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Chiefs deny demands for exorbitant Gukurahundi hearing benefits
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National Chiefs' Council president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, has dismissed reports claiming that traditional leaders were demanding excessive allowances and equipment to participate in the ongoing Gukurahundi public hearings.
According to Chief Khumalo, traditional leaders are aware of the proper procedures to follow if welfare issues arise, and the media is not a legitimate channel for such matters.
"I don't know where they are getting that from. We have procedures and channels that we follow as chiefs whenever we have welfare issues to be addressed, and the media is not one of those channels," Chief Khumalo said.
He added that chiefs can even approach the Office of President Mnangagwa if they feel their welfare is not adequately provided for. "I am rather disappointed by these frivolous allegations. Allowances are coming through as promised. Some may not be satisfied, but our channels are very clear. We can never go to the newspapers to express our situation," he emphasized.
President Mnangagwa launched the Gukurahundi hearings on July 14 at Bulawayo State House. Since the hearings commenced, nearly 10,000 submissions have been recorded from victims in Matabeleland provinces, with traditional leaders directly engaging affected families.
Official figures indicate that a total of 9,025 submissions have been recorded to date. Of these, 203 online submissions were received from Binga District in Matabeleland North, with 107 accompanied by audio testimonies. Chiefs Siachilaba, Sinamusanga, and Sinakatenge have been actively leading local documentation efforts, contributing 57, 77, and 69 forms respectively.
Seventy chiefs have now posted on the online platform, reflecting widespread participation from traditional leadership. Submissions are nearly equally split between Matabeleland South (4,536 submissions, 50.26 percent) and Matabeleland North (4,489 submissions, 49.74 percent).
Women have actively participated in the process, representing 5,412 (59.97 percent) of submissions, compared to 3,613 (40.03 percent) from men.
The hearings continue to reflect the government's commitment to facilitating lasting reconciliation and closure for communities affected by the Gukurahundi atrocities.
According to Chief Khumalo, traditional leaders are aware of the proper procedures to follow if welfare issues arise, and the media is not a legitimate channel for such matters.
"I don't know where they are getting that from. We have procedures and channels that we follow as chiefs whenever we have welfare issues to be addressed, and the media is not one of those channels," Chief Khumalo said.
He added that chiefs can even approach the Office of President Mnangagwa if they feel their welfare is not adequately provided for. "I am rather disappointed by these frivolous allegations. Allowances are coming through as promised. Some may not be satisfied, but our channels are very clear. We can never go to the newspapers to express our situation," he emphasized.
President Mnangagwa launched the Gukurahundi hearings on July 14 at Bulawayo State House. Since the hearings commenced, nearly 10,000 submissions have been recorded from victims in Matabeleland provinces, with traditional leaders directly engaging affected families.
Official figures indicate that a total of 9,025 submissions have been recorded to date. Of these, 203 online submissions were received from Binga District in Matabeleland North, with 107 accompanied by audio testimonies. Chiefs Siachilaba, Sinamusanga, and Sinakatenge have been actively leading local documentation efforts, contributing 57, 77, and 69 forms respectively.
Seventy chiefs have now posted on the online platform, reflecting widespread participation from traditional leadership. Submissions are nearly equally split between Matabeleland South (4,536 submissions, 50.26 percent) and Matabeleland North (4,489 submissions, 49.74 percent).
Women have actively participated in the process, representing 5,412 (59.97 percent) of submissions, compared to 3,613 (40.03 percent) from men.
The hearings continue to reflect the government's commitment to facilitating lasting reconciliation and closure for communities affected by the Gukurahundi atrocities.
Source - The Chronicle
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