Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE ongoing Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme, spearheaded by traditional leaders across Matabeleland provinces, has registered a monumental success, recording over 18 000 testimonies as part of the Government’s commitment to providing closure on the 1980s disturbances.
The latest data, gathered as of Wednesday, show that the total number of submissions has soared to 18 015.
The overwhelming response comes amid strong indications that the consultation process is likely to be extended into next year to ensure every affected community member is accorded an opportunity to share their story.
The breakdown of the submissions highlights the massive participation across the region, with Matabeleland North province taking the lead.
The province accounts for 9 554 submissions, translating to 53,03 percent of the total, while Matabeleland South province closely follows with 8 461 submissions, representing 46,97 percent.
Furthermore, it has been noted that women continue to lead the process in terms of participation, demonstrating a strong desire among the female demographic to utilise the platform for healing and reconciliation.
Out of the total of 18 015 submissions recorded to date, women constitute the majority, with 10 827 testimonies, representing 60,1 percent of the total participation.
In comparison, submissions from men account for 7 188 testimonies, making up the remaining 39,9 percent of the total.
This breakdown underscores the critical role women are playing in steering the dialogue for national healing
This high turnout also confirms the deep commitment of local communities to the dialogue and reconciliation framework championed by President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa officially launched the Gukurahundi public hearings programme in July last year and hearings began in full swing in June this year with traditional leaders empowered to conduct the hearings.
The programme seeks to resolve through an internal, home-grown process that reinforces national unity, the early 1980’s civil strife, popularly known as Gukurahundi, which resulted in the loss of lives mainly for people in Matabeleland and part of the Midlands provinces.
The Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, has demonstrated a strong commitment to facilitating lasting healing and reconciliation that brings closure to past conflicts, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s vision of nation-building and fostering unity.
Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who is also head of the secretariat of the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, confirmed that an extension is now likely.
“The overwhelming response from the communities has been truly remarkable and is a testament to the trust placed in our traditional leaders to spearhead this healing initiative,” said Mrs Mabiza.
“Given the numbers and the commitment to ensure inclusivity, the consultation process will likely be extended into next year to ensure every affected community member is accorded a fair opportunity to share their story.”
The initiative resonates with the mantra of the Second Republic, which is committed to the philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind” in national development and reconciliation efforts.
Londile Moyo