This programme was based on the President’s firm belief that resolving the Gukurahundi issue is about building a stronger, more united Zimbabwe for the future. As a result, the Gukurahundi Outreach Programme is a testament to our collective resilience and determination to confront our history with courage and compassion. The priority for this process is healing, dialogue and reconciliation.
The President, after extensive consultation with all stakeholders took the decision to mandate the National Council of Chiefs through selected members to spearhead this very sensitive initiative. The decision was not made without some reflection. The National Council of Chiefs are the custodians of our culture, traditional practices and values are best placed to handle this issue through the intimate and close relationship with people who were caught in this unfortunate conflict. It should be noted that, this is not a new initiative per se, as the process to resolve the Gukurahundi issue started in March 2019. Therefore, the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme initiative is meant to resolve this issue through internal and home-grown processes.
In order to attain the objectives of the programme, there is a total of 72 chiefs from Matabeleland North and South that have been trained to handle the processes. There is also a stirring committee of 12 and all in all there are 14 districts involved.
As highlighted by the President in his remarks while interfacing with Chiefs from Matabeleland North and South Provinces, at State House in Bulawayo recently, there are indeed challenges that are being faced in terms of the efforts to address issues surrounding Gukurahundi, chief among them has been the disinformation as well as the political posturing and these have had the effect of casting a shadow over the Government’s efforts to address the matter to finality. However, the President in his speech further indicated that, whatever challenges that have been faced in resolving the Gukurahundi issue are not insurmountable as the case in the past they shall not succeed.
The effort to resolve the Gukurahundi issue is about building a stronger, more united Zimbabwe for the future. The Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme is being taken with the utmost seriousness as shown by the fact that the budget for the programme has already been confirmed and is in place. This is a further show of government’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and accountability in this process. The Zanu-PF-led government indeed has an unwavering dedication towards resolving the Gukurahundi issue. This stems from the fact that there is an understanding of the depth of the pain as well as the need for closure as highlighted by President Mnangagwa. The hope is that the process will not extend beyond one year as it is important that this matter is dealt with and finalised.
For our country to move forward and progress, we most definitely need to confront our history with courage and correct some mistakes of old. We are after all one Zimbabwe and what holds us together is more than what could ever separate us. Together as a nation, we will indeed be able to move forward and reach greater heights. The Zanu-PF government under President Mnangagwa should indeed be commended for these great efforts that they are making towards healing our nation and bringing it closer together.
Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary-General of Zanu-PF. He writes in his own capacity.
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