Opinion / Columnist
Second phase Gukurahundi hearings set for next week
2 hrs ago |
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THE long-awaited second phase of the Gukurahundi community outreach hearings is expected to begin next week, following the expiry of the initial six-month engagement period in December last year.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially launched the community hearings in July 2024 in Bulawayo, with the first phase of public engagement and testimony collection commencing on June 26, 2024.
The initiative seeks to address the legacy of the 1980s disturbances in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands, where thousands of civilians were killed during a period widely described as one of Zimbabwe's most painful historical episodes.
Speaking to Southern Eye, Chief Mtshane Khumalo confirmed that traditional leaders had requested an extension of the programme after the initial timeframe lapsed.
"The hearings were given a term of six months from June to December," said Chief Khumalo.
"After the term expired, we told the government that we had not finished the programme and requested an extension."
"The government agreed to the extension and promised to look for resources until the end of this month. We are waiting to hear from the government this week and we are expecting the hearings to start next week."
Chief Khumalo said the first phase of the process had seen significant participation, with many victims coming forward to give testimony about events during the period.
The outreach programme, which is being led by traditional leaders, has however faced delays due to funding constraints and logistical challenges.
While some initial interviews have been recorded in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, the broader rollout has remained uneven and continues to attract scrutiny.
The hearings have also generated debate among civil society organisations and human rights groups, some of whom have raised concerns about transparency, independence and victim-centred processes.
Critics argue that the initiative should prioritise victim participation and independent accountability mechanisms rather than relying primarily on traditional structures.
Legal efforts to halt the process have so far been unsuccessful. An urgent application filed in the Bulawayo High Court by opposition party ZAPU seeking to stop the hearings was dismissed on the grounds that the matter lacked urgency.
Victims' groups and activists continue to call for a more comprehensive process that includes formal acknowledgment of the atrocities, broader stakeholder involvement and clearer pathways to truth and reconciliation.
As the second phase is expected to commence, attention is likely to remain focused on how effectively the process balances traditional leadership structures with demands for transparency and historical justice.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially launched the community hearings in July 2024 in Bulawayo, with the first phase of public engagement and testimony collection commencing on June 26, 2024.
The initiative seeks to address the legacy of the 1980s disturbances in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands, where thousands of civilians were killed during a period widely described as one of Zimbabwe's most painful historical episodes.
Speaking to Southern Eye, Chief Mtshane Khumalo confirmed that traditional leaders had requested an extension of the programme after the initial timeframe lapsed.
"The hearings were given a term of six months from June to December," said Chief Khumalo.
"After the term expired, we told the government that we had not finished the programme and requested an extension."
"The government agreed to the extension and promised to look for resources until the end of this month. We are waiting to hear from the government this week and we are expecting the hearings to start next week."
The outreach programme, which is being led by traditional leaders, has however faced delays due to funding constraints and logistical challenges.
While some initial interviews have been recorded in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, the broader rollout has remained uneven and continues to attract scrutiny.
The hearings have also generated debate among civil society organisations and human rights groups, some of whom have raised concerns about transparency, independence and victim-centred processes.
Critics argue that the initiative should prioritise victim participation and independent accountability mechanisms rather than relying primarily on traditional structures.
Legal efforts to halt the process have so far been unsuccessful. An urgent application filed in the Bulawayo High Court by opposition party ZAPU seeking to stop the hearings was dismissed on the grounds that the matter lacked urgency.
Victims' groups and activists continue to call for a more comprehensive process that includes formal acknowledgment of the atrocities, broader stakeholder involvement and clearer pathways to truth and reconciliation.
As the second phase is expected to commence, attention is likely to remain focused on how effectively the process balances traditional leadership structures with demands for transparency and historical justice.
Source - Southern Eye
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