Opinion / Columnist
Gukurahundi - A near volcanic eruption
04 Jan 2018 at 19:53hrs | Views
I take this opportunity to express my public sympathy and sorrow upon the victims of gukurahundi. Many passed away and many are still alive but as time passes the agony of what they went through is still fresh in their minds. At least 30 years have passed since the unity accord was celebrated but what was the celebration for if the government cannot recognize and accept -openly- its so called "moment of madness". The pain suffered by all those tortured and buried alive is never forgotten, their spirits need to rest and this can be accomplished through a proper recognition and reconciliation process, not denial by those we all know are responsible. The agony of those that survived but were made to do or perform unearthly or rather inhumanly actions is never forgotten, it is still alive in their hearts and ours and as the victims speak it seems like yesterday not even yesteryear.
The process of reconciliation MUST be initiated by first accepting that it happened. The government must take part fully in the process. People need to hear the truth!!! Mugabe himself must be made accountable and he MUST apologise to the nation and in particular the victims of gukurahundi. In addition, the government must foster a process of healing and not just have a ministry that is idol. During Mugabe's era people were heavily silenced to speak about gukurahundi and the likes of Mphoko went as far as denying that it ever happened, basically denoting that they were not going to accept it. However, the fall of the dictator relieved the clogged voices again. This is an issue that cannot be swept under the carpet, just like that!
We can also observe that the sons and daughters of the victims and all those fighting for justice to be rendered among the evil doers are up in arms recalling those responsible to take necessary steps. Thus the button has been passed on to the next generation and together with the victims, we all share the pain and its even more real to the sons and daughters of these victims. As Dabengwa continues to elude that the longer this Zanu PF government continues to deny or delay paying attention to the voice of the people in Matebeleland, the more the pain brews and one day it will be unbearable that it will erupt just like a mere volcano.
The government must address the victims and hear their plea, make necessary steps to rebury the victims of gukurahundi and allow families to grieve properly. Failure to attend to this issue is somewhat failure to take responsibility. Government must recognize this as one of the major national issues that needs attention, similarly to the economy, provision of safe drinking water and proper sanitation, etc. Behold Caesar and his cohorts, listen to the voices crying out in your nation and don't pretend as if they are non-existent or rather inaudible. This issue is a time-bomb that is very near to eruption and should be handled with utmost care. As we watch the space, the current leaders should listen to these warnings and initiate, the sooner the better, a process of national healing that is embedded in true reconciliation and acceptance of that "moment of madness".
This article is written by Dr. Takesure Tazvishaya.
The process of reconciliation MUST be initiated by first accepting that it happened. The government must take part fully in the process. People need to hear the truth!!! Mugabe himself must be made accountable and he MUST apologise to the nation and in particular the victims of gukurahundi. In addition, the government must foster a process of healing and not just have a ministry that is idol. During Mugabe's era people were heavily silenced to speak about gukurahundi and the likes of Mphoko went as far as denying that it ever happened, basically denoting that they were not going to accept it. However, the fall of the dictator relieved the clogged voices again. This is an issue that cannot be swept under the carpet, just like that!
We can also observe that the sons and daughters of the victims and all those fighting for justice to be rendered among the evil doers are up in arms recalling those responsible to take necessary steps. Thus the button has been passed on to the next generation and together with the victims, we all share the pain and its even more real to the sons and daughters of these victims. As Dabengwa continues to elude that the longer this Zanu PF government continues to deny or delay paying attention to the voice of the people in Matebeleland, the more the pain brews and one day it will be unbearable that it will erupt just like a mere volcano.
The government must address the victims and hear their plea, make necessary steps to rebury the victims of gukurahundi and allow families to grieve properly. Failure to attend to this issue is somewhat failure to take responsibility. Government must recognize this as one of the major national issues that needs attention, similarly to the economy, provision of safe drinking water and proper sanitation, etc. Behold Caesar and his cohorts, listen to the voices crying out in your nation and don't pretend as if they are non-existent or rather inaudible. This issue is a time-bomb that is very near to eruption and should be handled with utmost care. As we watch the space, the current leaders should listen to these warnings and initiate, the sooner the better, a process of national healing that is embedded in true reconciliation and acceptance of that "moment of madness".
This article is written by Dr. Takesure Tazvishaya.
Source - Dr. Takesure Tazvishaya
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