Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
ALL systems are in place for the historic Gukurahundi hearings, which begin today, the president of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mtshane Khumalo confirmed yesterday.
Chief Khumalo said all logistical arrangements have been made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted hearings.
He assured the nation that preparations, including transport for traditional leaders to rural areas and the secure storage of sensitive testimonies, have been meticulously finalised as Zimbabwe starts its national healing and reconciliation process.
The initiative spearheaded by President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic, seeks to address and bring closure to the post-independence disturbances that affected Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands Province.
“After extensive preparations, including the training of chiefs and setting up the Command Centre, I can confirm that everything is ready for the long-awaited Gukurahundi hearings, which start tomorrow.
“This includes transport for chiefs to rural areas and other resources to enable the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of the hearings,” said Chief Khumalo.
He added: “Chiefs and those who are part of the process are collecting vehicles from the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED) in Bulawayo.
Chief Khumalo said some chiefs had also provided their own vehicles and as such the issue of transport has been adequately addressed.
Two weeks ago the steering committee of the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme met chiefs from Matabeleland provinces in Bulawayo to finalise logistical arrangements before the rollout of the community outreach programme.
Chief Khumalo said his team had not experienced any challenges during the preparations and was confident the hearings will produce the desired outcomes.
He said since journalists will not attend the hearings, the Command Centre will give regular updates on progress.
“Given the victim-centred and private nature of the hearings, journalists will not be allowed to attend the hearings but will receive regular updates at the Command Centre established at First Mutual Building in Bulawayo. We will notify the media of the days for press conferences,” said Chief Khumalo.
Each chief will conduct the hearings assisted by a 13-member panel made up of elders, religious leaders, women and youth representatives.
To ensure meticulous record-keeping each chief will have two rapporteurs who have been equipped with laptops, iPads, recorders and cameras.
Last month as part of the preparations, Matabeleland chiefs engaged headmen and village heads in their areas to inform them about the planned hearings so that they could also inform their subjects.
President Mnangagwa has entrusted chiefs with the responsibility of leading the process of Gukurahundi hearings as part of broader national healing efforts.
Chimpunu Chimpunu Yoweee!!!