Panel: RELIGION IN TROUBLED SOCIETIES



1204.1 - POLITICS AND GUKURAHUNDI IN ZIMBABWE

AUTHORS:
Ncube A.M. (University of Zimbabwe ~ Bulawayo ~ Zimbabwe) , Gift M. (Zimbabwe Open University ~ Harare ~ Zimbabwe)
Text:
In this paper, I juxtapose with the unresolved Gukurahundi which affected people from Matabeleland and Midlands between 1982 and 1987. While various attempts have been sought to address the ambivalence faced by the victims, healing and reconciliation has not materialised prompting a need to find alternatives to address the issue. In this case, the paper draws various programs by Anglican diocese of Matabeleland to contribute the healing and reconciliation. The paper is couched in Juan Luis Segundo's hermeneutics of suspicion provides, theory which gives a critical framework for examining religious texts and practices to uncover hidden power structures and biases that perpetuate oppression. The paper is located in transformative paradigm where qualitative research design was used. Data was collected through interviews and group discussion. The argument of the paper premised on the notion that Gukurahundi while seem to be an isolated and painful period for the people in Matabeleland and Midlands, it has potential to escalate to other parts of the country as an act of revenge, hence a nee to bring all possible mitigation strategies to ensure a healed and reconciled nation and Anglican church has a critical role to play in position itself as a relevant, responsible and caring institute.