Zimbabwe begins historic hearings about past violence today. Chief Mtshane Khumalo leads the National Council of Chiefs and says all preparations are complete. The government wants to heal wounds from fighting that happened after independence in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.
President Mnangagwa started this peace effort as part of his Second Republic goals. Chief Khumalo reports that transport arrangements are ready for traditional leaders who will travel to rural communities. Chiefs collected vehicles from the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department in Bulawayo yesterday. Some leaders brought their personal vehicles to help with the process.
The steering committee met with Matabeleland chiefs two weeks ago to finish planning. Each chief will work with a 13-member team that has elders, religious leaders, women and young people. Two record keepers will help each chief using laptops, tablets, recording devices and cameras. The teams received training before the hearings began.
Reporters cannot attend these private sessions with victims. Chief Khumalo says the Command Centre at First Mutual Building in Bulawayo will give regular news updates. Press conferences will happen on certain days that officials will announce later. Chiefs already talked with headmen and village leaders about the upcoming hearings.
The government gave chiefs the main responsibility for leading these community meetings. The hearings aim to bring closure to families affected by the post-independence troubles. Officials hope this victim-centered approach will help Zimbabwe move forward as a united nation.
President Mnangagwa started this peace effort as part of his Second Republic goals. Chief Khumalo reports that transport arrangements are ready for traditional leaders who will travel to rural communities. Chiefs collected vehicles from the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department in Bulawayo yesterday. Some leaders brought their personal vehicles to help with the process.
The steering committee met with Matabeleland chiefs two weeks ago to finish planning. Each chief will work with a 13-member team that has elders, religious leaders, women and young people. Two record keepers will help each chief using laptops, tablets, recording devices and cameras. The teams received training before the hearings began.
Reporters cannot attend these private sessions with victims. Chief Khumalo says the Command Centre at First Mutual Building in Bulawayo will give regular news updates. Press conferences will happen on certain days that officials will announce later. Chiefs already talked with headmen and village leaders about the upcoming hearings.
The government gave chiefs the main responsibility for leading these community meetings. The hearings aim to bring closure to families affected by the post-independence troubles. Officials hope this victim-centered approach will help Zimbabwe move forward as a united nation.
