By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
President His Excellency, Cde Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, has called for former colonisers to apologies and pay reparations as an initiative to address the historical injustices faced by Zimbabweans before gaining independence. He made this statement at the groundbreaking ceremony of “Land Displacements: The Untold Story of Crimes, Injustices, Trauma, and Losses Experienced by Indigenous Black Zimbabweans During the Colonial Era (1890-1980): A Case for Reparations,” held in Harare yesterday.
President Mnangagwa highlighted the deep scars left by colonialism, particularly the violent land appropriations that began in 1893 and were solidified by oppressive laws such as the Land Apportionment Act of 1931.
He stressed the importance of recognising the pain and trauma suffered by indigenous black Zimbabweans.
“We can no longer remain silent while our people carry the scars of a painful and cruel past,” he stated
The President said the time has come to seek apologies from former colonial powers. He referenced recent acknowledgments from the United Kingdom, which apologized to the Mau Mau of Kenya, and Germany’s apologies to the Herero and Nama people of Namibia.
“When are the rest of us in the former colonies going to receive similar apologies?,”He posed a poignant question
Emphasizing the urgency of reparations, Mnangagwa noted that while the government has taken steps to compensate former white farmers for improvements made on redistributed lands, the voices of marginalized communities must also be heard.
“We cannot afford to ignore the cries of our people for justice,” he remarked reinforcing the need for a balanced approach to reconciliation.
As he concluded his address, the President called for a united societal effort to support the Elders Forum’s initiative, framing it as a vital investment in the nation’s healing journey.
“This is one of the most important investments we have to make, and we owe it to our forefathers, children, and future generations,” he asserted, before officially launching the reparations initiative.
This initiative aims to delve into Zimbabwe’s colonial history and its lingering effects, promoting dialogue and fostering a path toward justice and recognition for indigenous peoples.
The President’s call for reparations and apologies represents a critical moment in the ongoing quest for healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwean society.