ZIMBABWE CHIEFS START JOURNEY TO HEAL GUKURAHUNDI WOUNDS

Zimbabwe’s National Council of Chiefs has begun an important journey to address one of the country’s most painful events – the Gukurahundi genocide. Chief Fortune Charumbira, Deputy President of the Council of Chiefs, spoke with journalist Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda in Bulawayo about their plans. They are starting an outreach program to collect stories and information from people who lived through this dark time, which happened between 1982 and 1987.

The word Gukurahundi brings up many emotions for Zimbabweans. It refers to a brutal military campaign by the Five Brigade, a special military unit. This operation led to the deaths of around 20,000 people, most of whom were from the Ndebele ethnic group. This is one of the most painful and divisive events in Zimbabwe’s history after independence.

The National Council of Chiefs is led by Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who comes from the family of General Mtshane Khumalo. General Khumalo was a well-known Ndebele military leader who fought against British forces in 1893 at the Battle of Pupu. His legacy lives on, and now his descendant is leading this sensitive process of healing.

Chief Charumbira explained that the outreach program will happen in two phases. The first phase will focus on Matabeleland North and South provinces, and the second will cover the Midlands province. The goal of the program is to hold public hearings where survivors of Gukurahundi and their families can share their stories. This is not just about collecting facts from the past, but about helping people understand the deep pain caused by the violence and how it has affected the lives of many.

The choice of the National Council of Chiefs to lead this process is very meaningful. Chiefs are the keepers of culture and tradition, and they are respected in Zimbabwean society. Their involvement will help make sure that people feel safe to speak openly and that this important conversation happens in a respectful way. It shows that traditional leadership can help bring people together and heal the divisions caused by the past.

The Gukurahundi outreach program is a very important step in facing and recognizing the crimes of the past. It will give people a chance to talk about what happened, and the country will be able to learn from these conversations. This is a key part of healing the nation and bringing people together after so much violence and division. By listening to the voices of survivors, Zimbabwe can show respect for the people who died and work to make sure this kind of thing never happens again.

This outreach program is not just about looking at the past. It is also about building a better future. The National Council of Chiefs is offering hope and leadership. They are helping the country look back at its history so it can move forward in peace and unity. By facing the wounds of the past, Zimbabwe can create a future where everyone is treated with fairness and justice, and where the lessons of Gukurahundi are always remembered.

As this process begins, there is hope that the people of Zimbabwe will come together. It is a time for reflection and healing. The work being done by the National Council of Chiefs is a sign that the country is serious about facing its history and building a better future. The voices of the survivors, the leadership of the chiefs, and the support of the nation will help pave the way for a Zimbabwe where peace, justice, and unity are the foundation of its future.