Through its Nkayi Agenda chapter, Bulawayo Agenda under the banner of Church and Civil Society Forum, held a Multi-Stakeholder meeting to consult the district leaders on how to prevent politically motivated violence and ensure peaceful constitutional referendum and general elections yesterday.
Four JOMIC representatives, 1 Min. of Women’s Affairs,1 Min. of Youth, 1 Chief Skhobokhobo, representatives of Chief Nkalakatha and Chief Malindi, 12 Village Heads, 19 headman, Nkayi District Peace Committee, 22 Nkayi Rural District Councilors and leaders of Ginyinhlupho, a local Community Based Organisation, 4 representatives of political parties (MDC, ZANU PF, ZAPU, MDC-T), Churches (Christian Alliance) and community based organisations attended the meeting.
Participants said truth telling was the foundation towards healing and peace as victims still have unanswered questions on past violence. They called for creation of platforms for perpetrators to come out and disclose their role in the past violence.
They challenged Chiefs to abide by their traditional mandate and avoid being used as political tools to promote violence. Youths called for support through income generation projects so as to reduce their vulnerability to politicians especially during election periods.
Participants called for an explanation on what President Mugabe meant by “A moment of madness” when he referred to the Gukurahundi genocide.
They said it was not clear whether it was the victim or the perpetrator who was "mad" during this period.
Devolution of power was also described as a key ingredient for peace in the area as participants condemned exploitation of their resources to develop other areas.
Political parties represented in the meeting committed themselves to promoting peace in the area serve for ZANU PF whose representative Inos Khanye said he had no powers to do so.
What they said…
“Traditional leaders are supposed to be custodian of peace. They should be neutral and protect everyone”-Hon. Abedenico Bhebhe (MDC-T)
“Peace is about security, freedom of expression and equitable distribution of resources”-Thabani Nyoni (Bulawayo Agenda Director)
“It is our role to nature and promote peace as a community”-Royal Ntini (Bulawayo Agenda Chairperson)
“We have to address the past so as to shape the future for generations to come”- Rev. Usen Sibanda (Christian Alliance Director)
“Devolution is the answer for sustainable peace”-John Dlamini (ZAPU)