ZIMBABWE TAKES A BIG STEP TOWARDS HEALING: CHIEFS TO LEAD GUKURAHUNDI OUTREACH
Zimbabwe’s National Council of Chiefs has started an important mission to help the country heal from one of its darkest times – the Gukurahundi genocide. Chief Fortune Charumbira, the Deputy President of the Council, shared plans about this outreach during a conversation with journalist Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda in Bulawayo. The goal is to gather important information about what happened during the Gukurahundi period, which took place between 1982 and 1987.
The Gukurahundi genocide is a painful memory for many people in Zimbabwe. It refers to the violent acts carried out by the Five Brigade, an elite military group. During this time, around 20,000 people, mostly from the Ndebele ethnic group, lost their lives. This period is one of the most troubling parts of Zimbabwe’s history after it gained independence.
The National Council of Chiefs, led by Chief Mtshane Khumalo, is now taking on this sensitive task. Chief Mtshane Khumalo is a descendant of General Mtshane Khumalo, a famous military leader who fought against colonial British forces at the Battle of Pupu in 1893. The Chief’s family history is linked to moments of great resistance against oppression. Now, he is leading a new fight for peace and healing in Zimbabwe.
The outreach programme will happen in two main steps. The first step will focus on Matabeleland North and South, two provinces most affected by Gukurahundi. The second step will include the Midlands province. The programme will use public hearings to give survivors and families of the victims a chance to share their stories. These public hearings are not just about remembering the past but also helping people heal from the trauma. By listening to people’s experiences, the country can better understand the impact of the Gukurahundi and move towards national healing.
The choice of the National Council of Chiefs to lead this mission is a very important one. Chiefs in Zimbabwe are respected figures and are seen as protectors of culture and tradition. By having the chiefs in charge, it is hoped that more people will feel comfortable coming forward to share their stories. The involvement of the chiefs shows that traditional leadership can play a big role in bringing people together after historical wrongs.
This outreach programme is a huge step in Zimbabwe’s efforts to deal with the difficult truths of its past. By giving people a safe place to tell their stories, the country is taking a positive step towards peace and unity. It is also a way to honor the memories of the people who lost their lives during the Gukurahundi. The goal is to ensure that the horrors of the past are never repeated.
As Zimbabwe continues this journey of healing, the leadership of the National Council of Chiefs provides hope for the future. Their work is helping to bridge the divide caused by the violence of the Gukurahundi. By acknowledging the painful history, Zimbabwe can create a future where peace and justice are at the center of national life. The Gukurahundi outreach is a reminder that healing is possible when a country confronts its past with honesty and compassion.
This is an important moment for Zimbabwe. The lessons learned from the Gukurahundi must never be forgotten. Through this process, the country can ensure that the mistakes of the past do not happen again. The National Council of Chiefs is helping Zimbabwe look forward to a future where unity and peace are stronger than division and violence. By listening to the voices of the survivors, Zimbabwe can heal its wounds and move forward as one nation.
