Online Reporter
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
ZIMBABWE is set to commence a landmark national reconciliation with the rollout this week of the long-awaited public outreach programme aimed at addressing the post-independence disturbances that affected parts of Matabeleland provinces in the 1980s.
The launch of the Matabeleland Peace Building Outreach Programme on Thursday is set to mark a watershed moment in Zimbabwe’s post-independence history and fulfils one of President Mnangagwa’s signature undertakings upon assuming office to confront the nation’s painful past in order to forge a united future.
The programme will, for the first time, provide affected communities in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South with a formal platform to speak openly about their experiences, propose remedies and participate meaningfully in the national discourse on truth, justice and reconciliation.
Since assuming office, President Mnangagwa has committed to transparently confront Zimbabwe’s troubled past, committing to resolve issues related to these historical events.
The “victim-centred, culturally grounded process”, being led by traditional chiefs from the two provinces, is expected to lay the groundwork for a unified future for Zimbabwe, nearly 40 years after one of the most painful episodes in Zimbabwe’s post-independence history.
In an interview, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who is also the head of the secretariat for the Matabeleland Peace Building Outreach Programme, said the initiative was a direct response to the President’s call for truth-telling, reconciliation and justice.
“The outreach programme will initially cover Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces,” she said. “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.”
She said the initiative sought to provide a safe platform for affected communities to share their experiences and propose recommendations for reconciliation and national healing.
“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,” said Mrs Mabiza.
“Its ultimate goal is to promote sustainable peace and unity across the country.”
The Government, she said, aimed to create a dignified and inclusive platform for structured community dialogue that upholds principles of openness, mutual respect and participatory justice.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The programme adopts a victim-centred approach, primarily targeting victims of the disturbances, their family members and those with lived experiences of the events, she added.
Traditional leaders will play a central role, with chiefs leading outreach panels, facilitating dialogues and guiding the documentation process.
“Traditional leaders are central to the process,” said Mrs Mabiza. “They are the custodians of local customs, community trust and moral authority.
“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.”
To ensure broad participation, the programme will use local languages, provide psychosocial support, conduct targeted outreach to marginalised groups, including women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and facilitate private hearings for those uncomfortable speaking in public.
While acknowledging the media’s vital role in fostering transparency and public awareness, Mrs Mabiza said journalists will not be permitted to attend hearings directly due to the sensitive nature of the testimonies.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
In a separate interview, president of the National Council of Chiefs, Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, expressed confidence that preparations for the launch of the programme were on track.
“I believe everything is ready. There are a few outstanding logistical issues, but we expect those to be finalised before the 26th (of June),” he said.
“We have secured the necessary resources for the rapporteurs and traditional leaders who will be leading the proceedings. Final planning took place last weekend, and the teams are ready to begin.
“I am hopeful that everything will be in place for the official start of the programme.”
Political analyst Mr Derick Goto described the commencement of the outreach as a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts towards national healing and unity.
“It reflects the Government’s commitment, under the Second Republic, to inclusive dialogue, truth-telling and reconciliation, conducted within a culturally sensitive and locally driven framework,” he said.
“Rather than being externally imposed, this process recognises the authority of traditional leaders and affected communities.
“It affirms that healing must be rooted in dignity, respect and national sovereignty.
“This is not only about addressing the past but also about building a shared future where historical wounds are acknowledged and resolved openly in the spirit of peace and progress.”
Online Reporter