Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
NATIONAL Chiefs’ Council president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, has dismissed reports that traditional leaders were demanding exorbitant financial and equipment benefits for their role in the ongoing Gukurahundi public hearings. Chief Mtshane said traditional leaders know the correct procedures to follow if they ever have welfare issues that need to be addressed, and the media is not one of them.
According to reports from the private media, chiefs were allegedly demanding up to US$4 000 in monthly cash allowances, Starlink internet kits, and hundreds of litres of fuel coupons.
“I don’t know where they are getting that from. We have procedures and channels that we follow as chiefs whenever we have welfare issues to be addressed, and the media is not one of those channels,” said Chief Mtshane.
He added that chiefs can even knock at President Mnangagwa’s Office if they believe that their welfare is not being catered for satisfactorily.
“I am rather disappointed by these frivolous allegations. Allowances are coming through as promised, maybe some are not satisfied but, like I said, 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,” said Chief Mtshane.
President Mnangagwa launched the Gukurahundi hearings on July 14 at the Bulawayo State House and, as of September, nearly 10 000 submissions have been recorded since the commencement of the hearings targeting victims in Matabeleland provinces, where traditional leaders are directly engaging affected families.
The Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, has demonstrated a strong commitment to facilitating lasting healing and reconciliation that brings closure to past conflicts.
Official figures indicate that a total of 9 025 submissions have been recorded to date. Of these, 203 online submissions were received from Binga District in Matabeleland North, with 107 accompanied by audio testimonies.
The report indicates that Chiefs Siachilaba, Sinamusanga and Sinakatenge are leading the local documentation efforts, having contributed 57, 77, and 69 forms respectively, as the evidence-gathering phase intensifies.
The total number of chiefs who have posted on the online platform now stands at 70, reflecting the broad involvement of traditional leadership in the process.
Overall statistics show a near-equal distribution of submissions between the two provinces, with Matabeleland South accounting for 4 536 submissions (50.26 percent) and Matabeleland North contributing 4 489 (49,74 percent).
Recorded data also shows a strong female participation rate, with women constituting 5 412 (59,97 percent) of the total submissions against 3 613 from men (40,03 percent).
