Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
Government’s commitment to national healing and unity has reached a significant benchmark, with the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme recording 22 486 testimonies and grievances since its commencement in June this year.
The ground-breaking figures, submitted by 74 chiefs across Matabeleland North and South, signal strong community participation in the home-grown initiative spearheaded by the Second Republic.
This effort aims to bring closure to post-independence disturbances of the 1980s, popularly known as Gukurahundi, which resulted in the loss of lives mainly among people in Matabeleland and part of the Midlands provinces, through an internal process that ultimately reinforces national unity.
The initiative also 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.
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 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.
As of December 5, 2025, the Command Centre had confirmed the total submissions, with Matabeleland North accounting for 55,19 percent and Matabeleland South contributing 44,81 percent.
Notably, women constitute the majority of participants at 60,62 percent underscoring the trust placed in the process led by traditional leaders.
The substantial and growing number of submissions is being recorded despite persistent criticism from opposition parties and pressure groups.
Attorney -General, Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who heads the secretariat of the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, highlighted the importance of these numbers.
“These figures reflect strong community participation and sustained commitment by traditional leaders to the outreach and documentation process,” said Mrs Mabiza.
Mrs Mabiza also dismissed allegations of misuse of Government resources by chiefs, emphasising a commitment to transparency.
“All resources allocated to traditional leaders, be they financial, logistical, or technical, are strictly accounted for, transparently disbursed, and tied to specific programme activities.
“The Government, working closely with the National Council of Chiefs, maintains clear monitoring mechanisms to ensure that every resource benefits the communities and the testimony-recording process directly.”
This statement was echoed by National Chiefs’ Council president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who last week dismissed claims that traditional leaders were demanding exorbitant benefits.
“Allowances are coming through as promised . . . our channels are very clear. We can never go to the newspapers to express our situation let that be clear.
“For now, there is no need to even say we will use those clear channels because we have no issues at all,” stated Chief Khumalo.
While the process of recording testimonies by traditional leaders is reportedly at an “advanced stage,” the exact conclusion date is yet to be announced, pending the submission of all required forms, audio recordings and online entries from every chief.
“The process of recording testimonies by the traditional leaders is expected to be concluded once all the chiefs and their panels have finished documenting grievances, testimonies and community submissions within their respective jurisdictions.
“Currently, most chiefs are at advanced stages of the process. We will formally announce the conclusion once every chief has submitted all required forms, audio recordings and online entries, ensuring no community is left out and that the exercise reaches its proper conclusion,” she said.
The next immediate phase will focus on data consolidation, analysis and reporting.
Mrs Mabiza confirmed that the Command Centre is already working concurrently to validate, categorise and securely store all submissions.
“This phased approach ensures that by the time the chiefs complete the recording exercise, much of the groundwork will already have been established, enabling a smooth transition towards final analysis and the preparation of the programme’s consolidated findings,” Mrs Mabiza said.
The demonstration of this commitment to facilitating a healing process comes just days before Zimbabwe commemorates Unity Day on December 22, celebrating the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987, an agreement between two major liberation movements, Zimbabwe African National union (Zanu-PF) and Zimbabwe African People’s union (PF-Zapu), which sought to heal the wounds of the past and foster a sense of togetherness among Zimbabweans.
This day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey towards national unity and reconciliation.
