Gukurahundi awareness campaigns set for this week

Traditional leaders in Matabeleland North and South provinces will begin receiving logistical support, including fuel allocations, starting Monday as they prepare to launch a week-long public awareness campaign under the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, set to commence on Saturday.

The outreach initiative seeks to address long-standing issues stemming from the post-independence disturbances that occurred in the region during the 1980s, widely known as Gukurahundi. The campaign aims to foster dialogue, promote healing, and pave the way for national reconciliation.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who also heads the secretariat of the Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, confirmed the finalisation of preparations and resource distribution.

"We have conducted a meeting for the final preparation of the campaigns with traditional leaders," said Mrs Mabiza. "On Monday, they will start receiving fuel and other necessities they are going to use during the campaigns for them to be successful."

The awareness campaigns are designed to educate communities about the objectives of the outreach programme and the vital role traditional leaders will play in facilitating inclusive dialogue.

"Traditional leaders will be responsible for fostering inclusive dialogue and mobilising community participation," she said. "With the dedication and commitment of our traditional leaders and support teams, we are confident that these campaigns will establish a strong foundation for meaningful engagement and national reconciliation."

The campaigns will be rolled out in areas where the outreach programme is set to take place, with a focus on community engagement. Mrs Mabiza noted that this collaborative approach would help ensure broad participation and build public confidence in the process.

"Community engagement will be a key component of the campaigns, with traditional leaders playing a crucial role in mobilising residents to participate," she added.

She highlighted that regular evaluations would be conducted throughout the campaign to address emerging needs and ensure that necessary support services remain accessible. Efforts will also be made to dispel any misconceptions or concerns residents may have about the programme.

"Overall, the goal is to create a supportive environment for open and honest discussions about the Gukurahundi period in Zimbabwe's history," said Mrs Mabiza.

She stressed the voluntary nature of the outreach and its emphasis on trust, transparency, and community ownership.

"The campaigns are critical in building public confidence, dispelling misinformation and ensuring that communities understand the purpose and voluntary nature of the outreach," she said. "By providing accurate information and addressing any concerns or doubts, the campaigns serve to create a sense of trust and cooperation within the community."

Mrs Mabiza confirmed that traditional leaders had received the necessary tools, training, and materials to conduct the campaigns effectively.

"Resources have been allocated to achieve the established goals. With traditional leaders taking charge and actively engaging with the community, this initiative is fostering a sense of ownership and unity among the people," she said.

As the Peacebuilding Outreach Programme gains momentum, there is growing optimism that it will help bring closure to historical grievances and promote lasting peace and progress in the affected regions.