Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
MATABELELAND North province has emerged as the leading contributor in the ongoing Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme, with 7 108 submissions recorded to date, which is more than half of all testimonies collected since the exercise began.
The figures, compiled as of Tuesday, show that the province accounts for 51,9 percent of the total 13 695 submissions made so far. Matabeleland South follows closely with 6 587 submissions (48,1 percent).
The outreach programme, spearheaded by traditional leaders under the guidance of President Mnangagwa, is part of the national effort to facilitate truth-telling, healing and reconciliation over the early 1980s political disturbances, which mainly affected communities in the Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.
President Mnangagwa launched the hearings in July last year, with chiefs empowered to preside over the delicate process, which seeks closure through a home-grown, community-led framework rather than external interventions.
Under the Second Republic, the Government has demonstrated a strong commitment to facilitating lasting healing and reconciliation, aligning with the President’s vision of nation-building and fostering unity.
The latest data reflects vibrant participation across the region. On Tuesday alone, 307 online submissions, 294 written forms, and 302 audio recordings were received. To date, 1 705 audio submissions have been transcribed, ensuring the preservation of oral testimonies.
Women continue to play a leading role in the process, contributing 59,79 percent (8 188) of all submissions, while men account for 40,21 percent (5 507). A total of 73 chiefs have so far posted on the online platform, demonstrating widespread involvement by traditional leaders.
Responding to questions, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who also heads the secretariat of the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, addressed concerns about the participation of non-resident victims, particularly those from Bulawayo who were deployed as civil servants in affected areas during the disturbances.
“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 province 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 Bulilima, Mangwe, 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,” she said.
“Given that they were part of those communities at the material time, their testimonies remain relevant and may be received within those jurisdictions.”
Mrs Mabiza reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a consultative and respectful process, emphasising that the lived experiences of all affected persons would be honoured. The Gukurahundi hearings mark a historic step in addressing one of Zimbabwe’s most painful chapters. Under the Second Republic, the State has prioritised an inclusive reconciliation process led by communities themselves, with traditional leaders guiding testimonies, documentation and eventual recommendations for redress.
Despite criticism from opposition parties and pressure groups, the growing number of submissions signals increasing trust in the outreach as a vehicle for healing, unity and closure.
