Gukurahundi issues could be dealt with better
in the Commission. He acknowledged Justice
Nare's presence and Chair of the NPRC but
argued that the NPRC could do with some more
regional and relevant representation. He
argued that this would raise the people's
confidence in the Commission.
The NPRC needs resources/funding: Sipho
argued that that there has not been much
change from the old regime and if the new
government wants to be seen to be different
then it must put its mouth where its money is.
He argues that it is strange that in Zimbabwe
there is always money somewhere for this and
other things but never money for important
things such as healing and reconciliation.
Sipho noted that one way to pus government to
hold perpetrators accountable was in pushing
them to fund the NPC and their commissions
fully. He noted that these demands can be
made by the people arguing that a stronger NPC
would allow them to be able to decentralise and
have more people reporting cases or testify.
A response to Sipho’s Speech
by Pathisa Nyathi
Phathisa Nyathi acknowledged Siphos’ speech
and noted that the Gukurahundi was an
attempt to destroy the ZAPU political and
military infrastructure leading to ethnicization
of politics. Ethnic politicisation has therefore
created animosity and hatred among
Zimbabweans. In closing Phathisa echoed that
what is needed in Zimbabwe is building a
nation(s) where people feel secure, happy and
welcome as opposed to state building that is
coloured with power struggles.
Closing remarks
Shari Eppel closed the reflections by showing
participants evidence of reburials of the victims
of Gukurahundi and how much the families had
healed. She demonstrated how the power of
reburials can facilitate healing and how it can
assist in developing memory as well as gathering
evidence of what happened during the conflict.
He argues that if the government were to fund
the NPRC well, it would be one practical of
showing its seriousness and commitment to the
process of healing in Matabeleland.
There is need for a separate
Gukurahundi process: Sipho
noted that there was nothing
to stop the NPRC from
establishing a special
Gukurahundi Committee.
22
2018 TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE POLICY SYMPOSIUM REPORT
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