President Mnangagwa praised progress made towards the launch of public hearings in Gukurahundi, which are expected to begin in the first quarter of the year. He reaffirmed the Second Republic’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the emotive issue, while putting the victims at the heart of the process.
The public hearings, which will be led by their community leaders, aim to address the legacy of Gukurahundi, a period of violence and conflict that affected some parts of Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in the 1980s.
President Mnangagwa has demonstrated his commitment to facilitating processes that will end post-independence conflicts, as part of his vision of nation-building and strengthening national unity.
He delivered his keynote speech during the fourth interface with Matabeleland region chiefs at State House in Bulawayo yesterday. He said his administration was determined to ensure that the process was effective and robust, keeping the interests of the people in mind.
“I cannot overemphasize the fact that this initiative is being implemented for the benefit of our people. Our commitment to the victim-centered approach remains steadfast, ensuring that the process is not only effective, but proven.
This was the fourth such meeting between President Mnangagwa and the Council of Leaders, as the government continues to work towards promoting peace and harmony in the country.
President Mnangagwa said his administration embarked on the initiative to pursue resolution of the Gukurahundi issue through an internal and local process in February 2019, as part of the Second Republic’s efforts to maintain and strengthen national unity among Zimbabweans.
He said that after extensive consultations with all stakeholders, he decided to task the National Council of Chiefs, through its selected members, with leading the initiative.
“This decision was not made without some thought. The National Council of Chiefs, as the custodian of our culture, traditional practices and values, is best placed to deal with this issue through their intimate and close relationship with the people.
“When we embarked on this process, we were neither ignorant nor forgotten of the external factors that ignited this conflict between us.
“The decision to resolve this issue ourselves, among ourselves, is based on the realization that no one else can decide our fate as a nation.”
President Mnangagwa urged those involved in this process to be vigilant against external influences that seek to derail the process and plunge the country into a state of internal disputes and conflicts.
He said unity among Zimbabweans must be protected from critics, both internal and external.
President Mnangagwa praised the leaders for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the process is inclusive, transparent and victim-centred.
“It is with great satisfaction that I stand before you today and announce that the implementation of the initiative to resolve the Gukurahundi issue has reached an advanced stage. I am humbled by the work ethic of the chiefs entrusted with this solemn task, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the process is comprehensive, transparent and victim-centred.
He said that through extensive consultations, a comprehensive report and manual were prepared that guide the conduct of the exercise, paving the way for a transformative journey towards healing.
The leaders have drafted and adopted the Gukurahundi Manual, which will guide the holding of victim-friendly public hearings, to ensure national healing as the country confronts its unfortunate past.
The guide, which is the product of comprehensive engagements between leaders and various stakeholders, is the culmination of meetings of traditional leaders with President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa also commended the Matabeleland Group for its active role in the process since its establishment four years ago.
“Our journey has been marked by collaboration with various organizations, civil societies, religious groups and leaders of Matabeleland North and South,” he said.
The government has qualified more than 1,008 service providers, including heads of affected areas, and trained them to implement the Gukurahundi community outreach programme.
“Their commitment and dedication embody the spirit of unity that defines us as a nation. These individuals are equipped with the skills to navigate this delicate process, ensuring every voice is heard and every story is acknowledged,” President Mnangagwa said.
“All participants in this exercise have been provided with the necessary equipment to enable them to achieve our noble goals.”
President Mnangagwa assured the nation that all necessary equipment and means are in place for the successful implementation of these exercises.
“As we approach the official launch in the first quarter of this year, I want to acknowledge the challenges we face. Misinformation and political posturing have tried to overshadow our efforts.”
“This is not a recent phenomenon. The 1987 Unity Agreement, which forms the basis of our current initiative, was achieved against the efforts of hostile elements, some of whom were instrumental in sowing the seeds of division among us.”
In the face of these challenges, the nation stands united, driven by a shared commitment to reconciliation and healing, the President said.
“These challenges are not insurmountable, and as in the past, they will not succeed. Our dedication to resolving the Gukurahundi issue is unwavering. We understand the need for closure.”
He added: “While we hope that this process will not extend for more than a year, we are prepared to invest the time necessary to reach a solution that is fair, comprehensive, and acceptable to all parties involved.”
President Mnangagwa also announced that the budget for the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Program has been confirmed and put into effect.
He added: “We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in this process, and the numbers will be reviewed before being released to the public.” Let us remember that this journey is not just about healing the wounds of the past, it is about building a stronger, more united Zimbabwe for the future.
President Mnangagwa said the Gukurahundi community outreach program is a testament to the country’s collective resilience and determination to confront its history with courage and compassion.
“I hope this initiative will be a beacon of hope, paving the way for healing, understanding and a brighter future for all Zimbabweans. If there is damage in the land, it must be repaired by those who own it. What goes wrong in the world, is repaired by those who belong to it,” he said. . Announce
