MATABELELAND traditional leaders have welcomed the launch of the Gukurahundi community outreach programme by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday at State House in Bulawayo saying it was long overdue.
The chiefs said the long-awaited exercise would promote national healing and unity.
In an interview on the sidelines of the launch, Chief Dakamela of Nkayi urged communities to participate in the healing process.
“The process is being spearheaded by chiefs, but mostly led by the Chief’s Council. We will get an opportunity to discuss the way forward with the leadership,” he said.
“Once we have been granted a greenlight and a greenlight is always in the form of resources, then we can start.”
Chief Wasi, of Mangwe, Matabeleland South province, concurred with Chief Dakamela.
“The engagement processes will foster cohesion among affected communities and victims,” she said.
In his address, Mnangagwa described the process as a transformative exercise towards national healing and unity.
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He said the community outreach programmes were a comprehensive and a lasting solution which would unite the country.
“This exercise is not simply a mechanism for revisiting grievances, but it is a transformative odyssey, a pilgrimage towards healing and national cohesion,” Mnangagwa said.
“This initiative is a potent symbol of our collective will to bridge the divides that have separated us for too long.
“It places the onus of healing squarely on the shoulders of its most capable custodians, our esteemed chiefs.”
Gukurahundi remains a dark chapter in the country’s human rights history, where over 20 000 civilians were killed in Matabeleland and Midlands regions when the late Robert Mugabe unleashed the North Korea-trained 5 Brigade in a crackdown against alleged dissent to his rule.
Mugabe was deposed from power in November 2017 through a military coup and died in September 2019 without addressing Gukurahundi.
Meanwhile, Chief Wasi also highlighted the need for government to introduce irrigation schemes in her area to boost food security in the face of climate change-induced droughts.
Chief Mabhena of Umzingwane hailed the ongoing food relief programme.
“I’m quite excited that our people are receiving grain from the Grain Marketing Board. This will go a long way towards enhancing food security,” Chief Mabhena said.
Over seven million Zimbabweans are said to be in need of food aid because of the El Niño-induced drought.
