Concerns rise over delays in Gukurahundi hearings in Matabeleland
via NewsDay Zimbabwe6 min read
Concerns are growing in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland region regarding the delayed second phase of Gukurahundi community outreach hearings. These hearings, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in July 2024, aim to address the 1980s atrocities and promote national healing. The initial engagement phase concluded in December last year, with public testimonies led by traditional leaders beginning on June 26 last year. Stakeholders attribute the current delays to funding shortages and a lack of political commitment. Chief Khulumani Mathema highlighted financial constraints and the absence of political will, noting that the extent of the Gukurahundi impact, particularly in areas like Tsholotsho, necessitates a thorough profiling of cases, including instances of rape, torture, and killings. A victim from Tsholotsho, Melusi Ndlovu, stated that survivors fear speaking out and expected an apology from perpetrators before the hearings. Another anonymous victim emphasized the community's desire for compensation through development, including equitable access to resources, improved education, and healthcare. Despite the delays, over 25,000 testimonies were recorded by February 2026. The hearings are conducted in closed sessions to ensure confidentiality and dignity for victims, with traditional leaders guiding the process in Matabeleland and the Midlands. The government intends for the process to allow victims to share experiences, trace missing relatives, and guide remedies such as reburia
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
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