Staff Reporter
While officiating at the launch of the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme in Bulawayo, at State House this Sunday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the process as a transformative exercise towards national healing and unity.
Addressing Government officials, pastors, civil society groups, traditional Chiefs and Matabeleland residents, President Mnangagwa said the Community outreach programmes are a comprehensive and lasting solution which will unite the country.
“Today we are gathered here to officially launch the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme. This exercise is not simply a mechanism for revisiting grievances but it is a transformative odyssey, a pilgrimage towards healing and national cohesion. This initiative is a potent symbol of our collective will to bridge the divides that have separated us for too long. It places the onus of healing squarely on the shoulders of its most capable custodians, our esteemed Chiefs,” said President Mnangagwa.
Additionally President Mnangagwa emphasized much trust in the traditional Chiefs to implement the Gukurahundi outreach programme resolutely against the country’s detractors through an inclusive, customary and grassroots based solutions that will create peace, unity and healing in Zimbabwe.
“History records that all internal divisions amongst us as a people have been instigated by our detractors in various guises through generations. It is our detractors who worked tirelessly to pit one tribe against the other during the colonial era. These oppressors sought to sow seeds of division amongst liberation struggle fighters and within communities. Their interference and machinations were designed to divide us and consequently created our post-independence conflicts. We are aware that the same forces have not abandoned their ultimate goal of thwarting the realization of our determination to remain as united Zimbabweans,” said President Mnangagwa.
Meanwhile President Mnangagwa has handed over a manual to be used by the panelist of theGukuruhundi Outreach Programme which will be a comprehensive guiding tool in thehandling of complaints of alleged victims, methodology and resolution process for the implementation of a resolute, judicious and expeditious outreach programme.
The launch of the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme was graced by, among other officials, the Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Minister of State for Bulawayo Province, Hon Judith Ncube, Ministers of State and Devolution for Matebeleland North and South, several Chiefs from Matebeleland North and South Province, Midlands Province, senior members of the Civil Service and members of various Churches.
