News / National
Concerns raised over Gukurahundi hearings
3 hrs ago | Views
Stakeholders have expressed concerns over the upcoming Gukurahundi hearings, expected to begin in the first quarter of this year, highlighting the need for transparency, inclusivity, and a clear budget to back the initiative.
The hearings are part of the government's commitment to addressing Zimbabwe's historical injustices and fostering national healing. However, critics argue that the process lacks proper groundwork and risks being ineffective if not handled with sensitivity and international best practices.
Chief Mathema of Matabeleland South voiced the concerns of victims, questioning the government's approach to the hearings.
"The government has not announced a budget yet for the whole exercise. Victims are concerned that only the voice of government, who is also said to be the perpetrator, is heard, leaving out the voice of the other sides," Chief Mathema said.
He emphasized the need for a "bottom-up" approach, allowing victims and affected communities to guide the process rather than having it dictated by the government.
"Culture teaches us that the offender should not dictate to the offended what needs to be done. This exercise would take years, not days, if done properly," he added.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Western Region chairperson Ambrose Sibindi echoed these sentiments, pointing out that some chiefs involved in the process are themselves victims of the Gukurahundi atrocities.
"Some of the chiefs are victims directly or indirectly. How can a victim be made to chair such a committee? People have said it clearly that they need an independent body because they want this issue solved once and for all," Sibindi said.
He warned that without independence and transparency, the hearings risk being dismissed as compromised, leading to disputes over their legitimacy.
Despite these criticisms, some observers see the hearings as a positive step toward addressing one of Zimbabwe's most contentious historical issues.
"We hope the victims and survivors will seize the opportunity to give their accounts and recommendations," political analyst Methuseli Moyo said.
"We believe the authorities are sincere and ready to resolve the matter."
One of the primary concerns is the absence of a disclosed budget for the hearings, which stakeholders argue is essential for a serious and credible process. Without adequate funding, the initiative risks being perceived as symbolic rather than substantive.
Background
The Gukurahundi massacres, which occurred in the 1980s, left thousands dead and remain a highly emotive issue in Zimbabwe. Calls for justice, reconciliation, and national healing have persisted for decades, with victims and their families demanding acknowledgment and accountability.
As the hearings approach, stakeholders emphasize the need for a transparent, inclusive, and well-resourced process to ensure meaningful progress in addressing the legacy of Gukurahundi.
The hearings are part of the government's commitment to addressing Zimbabwe's historical injustices and fostering national healing. However, critics argue that the process lacks proper groundwork and risks being ineffective if not handled with sensitivity and international best practices.
Chief Mathema of Matabeleland South voiced the concerns of victims, questioning the government's approach to the hearings.
"The government has not announced a budget yet for the whole exercise. Victims are concerned that only the voice of government, who is also said to be the perpetrator, is heard, leaving out the voice of the other sides," Chief Mathema said.
He emphasized the need for a "bottom-up" approach, allowing victims and affected communities to guide the process rather than having it dictated by the government.
"Culture teaches us that the offender should not dictate to the offended what needs to be done. This exercise would take years, not days, if done properly," he added.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Western Region chairperson Ambrose Sibindi echoed these sentiments, pointing out that some chiefs involved in the process are themselves victims of the Gukurahundi atrocities.
"Some of the chiefs are victims directly or indirectly. How can a victim be made to chair such a committee? People have said it clearly that they need an independent body because they want this issue solved once and for all," Sibindi said.
He warned that without independence and transparency, the hearings risk being dismissed as compromised, leading to disputes over their legitimacy.
Despite these criticisms, some observers see the hearings as a positive step toward addressing one of Zimbabwe's most contentious historical issues.
"We hope the victims and survivors will seize the opportunity to give their accounts and recommendations," political analyst Methuseli Moyo said.
"We believe the authorities are sincere and ready to resolve the matter."
One of the primary concerns is the absence of a disclosed budget for the hearings, which stakeholders argue is essential for a serious and credible process. Without adequate funding, the initiative risks being perceived as symbolic rather than substantive.
Background
The Gukurahundi massacres, which occurred in the 1980s, left thousands dead and remain a highly emotive issue in Zimbabwe. Calls for justice, reconciliation, and national healing have persisted for decades, with victims and their families demanding acknowledgment and accountability.
As the hearings approach, stakeholders emphasize the need for a transparent, inclusive, and well-resourced process to ensure meaningful progress in addressing the legacy of Gukurahundi.
Source - newsday
