Zimbabwe genocide public hearings to start first quarter

Public hearings on the Gukurahundi conflict are slated to commence in the first quarter of this year, marking a significant step towards national healing and reconciliation. A designated Command Centre in Bulawayo is being renovated to securely store testimonies and other sensitive information related to the hearings.

This initiative is part of the Government's broader efforts under the Second Republic to address historical grievances, particularly in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands, where communities have linked underdevelopment to the legacy of Gukurahundi.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the Gukurahundi public hearings in July last year, describing them as a historic move to address the lingering effects of the post-independence conflict. The hearings aim to provide affected communities with a platform to voice their concerns and chart a path forward.

Traditional leaders, who were tasked by President Mnangagwa to lead the process, have undergone training alongside their rapporteurs. Essential equipment, such as recorders and laptops, has been procured to facilitate the hearings.

Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who serves as the National Coordinator for the programme, confirmed that preparations are on track.

"The steering committee on Gukurahundi hearings met last weekend to discuss implementation modalities. We are optimistic that the hearings will begin in the first quarter," said Mrs Mabiza.

She added that while resources remain a challenge, the Office of the President and Cabinet has provided sufficient support to initiate the process.

The Command Centre, located at the corner of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and Simon Muzenda Avenue in Bulawayo, will serve as a secure repository for testimonies collected during the hearings. Renovations are being carried out by the Department of Public Works to ensure the facility meets security and operational requirements.

National Council of Chiefs president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, expressed confidence in starting the hearings in February, subject to final preparations.

"We aim to commence the hearings in February if everything goes according to plan. Although resource constraints delayed progress, we are now ready to move forward," he said.

Chief Mtshane emphasized the importance of the Command Centre for safeguarding data and noted that testimonies collected in villages will be securely stored there.

The Government is also taking steps to ensure the smooth operation of the hearings, including hiring staff for the Command Centre and providing vehicles to improve the mobility of the 72 or 73 chiefs involved in the process.

The public hearings are guided by a Gukurahundi manual launched in October 2022, which was developed through consultations between traditional leaders and stakeholders. Speaking at the launch, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed the Government's commitment to fostering unity and overcoming attempts by detractors to sow division.

"The tragedy of Gukurahundi should be addressed in a way that promotes healing, reconciliation, and national development," the President said at the time.

Traditional leaders plan to conduct the hearings at the community level, ensuring that the process is inclusive and victim-friendly. Refresher training sessions for chiefs, including newly appointed ones, are also planned, pending funding availability.

As the hearings draw closer, the initiative underscores the Government's resolve to address historical injustices and build a foundation for sustainable peace and development in Zimbabwe.