Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- In a historic move toward addressing the post-independence conflict in Matabeleland, the Steering Committee of the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Program this week met with traditional leaders to finalise plans for the long-awaited reconciliation initiative.
Public hearings to document and address post-independence violent disturbances that affected parts of Matabeleland and Midlands provinces are set to begin early next month, marking a historically significant step in the efforts of the Second Republic to consolidate national unity and reconciliation.
The landmark initiative aims to identify individuals directly and indirectly affected by the disturbances, capture their views and craft community-led solutions to their grievances.
Through structured dialogue, the program seeks to address the root causes of the disturbances while facilitating closure for victims through appropriate State interventions.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the steering committee meeting on Friday, permanent secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana confirmed that logistical arrangements for the rollout of the program were nearing completion.
The discussions focused on key operational details ahead of public hearings set to begin later this month.
Chiefs and stakeholders from Matabeleland North and South, attended the meeting, marking a critical step in a process aimed at fostering national healing after decades of unresolved trauma.
“The Steering Committee of the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Program is meeting with traditional chiefs from Matabeleland in Bulawayo today to finalise logistical arrangements for the rollout of the community outreach program. Key highlights include reviewing feedback from awareness campaigns conducted in Matabeleland North and South provinces, final training of rapporteurs on June 14, 2025 to document testimonies during public hearings, the National Council of Chiefs meeting on June 15, 2025 to finalise operational plans and provide guidance on the community engagement,” said Mangwana.
He said a dedicated coordination hub has been set up at the Bulawayo First Mutual Building to oversee the implementation of the program.
Mangwana added that the centre will monitor progress, manage logistics, and provide administrative support throughout the hearings.
The outreach forms part of a broader national effort to confront the legacy of the 1980s Gukurahundi conflict, which left thousands of people dead in Matabeleland and the Midlands provinces.
By amplifying community voices and empowering traditional leaders, the initiative aims to forge a path toward truth, healing, and lasting reconciliation.
Since assuming office, President Mnangagwa has committed to transparently confront Zimbabwe’s troubled past, committing to resolve issues related to these historical events.
New Ziana
