Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka-Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE significant progress in the Gukurahundi hearings, with over 1 000 submissions already received from survivors and affected families in Matabeleland North and South provinces, has discredited and disgraced the so-called Gukurahundi Alliance, a movement ostensibly formed to disrupt the ongoing national healing and reconciliation efforts.
The Gukurahundi Alliance comprises the Assembly of Minorities, represented by Mudenda Chilumbo who is also the alliance’s spokesperson, ZAPU, by Sibangilizwe Nkomo, the Matabeleland and Midlands United Forum (MMUF), by Patricia Tshabalala, the Freedom Alliance, by Dr Samukele Hadebe, the Mayibuye People’s Party (MPP), by Zanele Mguni, The Patriotic Front (TPF), by Mr Prosper Ncube and the Progressive Alliance of Mthwakazi Unions (PAMU), represented by Mr Cosmas Ncube.
In an apparent display of shame, seemingly realising the potential success of the process, Mr Chilumbo said in a Press release that the alliance has no intention to thwart a genuine, inclusive and transparent process to bring finality to Gukurahundi.
“Without fear of contradiction, we believe in the important role the Government should play in resolving Gukurahundi.
“That does not imply that we absolve the Zimbabwean State from culpability. No! We are being realistic that a genuine solution can come from all-stakeholders, including the Government participating in seeking for a lasting solution,” his statement reads in part.
This stance from the alliance comes as the National Chiefs Council president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who leads the traditional leaders in the process, declared that the smooth progress of the Gukurahundi hearings is a clear shaming of opposition elements who had urged victims and their families to boycott the crucial process.
“The Gukurahundi hearings are progressing well in all the two provinces of Matabeleland and there are no challenges which have been expressed so far.
“The progress is just a revelation against those political parties and their affiliates who were urging people to shun the process,” said Chief Khumalo highlighting that these groups continue to voice their criticisms even as significant progress and participation are being recorded on the ground.
Chief Khumalo emphasised the commitment of traditional leaders to ensure a genuine and inclusive process for addressing the emotive Gukurahundi issue.
Further cementing the narrative of substantial progress, Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza, who heads the peace-building outreach secretariat, recently confirmed that the Government has received over 1 000 submissions from Gukurahundi survivors and affected families.
She said that these cases, gathered since the official launch of the Gukurahundi community outreach programme, mark a major step in acknowledging decades-old grievances stemming from one of the country’s most painful chapters.
“Since the official launch of the outreach programme, traditional leaders have begun hearings in selected districts of Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South. The programme has been implemented in a structured manner, informed by community perspectives and grounded in a victim-centred approach,” she said.
“As of 15 July 2025, a total of 1 297 submissions have been received from survivors, affected families, and community members across both Matabeleland North (344 submissions) and Matabeleland South (953 submissions).”
“These submissions include oral testimonies, community grievances, and requests for redress or assistance,” said Mrs Mabiza.
