By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Bulawayo – The National Chiefs’ Council has approved the rollout of the Gukurahundi hearings outreach program, which is set to commence on June 26. The program aims to give victims an opportunity to submit their cases and seek compensation.
Speaking at a media briefing in Bulawayo on Sunday, Chief Fortune Charumbira, the deputy president of the National Chiefs’ Council, confirmed that the government is prepared to compensate victims of the Gukurahundi atrocities. The hearings will be conducted in closed sessions to respect the sensitivity of the matter.
“This programme was endorsed by President Mnangagwa himself who decided to open up on issues of Gukurahundi to allow victims to be able to submit to their respective chief. We started with the awareness programme from the 27 of May 27 to June 5,” said Chief Charumbira.
He added, “This is when chiefs met people in their communities to make them aware that the President has opened up this issue and submissions will be made to the Chief and in cases where compensation is required, government is ready to compensate the victims, that is why we encourage people who have suffered some loss or harm during Gukurahundi to come forward. Our approach is victim centred, it is not a public hearing due to sensitivity and the private nature of the hearings.”
The deputy chief explained that the past three days have been dedicated to addressing logistical arrangements. The Steering Committee of the National Chiefs’ Council has been meeting in Bulawayo, with rapporteurs receiving training on Saturday.
Chiefs have also submitted reports on their awareness campaigns across communities.