Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE National Chiefs Council has announced that a victim-centred and private approach will be crucial to the success of the Gukurahundi victim hearings, especially given the sensitive and often private nature of some of the narratives that may emerge, as not all of them can be shared publicly.
The hearings, aimed at consolidating national unity and reconciliation, are set to officially begin on June 26.
The hearings, which will take place across Matabeleland North and South provinces, follow an extensive awareness campaign conducted by chiefs in their communities on June 27. Ahead of these hearings, the Steering Committee had met on Friday last week to finalise logistical matters.
On Saturday, building on the committee’s work, all chiefs from Matabeleland North and South were given the opportunity to report on the outcomes of the awareness campaign and raise any outstanding logistical concerns.
This campaign aimed to inform people that President Mnangagwa has initiated this process, allowing submissions through traditional leaders.
Speaking 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 programme, which has been in preparation for over four years, has received the full endorsement of President Mnangagwa.
“This programme was endorsed by the President (Mnangagwa) himself, who decided to open up on issues of the Gukurahundi, to allow individuals — be they victims, families, or groups — to submit their grievances to their local chief,” he said.
“Our approach is victim-centred. That should be known by the media. It’s not a public hearing… because of the sensitivities and sometimes private nature of some of the narrations that may come out. Some of them cannot be shared in public,” he stressed.
He further clarified the closed-door nature of the sessions, stating that “in camera” hearings would allow victims to invite one or two family members to attend, but each victim would be heard individually at scheduled appointments, ensuring separate times for each.
“Let the victim invite maybe one or two family members to attend that ‘in camera’ hearing with the victims only. This is very important. Even the victims cannot be in one room. Each victim will have their own time. Chiefs will schedule individual appointments for victims,” he said.
Chief Charumbira said the hearings will see each Chief supported by a 13-member panel.
“This panel, with the Chief as the presiding officer, includes nominated elders from the community, religious leaders, women and youth representatives. Two rapporteurs will be on hand to record submissions using laptops, iPads, recorders and cameras, with the Chief responsible for the custody of these gadgets.
“The panel will also include ‘counselling experts’ from within the community, individuals known for their ability to handle emotional situations, whose understanding of local culture is deemed crucial for addressing sensitive issues, particularly those involving the deceased,” he said.
Chief Charumbira indicated that while the exact duration of the process is difficult to pinpoint, it is expected to take “roughly” three to four months, possibly five or six months.
“Ideally, we don’t want it to go beyond six months,” he said while acknowledging that the volume of work would vary from chief to chief.
Addressing concerns about victims, who may have relocated to neighbouring countries like Botswana and South Africa, Chief Charumbira made it clear that submissions must be made in person within Zimbabwe.
“It’s imperative that if you really have a good case, come, talk to the chief. But our chiefs cannot go and sit in Botswana or in South Africa. But people will be allowed time to make arrangements to come and make their submissions.”
Regarding the outcome of legitimate cases, he affirmed that “Government is ready to compensate cases, which come out well and legitimately so, that require compensation.”
