Heal Zimbabwe Trust advocates for victim-centred approach to Gukurahundi engagement

Providence Moyo

Heal Zimbabwe Trust has urged the government to adopt a victim-centred approach during the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme, recently launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House in Bulawayo. This request comes amidst ongoing concerns about the effective realization of the African Transitional Justice Policy standards, which aim to foster national healing and reconciliation.

In a statement, Heal Zimbabwe emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, “A victim-centred framework is crucial to ensure that the process achieves the objectives of national reconciling and closes the wounds and trauma communities have endured over the years.” The organization expressed their concerns over the destruction of memorial plaques in various locations where Gukurahundi victims were buried, highlighting this as a setback in the healing process.

The statement further noted the challenges faced by civil society in addressing the Gukurahundi issue, with Heal Zimbabwe commenting on the ongoing vandalism of memorial plaques in Bhalagwe, specifically those erected by Ibhetshu LikaZulu. “The repeated vandalism of these memorials, coupled with the state’s reluctance to investigate, further complicates efforts to address the painful legacy of Gukurahundi,” the organization said.

Heal Zimbabwe also pointed out that various civil society actors have been denied the opportunity to engage with communities affected by Gukurahundi, indicating a significant gap in the outreach process. “The process must devolve to communities to ensure wide consultations that are rooted in their realities. A bottom-up approach is critical in correctly capturing the voices, demands, and wishes of the victims and the communities affected by Gukurahundi,” Heal Zimbabwe stressed.

As the Gukurahundi Outreach Programme progresses, the call for genuine community engagement and healing remains urgent, with hopes that the government will listen to the voices of the victims and facilitate a meaningful reconciliation process.