Source: Gukurahundi outreach dates set | The Sunday Mail
Attorney-General mabiza Tanyaradzwa Rusike
PUBLIC HEARINGS to document and address post-independence violent disturbances that affected parts of Matabeleland and Midlands provinces are set to begin early next month, marking a historically significant step in the Second Republic’s efforts to consolidate national unity and reconciliation.
The Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, a landmark initiative, aims to identify individuals directly and indirectly affected by the disturbances, capture their views and craft community-led solutions to their grievances.
Through structured dialogue, the programme seeks to address the root causes of the disturbances while facilitating closure for victims through appropriate State interventions.
Since assuming office, President Mnangagwa has committed to transparently confront Zimbabwe’s troubled past, committing to resolve issues related to these historical events.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who is also head of the secretariat for the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, confirmed that preparations for the public hearings are at an advanced stage.
“The president of the National Council of Chiefs, Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, has confirmed that the outreach programme remains on track, with hearings expected to commence in early April 2025,” said Mrs Mabiza.
“The steering committee remains committed to meeting this deadline, with all logistics and capacity-building initiatives being closely monitored to ensure the programme’s successful launch.”
Significant milestones, she said, had been met in preparation for commencement of the programme.
Traditional chiefs who will lead the exercise and their rapporteurs have since undergone a refresher training session to equip them with the necessary skills to effectively facilitate the outreach sessions.
“Key steps have been taken to engage with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the programme resonates with local needs and is executed with the utmost sensitivity and effectiveness.”
Mrs Mabiza also said refurbishment of the programme’s coordination centre is nearing completion.
“The refurbishment of the coordinating centre is still in progress, with significant advancements made towards ensuring it is fully operational before the commencement of the outreach programme,” she said.
The training for rapporteurs, she added, includes familiarisation with a newly approved digital application for real-time data collection to enhance efficiency.
The steering committee has undertaken extensive consultations with traditional leaders, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and other key stakeholders to ensure the outreach programme is inclusive and reflective of community concerns.
“Chiefs from affected areas have played a pivotal role in shaping the programme’s approach, and their insights have been instrumental in fostering trust and community engagement.
“These consultations remain ongoing to ensure a broad-based participatory process,” she added.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme is implemented in a transparent, inclusive and effective manner.
In a separate interview, Chief Mtshane Khumalo was confident in the programme’s progress.
“Most of the groundwork has been completed,” he said.
“Last week (a fortnight ago), we held refresher courses with rapporteurs to reinforce what we have been preparing for over the past five years.”
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