Zimbabwe govt to compensate genocide victims

The Zimbabwean government will compensate victims of the Gukurahundi massacres, with community hearings into the 1980s atrocities set to commence on June 26, 2025, Deputy President of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Fortune Charumbira, announced this week.

Speaking at a press conference in Bulawayo, Chief Charumbira said traditional leaders will preside over confidential, victim-focused hearings across Matabeleland North and South, with compensation determined case by case.

"The hearings are starting on June 26. So on the 26th of June, we expect each chief out there, hearing from the victims," he said.

Chief Charumbira revealed that the government is ready to offer reparations, although the amount will vary depending on individual circumstances.

"And cases which come out well and legitimately so, that require compensation, the government is ready to compensate," he said. "Each compensatory value would depend on the merits of the case."

Pressed for details on the scope and value of compensation, Chief Charumbira said President Emmerson Mnangagwa would handle that aspect.

"Trust the President. The President himself has said people would be compensated. But quantum can't be predetermined. One may ask for three cattle, another for 15 - we can't give the same amount," he added.

Preparations for the outreach accelerated after the Steering Committee of the National Council of Chiefs met on June 13 to finalise logistics. Chiefs from both provinces met the following day to report on awareness campaigns in their areas, which began on May 27.

The hearings will be led by local chiefs, supported by a 14-member community panel comprising elders, women, youth, religious leaders, and counsellors - all drawn from the chief's jurisdiction to preserve cultural authenticity.

"Everything is according to the values and traditions of the people in that particular chieftainship," said Chief Charumbira.

Two rapporteurs per area will record testimonies using iPads, laptops, and cameras, with all information held under the chief's custody.

Chief Charumbira confirmed that diaspora victims will not be able to participate remotely but may appear in person later in the year.

"This is a quasi-judicial process. No one can address the court from Botswana or South Africa. Come in person. Chiefs can give you a date in September," he explained.

The outreach is expected to last no more than six months, although the exact duration will depend on the volume of cases in each area.

As for whether a final report will be made public, Charumbira remained cautious:

"We will submit a report to the President. He will receive and then proceed as he deems fit."

Chief Charumbira framed the process as a historic opportunity for victims and communities.

"Let us not look at possible stumbling blocks only. Let us celebrate this opportunity granted by the President. Before 2017, you could not talk about Gukurahundi. Now, people can speak and be heard," he said.

He urged those affected to approach their chiefs and participate in the hearings.

"Even if only one family member is left, neighbours can testify. Communities know. Even people not related know what happened," he concluded.

While some human rights groups have previously called for an independent, international investigation, this latest development signals a state-led process aimed at truth-telling, reconciliation, and now, potential reparations - more than four decades after the violence.