Gukurahundi awareness campaigns set for this week

Tanyaradzwa Rusike

TRADITIONAL LEADERS spearheading public awareness campaigns in Matabeleland North and South provinces will tomorrow begin receiving resources, including fuel allocations, to undertake a week-long exercise set to start on Saturday.

The campaigns are aimed at informing communities about the upcoming Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, which seeks to address the post-independence disturbances that occurred in the provinces in the 1980s. In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who also heads the secretariat of the Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, said traditional leaders will start receiving fuel and other logistical support on Monday to help them carry out the campaign effectively.

“We have conducted a meeting for the final preparation of the campaigns with traditional leaders,” she said.

“On Monday, they will start receiving fuel and other necessities they are going to use during the campaigns for them to be successful.”

Mrs Mabiza said the campaigns are designed to raise awareness on the outreach’s objectives and the critical role traditional leaders will play in guiding communities through the process.

Traditional leaders, she said, will be responsible for fostering inclusive dialogue and mobilising community participation.

“With the dedication and commitment of our traditional leaders and support teams, we are confident that these campaigns will establish a strong foundation for meaningful engagement and national reconciliation,” she said.

The awareness campaigns, she added, will specifically target communities where the outreach programme will be held.

“Community engagement will be a key component of the campaigns, with traditional leaders playing a crucial role in mobilising residents to participate in the outreach programme.

“This collaborative approach will ensure that the campaigns successfully reach as many people as possible in the targeted provinces.”

Mrs Mabiza said the campaign strategy includes regular evaluations to address any emerging needs and to ensure that support services are available.

She also noted that attention will be given to addressing misconceptions or concerns that community members may have about the programme.

“Overall, the goal is to create a supportive environment for open and honest discussions about the Gukurahundi period in Zimbabwe’s history,” said Mrs Mabiza.

She said commencement of the campaigns will ensure the effective resolution of all legacy issues surrounding Gukurahundi and promote healing and reconciliation. “The campaigns are critical in building public confidence, dispelling misinformation and ensuring that communities understand the purpose and voluntary nature of the outreach,” she added.

“By providing accurate information and addressing any concerns or doubts, the campaigns serve to create a sense of trust and cooperation within the community.

“Ultimately, the success of these initiatives depends on the level of engagement and support from the public, making effective communication and outreach strategies essential.”

She emphasised that traditional leaders had received the tools, training and materials necessary to begin their work effectively.

“Resources have been allocated to achieve the established goals,” she said.

“With traditional leaders taking charge and actively engaging with the community, this initiative is fostering a sense of ownership and unity among the people.

“As the programme continues to develop, there is optimism that lasting change and progress will be achieved.”