Will Gukurahundi outreach program heal old wounds? Heal Zimbabwe Trust raises concerns
Duduzile Nyathi
Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT) has cautiously welcomed the launch of the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Program, a new government initiative designed to promote peace and reconciliation after a painful chapter in Zimbabwe’s history.
During the launch of the program, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the program is not just a mechanism for revisiting grievances but a transformative process towards national healing.
“This initiative is a potent symbol of our collective will to bridge the devices 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. They will guide us through open dialogue, fostering empathy and understanding. As we share our stories, the wounds of the past will begin to mend, thereby enabling national healing,” he said.
Despite this, the HZT has raised concerns about the program’s potential effectiveness and advocates for a more inclusive, victim-centered approach.
The Gukurahundi massacres took place in the 1980s, leaving deep psychological scars on Zimbabwean society especially in the affected Matabeleland and Midlands provinces. The HZT points out the years of advocacy by civil society groups that have faced resistance, including the vandalism of memorial plaques and restrictions on engagement with affected communities.
A major concern highlighted by the organisation is the erosion of public trust in the government’s commitment to reconciliation. This skepticism arises from previous constraints on civil society initiatives and the timing of the new program, which follows the end of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission’s mandate. “The government must adopt an inclusive and multisectoral approach to rebuild citizen trust and ensure meaningful community participation,” HZT asserts in its statement.
HZT has put forth several recommendations to enhance the program’s effectiveness. Central to their suggestions is a victim-centered approach that prioritizes the needs of survivors. This includes releasing reports from past inquiries, implementing a robust witness protection program, and ensuring consultations extend to the village level.
The organisation underscores the importance of working with established civil society organizations that possess expertise in addressing past injustices. “Achieving true national healing and reconciliation in relation to Gukurahundi will require a united effort from all stakeholders,” they emphasize.
In conclusion, the HZT reaffirms its commitment to supporting affected communities and urges traditional leaders to draw lessons from successful transitional justice processes in other African countries.
