Staff Reporter
Traditional leaders in Matabeleland have been tasked to take a lead in the resolution of the Gukurahundi issue. This follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s third meeting with the Matabeleland Collective to further discuss the issues around the Gukurahundi disturbances and map a way forward in resolving them.
At the same meeting President Mnangagwa met with the National Council of Chiefs where he endorsed a proposal that was made on the 22 August 2019, that Traditional Leaders should spearhead the resolution of the Gukurahundi issues in their respective jurisdictions.
Speaking through a Press Statement, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services revealed that the National Council of Chiefs were already engrossed with the task to find a lasting solution to the Gukurahundi issue.
“The National Council of Chiefs over the past two weeks, engaged in intensive consultations with the Matabeleland Civic Society Organisations and Faith Based Organisations on 29 July 2021 to 1 August 2021 and 4th to 6th of August 2021 respectively on the issue,” read the statement.
The National Council of Chiefs highlighted key issues affecting the people in their different jurisdictions.
“Documentation of Births, National IDs and Death Certificates; underdevelopment and marginalisation of Matabeleland region; national healing, reconciliation and national building, counselling and psychological support, consultation of victims; reburials, exhumations and memorials; reparations and compensation and social security benefits to include pensions, free education, social welfare and health services.
“His excellency the President highlighted that a systematic approach to the resolution of issues raised should be adopted. This will entail feedback on preparedness by a chief in issues requiring attention in his or her area of jurisdiction,” read the press statement.
A case by case basis of solving most of the issues was adopted prompting the chief to regroup in order to come up with an implementation plan detailing preparedness in their areas of jurisdiction in order to guide the process.
As part of the national healing and reconciliation process, the New Dispensation has intensified efforts to ensure that the Gukurahundi issue was addressed amicably and as soon as possible to ensure peace and to bring closure to the people of Matabeleland while allaying speculation on Matabeleland marginalisation by some non-progressive opposition parties. The same platform was used to discuss the Bulawayo water challenges with the local authority representatives and the President promised that the city of Bulawayo. water woes will be a thing of the past as he intends to ensure that the citizens get water from the tapes.
