Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Lovemore Moyo, has urged for a unified approach in resolving the long-standing Gukurahundi issue, emphasising the importance of acknowledging past efforts and documenting a clear framework for future generations to follow.
Speaking at the Gukurahundi commemorations organised by Ibhetshu LikaZulu, Moyo reflected on the historical context of the genocide and the complexities of finding closure.
Moyo applauded Ibhetshu LikaZulu for their persistent advocacy while also recognising earlier efforts by groups such as Vukani Mahlabezulu, Imbovane Yamahlabezulu, Bulawayo Agenda, Amani Trust and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP).
“We need to have an appreciation of Ibhetshu LikaZulu and realise there were efforts to seek a resolution before their work,” said Moyo.
“I happened to be the founding president of Imbovane Yamahlabezulu in the 1990s, and I know the hardships we faced in this journey. These earlier efforts, including CCJP’s documentation, have contributed to the acknowledgment of 20 000 victims worldwide. It’s crucial that we recognise these steps as part of the larger resolution process.”
The Gukurahundi commemorations, organised by Ibhetshu LikaZulu, continue to serve as a platform for survivors and activists to reflect, share experiences and strategise for justice and reconciliation in the face of historical injustices. Moyo also challenged communities to shift away from what he described as a “victim mentality,” urging them to take charge of the narrative and the resolution process.
“Let’s not stay as victims. I don’t like that victim mentality all the time, about 40 years have passed and we are still victims because that’s a negative position in my view,” he said.
“When we will reach the stage of taking charge and begin to work towards a particular resolution that we want on this particular matter. I want us all to move away from that victim mentality because it is known that we are victims.”
“It is known the target number one was ZAPU, and its followers but it spilled over and involved people who had nothing to do with ZAPU who don’t even know what ZAPU was doing whether it had guns or not or what it was planning. Even children born now have found themselves victims as we speak.”
Moyo said the inequality in Zimbabwe much of which stems from Gukurahundi, was neither accidental nor incidental.
“It must be understood that Gukurahundi was neither an accident. Operations were never an accident, they were carefully planned and implemented, there was a template to run it. They had an aim of what they wanted to achieve out of this operation,” said the former speaker.
“If I were to mark, speaking on their side, I think they achieved what they set out to do, they achieved.”
He pointed out the challenges of addressing Gukurahundi while victims-turned-beneficiaries of the current system remain complicit.
“The number one victims who were targeted are now part and parcel of the perpetrators. They are sitting at the table, passing plates and eating, unable to speak out. The late Joshua Nkomo once said it’s hard to eat and talk at the same time because the food will fall out,” he said.
“People may have underestimated the depth of that statement but the reality is once you are there, you cannot speak out. I have been part of them as well post independence and I can tell you how difficult it is to deal with the issue of Gukurahundi and underdevelopment.”
Moyo recalled how in his maiden speech when he first became a MP, when he raised the issue of Matabeleland, colleagues from Matabeleland looked down when he mentioned the region’s underdevelopment.
“They were ashamed. Even my colleagues from the other side were also worried that this man is a tribalist,” he observed.
Moyo noted resolving the Gukurahundi issue is further complicated by the fact that perpetrators remain in power.
“It is difficult to find a resolution at this juncture because those responsible are still ruling,” Moyo said.
“(Professor) Jonathan (Moyo) once told us, ‘You think we are foolish enough to legislate ourselves out of power?’ Zanu is deeply entrenched and the fear of persecution if a liberal government takes over keeps them clinging to power. They’ve built a system that marginalised Matabeleland while cunningly incorporating Ndebele people to defend their actions.”
He expressed disappointment with individuals from Matabeleland who have defended Gukurahundi perpetrators, noting the late Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko as an example. “He is the very person who wrote a detailed article defending what Zanu did, Zanu haven’t defended. How stupid are we? I don’t remember reading somewhere other than Mugabe saying it was a moment of madness but haven’t found where Zanu is saying, ‘no it’s not us’ but you from Matabeleland is the one saying ‘no, it’s not them,’” he lamented.
“How can the international community help us when we ourselves are defending them…”
Moyo called for unity among organisations, political parties and communities in Matabeleland to create a shared vision for addressing the Gukurahundi atrocities.
“Are we in agreement on how to resolve the Matabeleland question? I would argue and say no. Are we united? No! There must be unity of purpose across all spaces – Freedom Alliance, ZAPU, and even those within Zanu. Without commonality, it becomes impossible to present a coherent case for resolution,” he said.
He stressed the need to create a documented framework for future generations, warning that without it, the struggle risks losing momentum. “There is a need to have one opinion on issues of national importance especially on our side. That is my wish as we narrate the pain of Gukurahundi, we need to put and agree on a template that is going to make sure when we are not there, those who remain behind will be able to take it up and follow. My fear is if we die those who remain do they know where to start,” said the former speaker.
Moyo acknowledged the enormity of the task but remained hopeful persistence would eventually yield results, even if not within the current generation’s lifetime.
“The perpetrators are in control and they have entrenched themselves deeply. But that does not mean we should give up. It is not easy to stand up and speak about the past, especially when it involves a government like Zimbabwe’s. It requires strong characters to champion this cause,” he said.
Moyo also urged participants to continue advocating for justice, learning from the past and making sure the Gukurahundi genocide remains a focal point of national discourse until a resolution is found.
