President Emmerson Mnangagwa will launch the Gukurahundi Community Hearings this Saturday, setting the tone for the national healing process. The hearings will be spearheaded by traditional leaders from the Matabeleland region, Midlands Province, and parts of Masvingo Province.
The launch of the Gukurahundi Community Hearings marks the beginning of the promise made by President Mnangagwa to bring closure and finality to the Gukurahundi disturbances. This national healing process is vital in fostering unity, conciliation, and forgiveness, paving the way for deepened unity among Zimbabweans.
The New Dispensation should be lauded for addressing the divisive issue of Gukurahundi head-on to bring finality to this sad chapter in post-Independent Zimbabwe. The opposition has been using the Gukurahundi issue to sow divisions and widen fissures for political capital, with some tribal parties, such as Mthwakazi, being formed specifically to perpetuate hate among tribes in Zimbabwe.
The inclusive bottom-up strategy being employed by the Government during the hearings is a step in the right direction, as it firmly places ordinary people at the centre of proceedings. This approach ensures that the voices of those directly affected are heard and acknowledged, which is essential for genuine reconciliation and healing. The President’s initiative demonstrates a commitment to addressing historical grievances and fostering a united and cohesive society.
