Online Reporter
On Thursday, the long-awaited Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, which is aimed at addressing historical grievances and fostering healing in communities affected by the Gukurahundi disturbances, will begin in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces. The initiative marks a historic milestone in the Second Republic’s efforts to promote truth-telling, reconciliation and lasting peace. The Sunday Mail’s TANYARADZWA RUSIKE spoke to Attorney-General MRS VIRGINIA MABIZA, who also serves as the head of the programme’s secretariat, on the progress made ahead of the outreach’s official launch.
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Q: Ahead of the commencement of the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme this week, could you briefly outline the initiative’s background, key objectives and significance?
A: The Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme is part of national efforts to address historical grievances and foster healing in communities impacted by the Gukurahundi disturbances.
Launched under the directive of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, the programme aims to provide a safe platform for affected communities to share their experiences and propose recommendations for reconciliation and national healing.
Its ultimate goal is to promote sustainable peace and unity across the country.
Q: What is the projected duration of the programme, and how will it be phased or structured across different regions?
A: The outreach programme will initially cover Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces. The programme is anticipated to run for approximately six months. However, this timeline is flexible and will be influenced by the turnout and level of community participation in each area.
The approach is deliberately community-driven, ensuring that adequate time is allocated for meaningful engagement, documentation and support in each region.
Q: What are the immediate outcomes the Government hopes to achieve through this outreach initiative?
A: In the immediate term, the Government aims to create a dignified and inclusive platform for structured community dialogue.
This platform will uphold the principles of openness, mutual respect and participatory justice, allowing affected communities to engage meaningfully in the national discussions on truth, healing and reconciliation.
Key outcomes include the collection of community submissions, the identification of survivors’ needs and the formulation of community-driven recommendations.
Importantly, this initiative endeavours to deepen and reaffirm the existing trust between the State and affected communities, creating a solid foundation for sustained healing and reconciliation.
Q: Has adequate funding been secured to support the programme? If so, could you share how much has been allocated and how it will be utilised?
A: Yes, adequate funding has been mobilised to support the initial stages of the outreach. The exact amount will be disclosed through the appropriate official channels in due course.
These funds will be directed towards critical operational areas, including transportation, fuel, allowances for outreach teams and the procurement of materials and equipment essential to the effective conduct of the programme.
As the outreach progresses, further budgetary support will be provided based on evolving needs on the ground.
Q: Who qualifies to take part in the outreach activities, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure broad and inclusive participation?
A: The outreach adopts a victim-centred approach and is primarily open to victims of the disturbances, their family members and those with lived experiences of the events under review. Chiefs have been entrusted with the responsibility to mobilise their communities in a manner that honours cultural sensitivities while promoting inclusivity.
The process is entirely voluntary, and deliberate measures have been implemented to ensure broad participation.
These include the use of local languages, the provision of psychosocial support to create safe and supportive spaces, targeted outreach to marginalised groups such as women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and the facilitation of private hearings for those who may be uncomfortable speaking in public.
These mechanisms are designed to uphold dignity, confidentiality and accessibility for all participants.
Q: What role is the media expected to play during the outreach process, and will there be any limitations on how sensitive matters are reported?
A: The media plays a vital role in fostering transparency, disseminating accurate information and enhancing public awareness of the outreach initiative.
However, in light of the deeply personal and sensitive nature of the testimonies to be shared, media representatives will not be permitted to attend the hearings directly. This measure is intended to preserve the dignity, privacy and emotional safety of participants.
Instead, traditional leaders, who are leading the outreach, will provide periodic briefings and updates to the media on the general progress and key findings emerging from the process.
Q: How will the programme guarantee the safety, dignity and confidentiality of those who choose to participate and share their experiences?
A: His Excellency, the President, has provided affected communities with a platform to express themselves freely and without fear, creating an environment where their voices can be heard with dignity and respect.
To uphold this commitment, a comprehensive manual and handbook have been developed to provide clear guidance on engagement protocols, while safeguarding the confidentiality of all disclosures.
Chiefs and outreach teams have undergone rigorous training on ethical standards, trauma-informed methodologies and the sensitive handling of personal information.
Participants are afforded the opportunity to share their experiences within safe and supportive spaces, including private settings when necessary.
Furthermore, all records and testimonies will be securely managed and safeguarded, in strict accordance with established data protection protocols.
Q: Beyond the outreach, what are the long-term goals of this process in terms of national healing, justice and reconciliation?
A: The long-term objectives of the programme include the development of a comprehensive legal and policy framework to advance national healing and reconciliation.
This framework will address key components such as compensation, civil documentation, including the issuance of birth certificates and national identity cards, the strengthening of community institutions and the promotion of social cohesion.
Ultimately, the process seeks to identify and address the root causes of division and mistrust, fostering a reconciled and united Zimbabwe where every citizen feels acknowledged, respected and valued.
Q: What specific role will traditional leaders and local structures play in facilitating community dialogue during the outreach?
A: Traditional leaders are central to the process. They are the custodians of local customs, community trust and moral authority. Chiefs will lead the outreach panels, facilitate dialogues, receive submissions and guide the documentation process.
Decentralised local governance structures, most notably ward and village assemblies, serve as critical platforms for participatory engagement, community mobilisation and the facilitation of inclusive dialogue at the grassroots level.
Their proximity to the people and embeddedness within local contexts make them indispensable in ensuring that the outreach process is responsive, culturally sensitive and grounded in the lived realities of the communities it seeks to serve.
Q: How will testimonies and submissions gathered during the outreach be recorded, verified and preserved?
A: Submissions will be carefully recorded with participants’ consent, both in writing and electronically. Trained rapporteurs will ensure accuracy, while verification processes will safeguard the integrity of the information.
All data will be securely managed through a centralised online system overseen by the coordinating centre, ensuring confidentiality and preservation for future reference.
Q: Will there be any form of legal or psychosocial support available to survivors or participants who may require it?
A: Yes, a psychosocial support framework has been integrated into the outreach, with each team, including a panel member, trained to provide such support during and after sessions.
This approach ensures participants receive timely assistance, fostering a safe and secure environment essential for healing and meaningful dialogue throughout the process.
Q: How does the Government plan to address any scepticism or fear from communities that may be reluctant to engage with the programme?
A: Transparent and consistent communication is vital for fostering a sense of safety and confidence among participants, thereby encouraging meaningful engagement. Such openness demystifies the programme’s objectives and procedures, reducing suspicion and uncertainty.
Central to this effort is the active involvement of traditional leaders, whose cultural authority and trusted presence within communities play a pivotal role in dispelling fears and scepticism.
We are confident that through adequate information and engagement, the necessary trust will be built to encourage widespread and meaningful participation in the programme.
It is important to emphasise that this exercise is not about reopening old wounds, but rather about fostering healing, reconciliation and social cohesion to build a united and peaceful future.
Q: Is there a framework in place to address potential grievances or disputes that may arise during or after the programme?
A: Yes, a grievance redress mechanism has been developed, anchored in the authority of traditional leaders and supported by legal and administrative structures. The framework includes mediation at the community level, documentation of grievances and referral systems for issues requiring legal or institutional intervention.
This mechanism ensures that disputes are handled promptly, fairly and in a culturally sensitive manner.
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