This initiative, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aims to address the lingering pain and grievances stemming from the brutal killings of tens of thousands of civilians by government troops in the 1980s.

The process will involve a series of hearings where survivors will share their experiences and their opinion on how they want the Gukurahundi issue to be resolved.

“Today is a pivotal moment in our history. This is the day where we demonstrate that as a country, we are capable of resolving our disputes as Zimbabweans, regardless of their complexity or magnitude,” said the leader.

The so-called Gukurahundi massacres took place in the aftermath of Zimbabwe getting rid of white minority rule, starting in 1983. Under the late Robert Mugabe’s leadership, government troops brutally suppressed a revolt in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, home to the Ndebele minority.

Estimates suggest that over 20,000 people were killed during the operation, which lasted several years

Mnangagwa also appealed for a rejection of negativity, urging the people to choose empathy over animosity and reconciliation over retribution: “Let us turn our attention to a new dawn, a brighter future where the scars of yesterday no longer fester.“