Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE ongoing Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme, led by traditional leaders in the Matabeleland provinces, has recorded a significant milestone, collecting 13 695 submissions from affected families since its commencement.
The latest data, gathered as of September 30, 2025, highlights continued community participation and underscores the scale of the ongoing documentation efforts spearheaded by chiefs.
Matabeleland North province is leading with 7 108 submissions (51.9 percent) recorded on the online platform, slightly ahead of Matabeleland South which stands at 6 587 submissions (48.1 percent).
President Mnangagwa officially launched the Gukurahundi public hearings programme in July last year and hearings began in full swing in June this year with traditional leaders empowered to conduct the hearings.
The programme seeks to resolve through an internal, home-grown process that reinforces national unity, the early 1980’s civil strife, popularly known as Gukurahundi, which resulted in the loss of lives mainly for people in Matabeleland and part of the Midlands provinces.
The Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, has demonstrated a strong commitment to facilitating lasting healing and reconciliation that brings closure to past conflicts, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s vision of nation-building and fostering unity.
The latest data indicates robust daily activity, with 307 online submissions and 294 forms collected on September 30 alone, alongside 302 audio recordings. A total of 1 705 audio submissions have been transcribed to date.
It also still shows a strong female participation rate, with women constituting 59.79 percent (8 188) of the total submissions received so far, underscoring the critical role women are playing in documenting their testimonies and seeking healing. Conversely, males account for 40.21 percent (5 507) of the total submissions.
Overall data indicates robust community engagement, with a total of 73 Chiefs having posted on the online platform.
The substantial and growing number of submissions is being recorded despite persistent criticism from opposition parties and pressure groups.
However, the Government and the traditional leadership steering the process remain resolute in facilitating the community-led reconciliation efforts.
Responding to questions regarding the participation of civil servants and non-resident victims, particularly those from Bulawayo who were deployed in affected areas during the Gukurahundi, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who is also head of the
secretariat of the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, provided clarity on the territorial jurisdiction.
“We are pleased to clarify the situation regarding the participation of individuals residing in Bulawayo who were deployed as civil servants to affected districts during the Gukurahundi period,” said Mrs Mabiza.
She explained that the current outreach is confined to the territorial definitions of traditional leaders.
“The Gukurahundi Outreach Programme is currently being implemented within the jurisdictions of traditional leaders, specifically Chiefs, whose authority is territorially defined. As Bulawayo is a metropolitan urban area without standing Chiefs, it presently falls outside the scope of direct consultations under this framework,” she said.
Mrs Mabiza encouraged non-residents to approach the Chiefs presiding over the affected areas where the incidents took place.
“However, individuals who were deployed to districts such as Plumtree, Nkayi, or Tsholotsho during the time of the incidents, regardless of their permanent residence, are encouraged to approach the chiefs presiding over those respective areas.
“Given that they were part of those communities at the material time, their testimonies remain relevant and may be received within those jurisdictions,” she stated.
Mrs Mabiza underscored the Government’s commitment to the victims.
“We remain committed to a consultative and respectful process that honours the lived experiences of all affected persons.”
