By Kundai Marunya
THE Government of Zimbabwe is poised to begin the much-anticipated Gukurakundi hearings, a historic process aimed at fostering unity, reconciliation and a deeper understanding of our shared past.
This initiative, scheduled to begin next month, underscores the nation’s commitment to addressing sensitive historical matters with dignity and wisdom while paving the way for a united and prosperous Zimbabwe.
In July last year, President Mnangagwa launched the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme at the State House in Bulawayo, opening up space for dialogue and for Zimbabweans to find each other.
All this was done, not because of international or internal pressure, but because the Government saw it prudent to resolve underlying issues that have for years been harnessed by dissenting voices to fuel tribal discontent.
After close to four decades of skirting around this issue in the political space, the Government —together with traditional as well as religious leaders — has opted for homegrown solutions in a first of its kind initiative.
Victims of the tribal violence of the late 1980s, as Government met this dissident menace in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, feared to discuss the atrocities of the time, thus failing to find closure.
But true to the Second Republic’s commitment to bringing about a united Zimbabwe that looks beyond tribal lines, President Mnangagwa opened up space for dialogue.
He introduced a homegrown template that has traditional leaders at the forefront working with community representatives from of all demographies.
This decision reflects an astute understanding of Zimbabwe’s cultural fabric, recognising that traditional leaders hold a unique and revered position in our communities.
As custodians of history, culture and social harmony, these leaders are best positioned to guide this delicate process with empathy, insight and fairness.
President Mnangagwa has emphasised that the inclusion of traditional leaders is not only a nod to our rich heritage but also a strategic choice to ensure the hearings resonate with the grassroots.
Traditional leaders, being closer to the people, possess a nuanced understanding of local dynamics, enabling them to navigate sensitive issues with the cultural sensitivity and moral authority that modern institutions often lack.
This approach is not only deeply Zimbabwean but also demonstrates a forward-thinking Government that understands the importance of harmonising tradition and modernity to achieve meaningful outcomes.
As such, the initiative needs to be done thoroughly and correctly so as to get the desired results.
People are obviously anxious about when the hearings will start — what’s a few more months of waiting to make sure the process is carried out to the satisfaction of all concerned!
Speaking to The Herald last week, National Council of Chiefs president Chief Mtshane Khumalo said:“I had a meeting with the Attorney-General, Mrs [Virginia] Mabiza on Monday where we discussed the matter. We aim to commence the hearings in February if everything goes according to plan.
“This will be a busy period for us. Although we intended to begin shortly after the President launched the programme, resource constraints delayed progress. However, we are now ready to move forward.”
To explain what would seem like a false start to some people, Government has been setting up a coordination centre to manage, support and oversee imminent public hearings that are meant to document and address the post-independence disturbances.
Currently being renovated in Bulawayo, the headquarters will be responsible for coordinating the schedule and locations of public hearings, including arranging secure venues, transportation and other logistics.
This facility will serve as a central repository for the rich tapestry of testimonies, evidence and narratives that will emerge from the process.
It will also act as a support system for traditional chiefs and local leaders who will be leading the hearings, providing them with resources, training and guidance to manage discussions effectively and sensitively.
In addition, the centre will oversee the secure collection, recording and storage of testimonies and sensitive information gathered during the hearings, including ensuring data privacy protocols.
By preserving these records, the Government is ensuring that this crucial chapter in our nation’s history is not forgotten but remains a valuable resource for future generations.
The new headquarters will symbolise a commitment to truth, memory and accountability, acting as both a historical archive and an educational centre.
In line with global trends, the Government has also prioritised the adoption of advanced digital storage solutions to complement traditional archiving methods.
This forward-looking approach highlights the importance of leveraging technology to preserve and protect sensitive data.
Digital storage ensures that the records from the Gukurakundi hearings are safeguarded against physical deterioration, loss or damage.
It also allows for easier access, retrieval and dissemination of information for researchers, policymakers and the general public.
By embracing digital solutions, Zimbabwe is not only preserving its history but also making it accessible and relevant in a rapidly evolving world.
The Gukurakundi hearings symbolise a platform for collective introspection, healing and growth.
By drawing from the wisdom of traditional leaders, the hearings promise to provide a safe space where affected communities can share their experiences openly and constructively.
This participatory approach seeks to foster unity as it encourages dialogue rooted in mutual respect and cultural values.
Traditional leaders have long served as mediators and problem solvers, with their guidance often being the foundation for resolution and reconciliation within communities.
Their involvement in these hearings ensures that this wisdom is applied on a national scale, creating an environment where every voice is heard and every grievance considered.
The Gukurakundi hearings aim to replicate this inclusive and restorative approach, blending traditional practices with modern principles of justice.
This approach reflects the Government’s recognition that while modern judicial systems have their place, they may not always address the deeply personal and cultural aspects of historical conflicts.
These historical conflicts require African Living Law for their resolution.
By turning to traditional leaders, the Government is leveraging an age-old system of justice that is deeply entrenched in the nation’s social and cultural values.
It is recognition that imported solutions often lack the context and sensitivity required to address deeply rooted issues.
Traditional leaders, with their understanding of communal dynamics and historical narratives, bring an invaluable perspective that complements and enhances formal processes.
The inclusion of a digital archiving strategy further demonstrates the Government’s foresight.
Digital storage ensures that the valuable records of this process are preserved for centuries to come, protected from the ravages of time and physical decay.
Moreover, it allows Zimbabwe to participate in the global dialogue on reconciliation and historical justice, as these archives can be shared with international institutions, researchers and other nations seeking guidance on similar processes.
In doing so, Zimbabwe asserts its leadership on the global stage, demonstrating how a nation can creatively combine tradition and innovation to address its unique challenges.
As Zimbabwe embarks on this journey, it is important to acknowledge the courage and foresight of the Government in addressing historical grievances in a manner that seeks to heal rather than divide.
The Gukurakundi hearings are not merely about revisiting the past; they are about charting a course towards a future where every Zimbabwean feels valued, heard and included.
This process requires the active participation of all stakeholders, from Government officials and traditional leaders to affected communities and the general public.
It is a collective effort that demands empathy, understanding, and a willingness to engage in honest and constructive dialogue.
The success of the hearings will depend on the collective will of all Zimbabweans to embrace this process with open hearts and minds.
It is an opportunity to confront the past with honesty and courage while also celebrating the resilience and strength of our nation.
The Government has laid the groundwork by creating a platform for dialogue and reconciliation; it is now up to all of us to engage in this process with the spirit of unity and cooperation.
This is not merely an acknowledgment of the past but a celebration of the enduring relevance of our traditions in shaping our future.
It is a reminder that our heritage is not a relic of history but a living resource that can guide us as we navigate the complexities of the present.
The Gukurakundi hearings are not just a response to historical grievances; they are a proactive step toward building a Zimbabwe that is united, inclusive and forward-looking.
They represent a commitment to justice, not as a punitive measure but as a means of restoring harmony and trust within our society.
This approach aligns with the broader vision of the Second Republic, which seeks to create a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from national progress.
Let us rally behind this initiative, celebrating the genius of our traditions and the resilience of our people.
Together, we can build a Zimbabwe that is not only united in its diversity but also stronger and more prosperous because of it.
The Gukurakundi hearings are an opportunity to turn the page on a difficult chapter in our history and to write a new story of hope, healing and shared progress.
As we embark on this journey, let us do so with the confidence that, guided by the wisdom of our traditional leaders and the power of modern technology, we are building a nation that truly reflects the values and aspirations of its entire people.
Granted this road will be bumpy but the will of the people will prevail as always.
There will, of course, be the usual detractors who will play the devil’s advocate; who will see shadows where there are none; who will try to milk the situation for cheap political gain by playing the tribal card and those will leverage on the situation to push their selfish narratives.
To these we say: Shame on you. Give the process a chance!