The National Chiefs Council has announced that the Government is prepared to compensate victims of Gukurahundi, with community hearings set to begin on June 26. After four years of preparation, the Council is working with traditional chiefs to engage with communities and hear their experiences.
The Government’s approach to resolving the Gukurahundi issue is rooted in a home-grown, community-led process that promotes national unity. President Mnangagwa entrusted traditional leaders with leading the process, and the National Chiefs Council has been working tirelessly to ensure its success.
The hearings will be held in camera to protect victims’ privacy, with each victim having their own session and the option to invite family members. A panel of 13, including elders, religious leaders, women, and youths, will preside over the hearings.
Each hearing will include two rapporteurs responsible for recording submissions in various formats, as well as a community-based chancellor. The chiefs will safeguard the recording equipment, ensuring that the process is conducted with dignity and respect.
A Command Centre has been established in Bulawayo to co-ordinate and support the process, serving as the operational hub for the hearings.
The upcoming community hearings aim to provide a safe platform for victims to share their experiences, fostering national healing, reconciliation, and unity. With the Government’s commitment to compensating victims, this process is a significant step towards addressing the legacy of Gukurahundi and building a united nation.
Sorcer- iHarare
