Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE long-awaited Gukurahundi hearings, officially set to begin this Thursday (June 26), mark a historically significant step in the Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa’s efforts to consolidate national unity and reconciliation in Zimbabwe.
This initiative confronts one of the nation’s most sensitive historical periods, aiming to provide a platform for victims and affected communities to voice their grievances and seek redress.
In doing so, this significant step demonstrates a profound recognition of the past and a firm commitment to building a brighter future for Zimbabwe.
Spearheaded by National Council of Chiefs president and senator, Chief Mtshane Khumalo and with the direct endorsement and resource allocation from President Mnangagwa, the programme adopts a distinctly “victim-centred” and private approach.
This strategy acknowledges the deeply personal and often traumatic nature of the Gukurahundi narratives, ensuring that submissions are heard “in camera” sessions, away from public scrutiny.
Since assuming office, President Mnangagwa has committed to transparently confront Zimbabwe’s troubled past, notably the Gukurahundi era, making a significant departure from previous Government stances.
Indeed, before his ascendancy in 2017, it was taboo to openly discuss the Gukurahundi issue.
In his inaugural speech eight years ago, President Mnangagwa said the country should not be held by the past but confront it head-on.
“While we cannot change the past, there is a lot we can do in the present and future to give our nation a different, positive direction,” he said then.
As we do so, we should never remain hostages to our past, the President added.
“I thus humbly appeal to all of us that we let bygones be bygones, readily embracing each other in defining a new destiny. The task at hand is that of rebuilding our great country. It principally lies with none but ourselves.”
These sweeping statements signalled a resolute intent to resolve issues related to these historical events, acknowledging the deep wounds inflicted and aiming to foster national healing and reconciliation.
His engagement with traditional leaders and affected communities, culminating in the formal launch of these victim-centred hearings, underscores a shift towards direct and localised solutions for a long-silenced chapter of the nation’s history.
This commitment stands in stark contrast to the approach taken during the First Republic, where public discourse surrounding Gukurahundi was largely suppressed.
President Mnangagwa’s administration, by empowering chiefs to lead these community-based hearings and committing to compensation for legitimate cases, is thus embarking on an unprecedented and historically significant path to address grievances and consolidate national unity that was previously elusive.
This forward-looking approach is underpinned by a fundamental shift in State policy, where Gukurahundi victims are encouraged to make submissions through local chiefs, coupled with the Government’s readiness to compensate them.
At a press conference in Bulawayo on Sunday, National Chiefs Council Vice president, Chief Fortune Charumbira — speaking on behalf of the council’s president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo — said the council has spent over four years preparing to engage with communities and hear their experiences.
“The Government is ready to compensate. That is why we are urging those who suffered loss or harm during Gukurahundi to come forward and approach their chiefs.
“The hearings will begin on June 26, and we expect each chief to listen to the victims in their area,” said Chief Charumbira.
This commitment to compensation for legitimate cases, as articulated by Chief Charumbira, indicates a tangible step towards redress and reparation.
It moves beyond mere acknowledgment to provide practical support for healing and reconciliation, thereby attempting to consolidate national unity by directly addressing long-standing grievances.
For decades, the spectre of Gukurahundi cast a long shadow over Zimbabwe.
Deep-seated bitterness and tribal tensions were attributed to the prolonged silence surrounding Gukurahundi.
President Mnangagwa has consistently hailed the initiatives to address the Gukurahundi issue, saying they are a testament to the country’s collective resilience and determination to confront its history with courage and compassion.
“May this initiative be a beacon of hope, paving the way for healing, understanding, and a brighter future for all Zimbabweans. Okonakalayo elizweni, kulungiswa ngabanikazi balo. Zvinokanganisika munyika, zvinogadziriswa nevene vayo. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” he said then.
President Mnangagwa’s powerful message fundamentally emphasises local ownership and agency in resolving the Gukurahundi issue.
This assertion places the responsibility and capability for addressing deep-seated national wounds squarely with Zimbabweans themselves, rather than relying on external interventions.
This approach is designed to foster a profound sense of collective responsibility and empowerment among citizens and traditional leaders, thereby promoting genuine internal dialogue and reconciliation.
It suggests that sustainable healing and unity must originate from within the affected communities and the nation as a whole, recognising that externally imposed solutions often lack true buy-in and long-term effectiveness.
Furthermore, this statement signals a clear commitment to tangible action beyond mere rhetoric, framing the Gukurahundi hearings as a “beacon of hope” and a path to “healing, understanding, and a brighter future”.
