Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to national healing and unity has reached a significant milestone, with the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme recording 22 486 testimonies and grievances since its commencement in June this year.
The ground-breaking figures, submitted by 74 chiefs across Matabeleland North and South, signal strong community participation in this historic, home-grown initiative spearheaded by traditional leaders.
This effort seeks to bring closure to the post-independence disturbances of the 1980s, popularly known as Gukurahundi, which claimed lives mainly in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands provinces. The process is designed as an internal mechanism that ultimately reinforces national unity.
The initiative aligns with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind” in national development and reconciliation efforts.
The President officially launched the Gukurahundi Public Hearings Programme in July last year, and hearings began in earnest in June this year under the leadership of traditional chiefs.
As of December 5, 2025, the Command Centre confirmed the total submissions, with Matabeleland North accounting for 55,19 percent and Matabeleland South contributing 44,81 percent. Notably, women constitute the majority of participants at 60,62 percent, underscoring the trust placed in the process led by traditional leaders.
The substantial and growing number of submissions comes despite persistent criticism from opposition parties and pressure groups. Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who heads the secretariat of the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, highlighted the significance of these figures.
“These numbers reflect strong community participation and sustained commitment by traditional leaders to the outreach and documentation process,” said Mrs Mabiza.
She dismissed allegations of misuse of Government resources by chiefs, emphasising transparency:
“All resources allocated to traditional leaders — financial, logistical, or technical — are strictly accounted for, transparently disbursed, and tied to specific programme activities.
The Government, working closely with the National Council of Chiefs, maintains clear monitoring mechanisms to ensure that every resource benefits the communities and the testimony-recording process directly,” she said.
National Chiefs’ Council President, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, also dismissed claims that traditional leaders were demanding exorbitant benefits:
“Allowances are coming through as promised… our channels are very clear. We can never go to the newspapers to express our situation, let that be clear. For now, there is no need to even say we will use those clear channels because we have no issues at all,” stated Chief Khumalo.
While the process of recording testimonies by traditional leaders is reportedly at an advanced stage, the exact conclusion date is yet to be announced, pending submission of all required forms, audio recordings, and online entries from every chief.
“The process of recording testimonies by the traditional leaders will conclude once all chiefs and their panels have finished documenting grievances, testimonies, and community submissions within their respective jurisdictions.
“Currently, most chiefs are at advanced stages of the process. We will formally announce the conclusion once every chief has submitted all required forms, audio recordings, and online entries, ensuring no community is left out,” said Mrs Mabiza.
The next immediate phase will focus on data consolidation, analysis, and reporting. Mrs Mabiza confirmed that the Command Centre is already working concurrently to validate, categorise, and securely store all submissions:
“The phased approach ensures that by the time the chiefs complete the recording exercise, much of the groundwork will already have been established, enabling a smooth transition towards final analysis and preparation of the programme’s consolidated findings,” she said.
President Mnangagwa’s administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to facilitating lasting healing and reconciliation that brings closure to past conflicts, aligning with values of nation-building and fostering unity.
This demonstration of commitment comes just days before Zimbabwe commemorates Unity Day on 22 December, marking the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987 — an agreement between two major liberation movements, Zanu-PF and PF-Zapu — which sought to heal the wounds of the past and foster togetherness among Zimbabweans.
The day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey towards national unity and reconciliation.
