Over 1 000 Gukurahundi cases submitted as national healing efforts gain momentum

Tanyaradzwa Rusike

THE Government has received over 1 000 submissions from Gukurahundi survivors and affected families in Matabeleland North and South, in a landmark development for Zimbabwe’s ongoing national healing and reconciliation efforts.

The cases, gathered since the official launch of the Gukurahundi community outreach programme two weeks ago, mark a major step in acknowledging decades-old grievances stemming from one of the country’s most painful chapters.

In an interview, Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza, who heads the peace-building outreach secretariat, described the initiative as a pivotal milestone in the Government’s efforts to build an inclusive, united and peaceful nation.

“We encourage all Zimbabweans to support this initiative, listen with empathy and stay committed to our shared mission of reconciliation and nation-building,” she said.

Mrs Mabiza reiterated the Government’s commitment to an inclusive healing process, stressing that the outreach is a foundational step towards justice and long-term peacebuilding.

Mrs Mabiza said the co-ordination centre has been established to support logistical arrangements and information management.

“Since the official launch of the outreach programme two weeks ago, traditional leaders have begun hearings in selected districts of Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South. The programme has been implemented in a structured manner, informed by community perspectives and grounded in a victim-centred approach,” she said.

Mrs Mabiza said traditional leaders have also been fully equipped with the necessary training and tools for documenting testimonies.

She said traditional leaders have played a pivotal role in fostering culturally respectful and secure spaces for open dialogue.

“As of 15 July 2025, a total of 1 297 submissions have been received from survivors, affected families, and community members across both Matabeleland North (344 submissions) and Matabeleland South (953 submissions),” said Mrs Mabiza.

“These submissions include oral testimonies, community grievances, and requests for redress or assistance.”
Mrs Mabiza said hearings are conducted in familiar communal settings such as traditional courts and homesteads where victims are encouraged to recount their experiences in their native languages, in the presence of trusted community leaders.

“The process upholds strict standards of confidentiality and provides safeguards against any potential harm or prejudice to participants,” she said.

Mrs Mabiza said the outreach process is gaining trust and acceptance across communities, with growing appreciation for the Government’s commitment to truth, justice and national healing.

“The dignified and respectful manner in which traditional leaders are conducting the sessions has fostered confidence and encouraged open and constructive participation in this important dialogue,” she said.

Mrs Mabiza said so far, the outreach has progressed smoothly across all targeted areas, with no significant challenges in community engagement.

“The collaborative efforts of traditional leaders, local structures and supporting teams have ensured broad participation and steady momentum in the process. Operational and logistical challenges, where they arise, are being addressed on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

“Traditional leaders, with the support of the coordinating centre, have played a central role in identifying and resolving such issues promptly, thereby ensuring that the outreach continues with minimal disruption.”

The outreach programme, Mrs Mabiza said, will continue for as long as necessary to ensure all affected communities are adequately engaged.

“The timeline remains flexible and will be guided by the pace of hearings and the volume of submissions received in each province. Once this phase concludes, the focus will shift to data analysis, validation, and the development of appropriate policy and legislative responses.”

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