Gukurahundi hearings launch – the mood

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

THE venue was the Bulawayo State House. The morning was cold but the sky carried a hue of blue, cloudless as if to confirm Anne Frank’s assertion that, “. . . nature brings solace in all troubles.”

The atmosphere was serene, electric and contagious, all at once. The event was the historic launch of the Gukurahundi Community Engagement by President Mnangagwa which is expected to mark a new era in Zimbabwe by giving the affected families closure to a dark historical past.

The launch was a culmination of the long and arduous processes of engagement that have been going on for a few years now with the intention of building bridges, uniting people and fostering the long-term development of Zimbabwe and its diverse communities.

Nature was at its best on that Sunday (14 July 2024). Clear and calm skies uncharacteristic of July which ordinarily would have been chilly and windy seemed to be in perfect harmony with the occasion that had brought the highest office into the country’s second capital.

The day was warm with an oddly satisfying aura of tranquillity, peace, and harmony. It seemed true that nature usually responds to events of significance positively or negatively and on that Sunday the positivity could be felt in the air, it could be touched.

The mood of the day was a fine blend of excitement and emotion. It was a day that many had been waiting for, a yield of the many hours put into deliberations. Something was now going to be done about the thorny and controversial issue that had seen Zimbabwe living in apprehension for almost four decades.

The several meetings held with traditional leaders (chiefs) that are spearheading the process of engaging communities to get detailed accounts from survivors, witnesses, and victims were getting the blessing from the President himself.

His Government has been offering unwavering support to the process from day one and everything was done in the forward-looking spirit of fostering unity and peace. To kick off the day Reverend Paul Damasane, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet dedicated the proceedings to the Almighty, with a prayer that was made up of over six local Zimbabwean languages, much to the amazement of the delegates.

His prayer in the languages was not just a show of his multilingualism but it was in the spirit of embracing the country’s official languages as the delegates to the launch represented various people who speak an array of local languages such as SiNdebele, Tonga, ChiShona, Sotho, Kalanga, Ndau and others.

So captivating was the prayer that it got people talking for most of the day also encouraging oneness in diversity for citizens to enable easy communication wherever one goes. The president of the Chiefs Council Chief Senator Mtshane Khumalo spoke first, breaking the ice, signalling new beginnings in the historic moment that was going to be inscribed in the books of history.

He detailed how the journey leading to reconciliation and restoration had started years before the actual launch reaffirming how President Mnangagwa was dedicated to resolving the matter amicably as he had moved each step of the way with the traditional leaders.

He said chiefs have been capacitated via comprehensive training on documentation, conflict resolution, historical context, and effective communications training. Bulawayo Province has been playing host to many of the meetings between the President, chiefs, and other stakeholders such as the church.

Addressing the President, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said the city was proud to be bestowed with the honour of playing host to the delegations. “We in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province have noted with a deep sense of appreciation that ever since you assumed office, your Excellency, you have bestowed us the honour of visiting our city on numerous occasions underlining your commitment to cementing unity in our nation as you lead us on the path of developments and prosperity as a unitary State,” said Minister Ncube.

She also took the opportunity to thank the President for the work being done on Lake Gwayi-Shangani Dam saying its completion will transform Bulawayo and the region for the better as it will bring a positive impact on the livelihoods of the people.

While proceedings to mark the launch were underway, the theme of unity was recurring. Bulawayo-based outfit, Black Umfolosi’s song – Unity which was released in 1990 was the song of the day with its apt lyrics summing up the main purpose of the community engagement outreach programme, unifying the people.

The song captivated the audience as it was played on the public address system with everyone paying close attention to the lyrics which were significant and pregnant with meaning.“Let’s preach unity (unity), the gospel (unity) of peace, of human rights (unity), of tranquillity (unity)”, the song played repeatedly at the venue.

For a moment, one would assume the song was composed specifically for that occasion as the people listened carefully dissecting each line in their minds and appreciating the meaning of the hit track and its significance on the day.

The song goes on to say where there is no peace there is no unity, no jobs leading to no development. One stanza of the song delves into the ethnic differences that communities have, shunning the segregation of people along these lines as it does not symbolise a unified state but breeds unrest and disharmony.

“No Shona (unity), no Ndebele (unity), no Kalanga (unity), no Venda (unity) oh yeah. No Coloured (unity), no Zezuru (unity), no Karanga (unity), no Whites (unity). Tiri vana vamwe chete, ngatiedzei kushandira pamwe chete (We are one people let us try and work together)”.

Although usually played on days preceding 22 December annually to mark National Unity Day, the timeless classic made a mark on Sunday, 14 July 2024 during the launch as the quest for unity and forgiveness was brought up.

The revered chiefs, a total of 72 who will spearhead the process of engagement in the communities attended the event in their best of attires. Many wore suits, hats, and ties to signify that they took the event with all the seriousness it deserved.

Chief Dakamela of Nkayi, was a notable delegate of the event as he wore an off-white two-piece shirt and ankle-high matching trousers adorned with traditional neck-pieces, bangles, and headgear. His towering figure made him noticeable to all in his traditional attire.

The female chiefs also turned out dressed for the occasion with various glorious and dignified outfits and headgear that exemplified all their modesty. Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Cde Kazembe Kazembe was clad in a black national fabric blazer showing that the fabric is getting popular in the fashion streets of Zimbabwe.

The master of ceremony at the event Mr Thabani Vusa Mpofu did not disappoint and was also donning headgear (umqhele) made of animal hide. The event which started around 10 am was not cluttered with other acts such as traditional dance groups, praise poets, or any other entertainer.

It was a revered one and was treated with all due respect. It ended promptly at 1pm and guests were treated to an array of meals before Rev Damasane closed the event with another prayer delivered in various languages wowing the delegates once more as they departed after writing another chapter of unity and reconciliation in the country’s history. – @NyembeziMu