Government keen to close Gukurahundi chapter – President Mnangagwa

Harare, (New Ziana)- President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday reiterated government commitment to address the Gukurahundi issue to finality, and forge national unity.

Gukurahundi refers to a government crackdown on an armed insurrection that took place in the southern regions of the country in the early 1980s in which thousands of people, some civilians, are thought to have been killed.

The government has set up a body to establish what happened exactly, and possibly compensate innocent victims of the episode.

Speaking at the burial of national hero, Kenny Ridzai Mabuya, President Mnangagwa said government was working flat out to put closure to the Gukurahundi issue, so that the country can move forward in unison.

“Through various mechanisms, including initiatives led by our traditional leaders and communities, we are addressing the Gukurahundi matter. Emboldened by the fact that we are one people strengthened by our diversity and the spirit of love, inclusivity and tolerance, we continue to march towards sustainable, social and economic stability and prosperity,” he said.

Turning to foreign policy, President Mnangagwa said the government’s engagement and re-engagement policy drive, in which it wants to build friendly relations with all countries, was bearing fruit as evidenced by Zimbabwe’s invitation to the Italy-Africa summit this week.

He said the policy was unlocking vast trading, and investment opportunities for the country, which will help it attain its 2030 vision of an upper middle income economy status.

He paid glowing tribute to the late Mabuya, a former freedom fighter who fought in the war of liberation, saying it was through his sacrifices, and that of his contemporaries, that Zimbabwe was independent and free.

He said the late Mabuya’s life was characterised by patriotism and determination to liberate the country, in which at some point he suffered injuries following an intense battle with colonial forces, and sought sanctuary at one Chief Makuni’s homestead for close to a year.

“Instead of quitting the liberation struggle, Cde Mabuya chose to be re-deployed in the Centenary area, where they opened the Bakasa area to freedom fighters,” President Mnangagwa said.

“Individually and collectively, we shoulder the responsibility to develop, modernise and industrialise our country. Through our efforts, all Zimbabweans should work harder to occupy our niche in the global arena,” he said.

New Ziana