Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE ongoing Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme spearheaded by traditional leaders across Matabeleland provinces has achieved significant milestones, with more than 24 000 testimonies documented since its commencement in June last year while mechanisms are now in place to ensure survivors in the diaspora are prioritised in the recording of testimonies.
This comes as the Second Republic intensifies efforts to provide lasting closure to the 1980s disturbances through a home-grown initiative designed to foster national healing and unity.
According to the latest data, as of 13 January 2026, a total of 24 795 submissions have been recorded with traditional leaders having been instructed to treat the issue of birth and death certificates as a stand-alone one in the findings of the outreach programme while mechanisms are put in place to ensure no one is left out.
The overwhelming response has prompted authorities to intensify efforts to ensure every affected community member is given a chance to be heard as the consultation process enters its final stages. A provincial breakdown of the statistics shows that Matabeleland North has recorded 13 437 testimonies (54,19 percent), while Matabeleland South accounts for 11 358 (45,81 percent).
The data also reveals a high level of participation among women, who make up 60,68 percent of the participants with 15 045 testimonies, compared to 9 750 from men (39,32 percent).
President Mnangagwa officially launched the public hearings in July 2024, with the exercise moving into full swing in June last year.
The home-grown process, spearheaded by traditional leaders, is seen as a critical pillar of the President’s vision for national unity and healing.
In an interview, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who is also head of the secretariat of the Matabeleland Peace-building Outreach Programme said the programme has been intentionally flexible to accommodate victims and survivors, particularly those in the diaspora who returned home during the recent festive season.
“The Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme is open to all victims and survivors, without exception, regardless of whether they reside in Zimbabwe or in the diaspora,” said Mrs Mabiza.
“During the festive season, the Chiefs reiterated to all that any returning victim or survivor was free to participate in the hearings immediately upon presentation, without the need for prior registration or special clearance.”
Addressing the critical issue of lack of identity documents such as birth and death certificates — a major grievance for many victims, Mrs Mabiza said the secretariat has put in place mechanisms to ensure no one is excluded.
“Traditional leaders have been instructed to record documentation-related challenges as standalone grievances, ensuring that they are formally captured and reflected in the programme’s findings,” she said.
Mrs Mabiza added that a “fast-track” approach was adopted for those visiting from outside the country to ensure their brief stay did not hinder their participation.
“Chiefs and their panels have been empowered to prioritise diaspora-based participants, ensuring that their testimonies are recorded promptly upon presentation.
“This guarantees that short stays in Zimbabwe do not disadvantage victims,” she said.
To date, 74 chiefs have posted data onto the online platform, with 5 099 audio recordings transcribed so far.
The outreach programme continues to be hailed as a significant step toward resolving the civil strife of the early 1980s and fostering a unified national identity.
The initiative also resonates with the mantra of the Second Republic, which is committed to the philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind” in national development and reconciliation efforts.
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