Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE long-awaited Gukurahundi public hearings are set to commence in just a few weeks, with timelines for these crucial sessions scheduled for the end of April or the beginning of May, an official has said.
The hearings are expected to set the tone for a national healing process amid calls for affected individuals to utilise the unique opportunity to share their experiences and grievances to address the historical chapter.
In an interview with Sunday News recently, Chief Mtshane Khumalo the president of the Chiefs Council emphasised the importance of participation for aggrieved persons.
“It is our hope that those who are aggrieved come out in their numbers to the hearings because this is the first time that something of this nature is taking place. It is historic and we hope that people will show up and share their experiences. We will take what they have to say to the President,” he noted.
Chief Khumalo assured the nation that the hearing processes would be conducted transparently and orderly.
“We will keep President Mnangagwa and the Chiefs Council informed of any progress. This task was given to us as the Chiefs Council, and a steering committee representing Matabeleland North and South is already in place,” he added.
As preparations for the hearings continue, refresher courses are being conducted for the personnel involved to ensure they are well-equipped for their roles.
“We started this process in 2019, and some of our rapporteurs and panel members may need a bit of polishing.
Therefore, we are running refresher courses to prepare them,” Chief Khumalo said.
The hearings are anticipated to begin at the end of April or the start of May, with a command centre based in Bulawayo set to receive information from both Matabeleland South and North.
Chief Khumalo stated, “We are finalising the command centre and gathering resources such as the necessary equipment for data collection.”
Addressing budget concerns, Chief Khumalo noted that they finalised the budget a fortnight ago to ensure adequate financing for the various activities involved in the hearings.
A total of 72 chiefs from the Matabeleland Provinces supported by a 14-member team, have been tasked by President Mnangagwa to lead the Gukurahundi public hearings.
Since the coming in of the Second Republic discussions have been ongoing between the President and traditional leaders aimed at engaging communities and collect detailed accounts from survivors, witnesses and victims of the Gukurahundi episode.
He said the upcoming hearings present an unprecedented open platform for dialogue, allowing the voices of affected families to be heard and fostering community-led solutions to the issues raised.
Chief Khumalo expressed optimism, stating, “We are tying up the last few ends to ensure a seamless exercise when we commence the hearings. Once we are in the field, we aim to continue without interruption.”
The unwavering support from the Government, civil society and various stakeholders has paved the way for the Gukurahundi hearings to take place, a process largely expected to further foster unity among Zimbabweans.
@NyembeziMu
