Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
SIGNIFICANT progress is being made in the ongoing Gukurahundi hearings across Matabeleland North and South provinces, where traditional leaders are directly engaging affected communities and have so far reached about 170 victims.
According to figures released by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, the community-based hearings are progressing smoothly with chiefs and their communities actively documenting experiences from the historic civil strife. In Matabeleland North, a total of 40 interviews have been completed. Chief Magama of Tsholotsho has led the way with 13 interviews, while Chief Nkalakatha of Nkayi has facilitated 10 interviews.
Chief Sinampande of Binga has conducted seven interviews, while Chief Ndondo of Mbembesi and Chief Silachilaba, also from Binga, have each completed five interviews in their respective areas.
According to the official figures, Matabeleland South Province has shown a particularly high level of engagement, with a combined total of 127 interviews conducted so far.
Chief Masendu of Bulilima stands out, having overseen a remarkable 83 interviews. Following him is Chief Hobodo of Mangwe District, who has conducted 22 interviews with Chief Manguba of Bulilima, completing 12, while Chief Nhlamba of Gwanda has facilitated 10 interviews.
The statistics exhibit tangible progress in the Gukurahundi hearings, which directly counters the sabotage efforts by some opposition political parties and their sympathisers who had earlier urged victims to boycott the process.
The active participation of 170 victims, particularly the strong turnout under Chief Masendu, demonstrates a significant level of community buy-in and a willingness among affected individuals to come forward and share their experiences, despite the calls for non-cooperation from various quarters.
The progress recorded so far indicates that the traditional leadership-led approach is gaining traction on the ground, signalling a notable step forward in the long-awaited national healing and reconciliation initiative.
Contacted for comment yesterday evening, Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who leads the traditional leaders in the process, said he was on his way back from the hearings and confirmed that significant ground was being covered as reflected by the statistical brief.
“We confirm the figures are accurate, as they were released directly from the Command Centre, and they truly reflect the current situation on the ground. We anticipate more individuals will come forward,” said Chief Mtshane.
“We’ll be holding a press conference to provide an update on the Gukurahundi hearings, specifically highlighting the nature of testimonies being captured by our data teams from victims across both provinces.”
Last week, the High Court in Bulawayo dismissed a case brought by the Zapu party and its affiliates who attempted to halt the Gukurahundi public hearings.
Senior High Court judge, Justice Munamato Mutevedzi, ruled that the application by the opposition outfit was not urgent, thereby clearing the path for the Gukurahundi hearings to proceed effectively.
Zapu leader, Mr Sibangilizwe Nkomo, had filed an application challenging the proposed Gukurahundi hearings as flawed.
The court application caused delays in the smooth commencement of the vital Gukurahundi process, creating uncertainty around the highly anticipated national healing and reconciliation initiative.
The initiative, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic, seeks to address and bring closure to post-independence disturbances that rocked Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands Province in the 1980s.
In May, Matabeleland chiefs launched a critical outreach programme, engaging with headmen and village heads across their jurisdictions, marking a significant step towards the Gukurahundi public hearings.
The outreach was aimed at briefing fellow traditional leaders on the upcoming hearings. President Mnangagwa entrusted traditional leaders with leading the process of addressing the Gukurahundi issue as part of broader national healing efforts.
The President officially launched the Gukurahundi public hearings programme last July, empowering traditional leaders to conduct the hearings.
Initiated in February 2019, the Government’s approach seeks to resolve the Gukurahundi issue through an internal, home-grown process that reinforces national unity.
The Second Republic has demonstrated a strong commitment to facilitating a healing process that brings closure to past conflicts, aligning with the President’s vision of nation-building and fostering unity.
