Zimbabwe will start paying victims of Gukurahundi after decades of waiting. Community hearings begin June 26 with traditional chiefs leading the process across Matabeleland. Chief Fortune Charumbira told reporters the government stands ready to compensate people who suffered during the 1980s violence. President Mnangagwa gave chiefs the authority to collect victim stories and manage the healing program. The National Chiefs Council spent four years preparing communities for these important meetings.
Private sessions protect victim privacy during the emotional testimonies. Each hearing uses a 13-member panel with community elders and religious leaders helping chiefs. Women and young people join the panels to represent all community voices. Two record keepers will capture stories through audio, video and written notes. Chiefs will guard all recording equipment during the sensitive meetings.
The hearings should finish within six months according to council leaders. Chiefs completed awareness campaigns from May 27 to June 5 telling communities about the opportunity. A command center opens at First Mutual Building to coordinate all activities. The home-grown approach aims to bring national unity after years of division. Victims can approach their local chiefs to share experiences and seek justice.
Private sessions protect victim privacy during the emotional testimonies. Each hearing uses a 13-member panel with community elders and religious leaders helping chiefs. Women and young people join the panels to represent all community voices. Two record keepers will capture stories through audio, video and written notes. Chiefs will guard all recording equipment during the sensitive meetings.
The hearings should finish within six months according to council leaders. Chiefs completed awareness campaigns from May 27 to June 5 telling communities about the opportunity. A command center opens at First Mutual Building to coordinate all activities. The home-grown approach aims to bring national unity after years of division. Victims can approach their local chiefs to share experiences and seek justice.
