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Zapu disgusted over Independence Day celebrations in Gukurahundi‑affected district
5 hrs ago |
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Zapu’s Matabeleland South structures have condemned the government’s decision to hold the 2026 Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa, Matobo District — an area deeply associated with the Gukurahundi atrocities of the 1980s.
The party said the choice of venue was insensitive to families whose relatives were killed, disappeared or displaced during the massacres carried out between 1982 and 1987. An estimated 20 000 people of Ndebele origin were killed during the period, according to various historical accounts.
Zapu argued that the same government accused of orchestrating the atrocities cannot preside over national celebrations in a district where many victims have never received truth‑telling, reparations or compensation. The party also noted that the state has never formally acknowledged the killings or apologised to the affected communities.
The 2026 Independence Day event — scheduled for Maphisa — has sparked outrage among sections of the Matabeleland community. Critics say the decision disregards the trauma still felt by survivors and families of victims buried at sites such as Bhalagwe.
Zapu Matabeleland South spokesperson Victor Vodloza Sibanda said the party was “appalled and deeply disturbed” by the government’s choice.
“We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the government’s decision to hold Independence Day celebrations on April 18, 2026, at Maphisa, near Bhalagwe — a site of the 1980s Gukurahundi atrocities,” Sibanda said in a statement. He described the move as showing “callous disregard for human life and dignity”.
Sibanda said the Gukurahundi massacres, which he said claimed more than 30 000 lives, remain a painful chapter in Zimbabwe’s history. Holding national celebrations at such a site, he argued, “mocks the victims and their families”.
He also condemned the repeated vandalism of memorial plaques erected by Ibhetshu Likazulu at Bhalagwe, calling it an attempt to erase the memory of the victims. The plaques have reportedly been destroyed four times at Bhalagwe and twice in Silobela.
Sibanda recalled that in 2017, police blocked the late former Home Affairs Minister Dumiso Dabengwa, Zapu leaders, Ibhetshu Likazulu activists and members of the Mthwakazi Republic Party from holding a memorial service at Bhalagwe.
“As we say, ‘Badlala ngeGeja kuziliwe’ — they dance on graves, oblivious to the pain of victims’ families. The wounds of Gukurahundi are still fresh and this is a provocation,” he said.
He demanded answers on why the atrocities occurred and what measures have been taken to prevent recurrence. Sibanda urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to respect the wishes of the affected communities and stay away from Bhalagwe.
Ibhetshu Likazulu secretary‑general Mbuso Fuzwayo also criticised the government’s handling of the Gukurahundi issue, saying the repeated destruction of memorial plaques showed insensitivity toward victims and survivors.
In 2017, security forces blocked Dabengwa and others from conducting a memorial service at Bhalagwe, where victims of the Fifth Brigade were buried in mass graves.
The party said the choice of venue was insensitive to families whose relatives were killed, disappeared or displaced during the massacres carried out between 1982 and 1987. An estimated 20 000 people of Ndebele origin were killed during the period, according to various historical accounts.
Zapu argued that the same government accused of orchestrating the atrocities cannot preside over national celebrations in a district where many victims have never received truth‑telling, reparations or compensation. The party also noted that the state has never formally acknowledged the killings or apologised to the affected communities.
The 2026 Independence Day event — scheduled for Maphisa — has sparked outrage among sections of the Matabeleland community. Critics say the decision disregards the trauma still felt by survivors and families of victims buried at sites such as Bhalagwe.
Zapu Matabeleland South spokesperson Victor Vodloza Sibanda said the party was “appalled and deeply disturbed” by the government’s choice.
“We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the government’s decision to hold Independence Day celebrations on April 18, 2026, at Maphisa, near Bhalagwe — a site of the 1980s Gukurahundi atrocities,” Sibanda said in a statement. He described the move as showing “callous disregard for human life and dignity”.
He also condemned the repeated vandalism of memorial plaques erected by Ibhetshu Likazulu at Bhalagwe, calling it an attempt to erase the memory of the victims. The plaques have reportedly been destroyed four times at Bhalagwe and twice in Silobela.
Sibanda recalled that in 2017, police blocked the late former Home Affairs Minister Dumiso Dabengwa, Zapu leaders, Ibhetshu Likazulu activists and members of the Mthwakazi Republic Party from holding a memorial service at Bhalagwe.
“As we say, ‘Badlala ngeGeja kuziliwe’ — they dance on graves, oblivious to the pain of victims’ families. The wounds of Gukurahundi are still fresh and this is a provocation,” he said.
He demanded answers on why the atrocities occurred and what measures have been taken to prevent recurrence. Sibanda urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to respect the wishes of the affected communities and stay away from Bhalagwe.
Ibhetshu Likazulu secretary‑general Mbuso Fuzwayo also criticised the government’s handling of the Gukurahundi issue, saying the repeated destruction of memorial plaques showed insensitivity toward victims and survivors.
In 2017, security forces blocked Dabengwa and others from conducting a memorial service at Bhalagwe, where victims of the Fifth Brigade were buried in mass graves.
Source - Byo24news
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