CHIEFS, STAND FOR TRUTH: WITHDRAW FROM GUKURAHUNDI HEARINGS AND DEMAND ACCOUNTING FOR THE PAST.

PETITION TO THE MTHWAKAZI CHIEFS- Administered by Mthwakazi Republic Party.

TO THE ESTEEMED CHIEFS OF MTHWAKAZI,

Induna zakoMthwakazi according to their areas of location and jurisdiction as indicated hereunder:

Matabeleland North Province:

1. Binga District

2. Bubi District

3. Hwange District

4. Lupane District

5. Nkayi District

6. Tsholotsho District

7. Umguza District

Matabeleland South Province:

1. Beitbridge District

2. Bulilima District

3. Gwanda District

4. Insiza District

5. Mangwe District

6. Matobo District

7. Umzingwane District

Enlisting:

1. Bakwayi ……….Stanely Sithole> Matobo

2. Bango…….........Godin Dube > Mangwe

3. Bhankwe……….Silinga Sibanda> Mberengwa

4. Bhidi…………...Nqaba Ndiweni> Matobo

5. Binga…………..Gatisa Muleya> Binga

6. Dakamela………Hleziphi Dakamela> Nkayi

7. Deli…………….Asher Mabhena > Nyamandlovu

8. Dingani ………...Boy Joseph Dingani >Hwange

9. Dobola…………Themba Muleya> Binga

10. Gampu…………Ashel Sithole> Tsholotsho

11. Hobodo………...Simon Thela Ncube> Mangwe

12. Jahana………….Solomon Khumalo > Insiza

13. Kandana………..Michael Magutshwa > Bulilima

14. Kavula………….Mukusi N Kavula > Binga

15. Nhlanhlayamangwe…………Ndiweni > Ntabazinduna

16. Mabhena………..Sinqobile Mabhena > Umzingwane

17. Mabhikwa………Vusumuzi N Khumalo >Lupane ( Late)

18. Madlambuzi……..Patrick Ncube > Bulilima

19. Madliwa…………Timothy Khumalo > Nkayi

20. Maduna………….Dambisamahubo Mafu > Insiza

21. Mafala…………...Jongilizwe Matshazi > Zvishavane

22. Magama…………Conrad Magama Hadebe > Tsholotsho

23. Mahlathini……….Edward Jiyane.> Tsholotsho

24. Malaba…………...Christopher Davis Ncube> Matobo

25. Malisa……………Cyprian Moyo > Kwekwe

26. Marupi……….......Oteng Marupi Nare >Gwanda

27. Masendu………….Silindizwe Dube > Bulilima

28. Masuku…………..Mbiko Masuku > Gwanda

29. Masuku…………..Nkulumane Masuku > Matobo

30. Mathe…………….Leonard Mathe > umzingwane

31. Mathe…………….Ketso Mathe

32. Mathema…………Khulumani Mathema > Gwanda

33. Matsiwo………… (Kafakwanga) > Beitbridge

34. Mathuphula………Mandlakazulu Khumalo > Tsholotsho

35. Mayenga………….Ngwenyama Fuyana > Matobo

36. Menyezwa………...Johnson Gumede >Lupane

37. Mketi……………...Bayayi Ngwenya > Mberengwa

38. Mkoka…………….Doubt Nkomo > Gokwe South

39. Mphini…………….Jabulani Ndiweni > Bulilima

40. Mtonzima …………Stanely Gwebu > Umzingwane

41. Mtshane…………....Mtshane Khumalo > Bubi

42. Mvuthu…………….Hwange

43. Ndondo…………….Neville Ndondo > Umguza

44. Ndube……………...Nonhlanhla Sibanda > Insiza

45. Nhlamba……………Denis Ndlovu > Gwanda

46. Njelele……………...Misheck Njelele > Gokwe South

47. Nkalakatha………....Gifford Ndiweni > Nkayi

48. Ntabeni……………..Milton Ntabeni > Kwekwe

49. Nyangazonke………Vuyani Ndiweni > Matobo

50. Pashu………………George Nyathi > Binga

51. Sai………………….Gideon Gwanda Ncube > Gokwe South

52. Sangulube………......Chap Moyo > Mangwe

53. Shana…………….....Zondani Jonah Neluswi > Hwange

54. Siabuwa…………….Edward Njaya > Binga

55. Siachilaba…………...Mackson Mudimba > Binga

56. Siamupa…………….Wilson S. Muchimba > Binga

57. Siansali……………...Nkatazo Siabatwa > Binga

58. Sibasa………………..Bekezela Sibasa > Insiza

59. Sigodo…………….....Apollo Mhlophe > Kwekwe

60. Sigola………………..Zephania N. Sigola > Umzingwane

61. Sikalenge……………Charles Bayela Tshuma> Binga

62. Sikhobokhobo………..Michael Zwide Nxumalo > Nkayi

63. Simuchembu…………Robert Simuchembu > Gokwe North

64. Sinakatenge………….David Sialubono Mukonka > Binga

65. Sinakoma…………….Wireless Ngolo Mutale > Binga

66. Sinamagonde…………Simangazi Muchiwayile > Binga

67. Sinampande…….Siakupwanya Sinampande > Binga

68. Sinamsanga……………Siakachoma Mutale > Binga

69. Sianamweda…………..Shephered Muchimba >Binga

70. Sinansengwa…………..Timothy Mdenda > Binga

71. Siphoso………………..Alphius Msindazi Dlodlo >Tsholotsho

72. Sitauze………………> Beitbridge

73. Sivalo………………….Sivalo Mahlangu > Nkayi

74. Sogwala……………….Mdatshula > Gweru

75. Tategulu………………Brilliant Nhlonipho Moyo > Tsholotsho

76. Tshitshi……………….Fuyana AS Mpofu > Mangwe

77. Tshugulu……………...Tshugulu Tshabalala > Nkayi

78. Hwange……………..

79. Wasi……………….....Ashel Wasi Ndiweni > Mangwe

80. Sibasa- Bekezela Sibanda> Insiza

Including all the traditional leadership and Chiefs' from the areas in Midlands Province whose identities are not acknowledged in the above list but were mostly affected equally by the Gukurahundi Genocide???

Midlands Province:

1. Gokwe South District

2. Gweru District (Rural)

3. Kwekwe District

4. Mberengwa District

5. Zvishavane District

SILOBELA /ZHOMBE/ LOWER GWELO/ GWELO RURAL/ QWEQWE ( KWEKE)

Donsa

Tshapewa

Mawolokohlo

Makoronga

Mbombela

Simana

Zibomvu

Loreto

Mnkobogwe

Dendera

Mabhidli

Mavule

Thombankala

Ntingwe

Ngigeni

Fafe

Kwekwe

Nsukamini

Maboleni

EMaMbanjeni

Sikhombingo

MaNgwande

EDwaleni

EMakhulambila

Ntabamhlophe

Sogwala

Kulungile

Maboleni

Ntabamhlophe

Nkawana

Sqintini

EMadeweni

Sbomvu

Khemeswane

Bhembe

Dwaleni

Mhlahlandlela

Nhlangano

Shagari

Matshaya

Vungu

Lozane

Dimbamiwa

Bembe

Nhlangano

Ndlamatuli

Mbokodo

Malamulela

Wozoli

Makhaba

Somthanyelo

Mhazhe

Mazowe

Majanjathini

Madlokwakhe

Emzemba

Mahlabathini

Khamarantshi

Bharanke

Damba

Ndlamatuli

St Mary's

St Joseph

St Melusi

Madziya

Shortline

Msilawobe

Nzwananzi

Damgood

Ngwaladi

Maboleni

Jackson

Wozoli

Village 1 to 15

Jena Mine

Khanye

Ncwadini

Mathimbeni

Lahleka

Matshabela

Ngigeni

Siyezi

Baparara

Empress

Crossroads

Jonkola

As the President of the Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP), I, Mqondisi Moyo, stand in solidarity with the collective demands, aspirations, and cries of the Ndebele tribal groups that form the Mthwakazi nation, whose signatures and seal are appended below.

United in our outrage, we condemn the egregious actions of Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has usurped the traditional leadership and Chiefs of Mthwakazi, turning them against their own people. With unconscionable audacity, he has appropriated the Gukurahundi Genocide, a heinous injustice that demands accountability, and exploited it for personal political gain and impunity. Meanwhile, our land and resources are being pillaged, our language and culture are being systematically suppressed, and Shona language and cultural literature are being forcibly imposed on our schools, from infant level upwards, imperiling the very survival of our Ndebele heritage. Our children are being indoctrinated with a foreign culture, our language is on the brink of extinction, and our history is being distorted. We are duty-bound to confront this cultural genocide, reclaim our rightful heritage, and restore the dignity of our people.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current President of Zimbabwe, has indeed been accused of downplaying and denying his alleged role in the Gukurahundi genocide, which occurred during the 1980s. The Gukurahundi was a series of massacres and atrocities committed by the Zimbabwean military against civilians in the western provinces of Matabeleland and Midlands, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people.

The Gukurahundi genocide was a traumatic event in Zimbabwe's history, and the lack of acknowledgment and accountability from those responsible has indeed led to ongoing suffering and tension. The Gukurahundi was a series of massacres and atrocities committed in the 1980s by the Zimbabwean government forces in the western provinces of Matabeleland and Midlands, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, mostly from the Ndebele ethnic group.

The continued denial and lack of accountability have led to ongoing calls for justice, reparations, and recognition of the atrocities. The issue remains a sensitive and contentious topic in Zimbabwe, with many victims and their families still seeking closure and reparations. The Mthwakazi Republic Party's demand for self-determination and independence of the Mthwakazi Republic, on behalf of the Mthwakazi nation, is largely driven by historical grievances and a deep-seated sense of marginalization and exclusion experienced by the Ndebele people.

Mnangagwa, who was a key figure in the government at the time, has repeatedly denied any involvement in the atrocities and has instead blamed "external detractors" for perpetuating what he calls "false narratives" about the events. However, he has never specified who these external detractors are.

Robert Mugabe, the former President of Zimbabwe, also downplayed the severity of the Gukurahundi/ Genocide, referring to it as a "moment of madness" without taking responsibility or providing further explanation.

The denial and lack of accountability from both Mnangagwa and Mugabe have been criticized by victims' families, human rights groups, and other stakeholders, who continue to seek justice and truth about the Gukurahundi genocide.

The Gukurahundi genocide is a dark stain on Zimbabwe's history, and it's imperative that the truth be told and justice be served. The continued denial and lack of accountability from those responsible have only prolonged the suffering of the victims and their families.

We demand that the truth be revealed, and all those accused of perpetrating the Gukurahundi atrocities, including Emmerson Mnangagwa, his Vice President Constantine Chiwenga, Sydney Sekeramai and other high-ranking officials, be held accountable before an International Truth-Telling and Justice Commission.

Recall the ominous warning issued by Emmerson Mnangagwa during his tenure as Minister of State Security: "Blessed are they who will follow the path of the Government laws for their days on earth will be increased, but woe into those who will choose the path of collaboration with dissidents for we will certainly shorten their stay on earth" - Minister of State Security Emmerson Mnangagwa, 4 April 1983.

This commission should:

1. Investigate the crimes committed during the Gukurahundi/ Genocide and identify all those responsible.

2. Provide a platform for victims and their families to share their experiences and receive closure.

3. Hold public hearings to expose the truth and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

4. Recommend reparations and restitution for the victims and their families.

5. Ensure that those found guilty of crimes against humanity are prosecuted and punished accordingly.

It's time for Zimbabwe to confront its painful past, and for justice to be served. The victims and their families deserve nothing less. We call on the International community to support this effort and ensure that the truth is finally revealed, and justice is served.

Let us work together to bring closure to this dark chapter in Zimbabwe's history and ensure that such atrocities never happen again. Justice, truth, and accountability are the only way forward.

It has come to my attention that people from Mashonaland and Chinese nationals have been encroaching on our land, taking away our resources and opportunities. This has been happening unchecked, and despite your role as the guardians of our land, little has been done to prevent this encroachment.

Furthermore, the current political landscape has seen many of you openly aligning yourselves with the ruling party, ZANU PF, rather than fulfilling your duties as apolitical traditional leaders. This alignment has compromised your ability to protect the interests of the Mthwakazi people and has allowed for the continued exploitation of our resources by outside forces.

I bring to your attention the relevant sections of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which outline the duties and responsibilities of traditional leaders. It is clear that you have a duty to uphold the cultural values of our communities, preserve our heritage, and defend our land from exploitation. Yet, the current situation shows a significant deviation from these responsibilities.

Traditional leaders of Mthwakazi, be aware that your allegiance to the ruling party, ZANU PF, has gravely compromised your sacred responsibility to safeguard the welfare and interests of our people. Your loyalty should be to the land and the people, not to a political party that has perpetuated oppression, Genocide and exploitation. Remember, your role is to defend our heritage, culture, and resources, not to serve the interests of those who seek to dominate and exploit us.

By aligning yourselves with the oppressors, you have enabled the continued exploitation of our resources and perpetuated the suffering of our nation. I remind you of the Constitution's clear mandate for traditional leaders to uphold our cultural values, preserve our heritage, and defend our land against exploitation.

Yet, your actions betray this duty. You seem to have forgotten the atrocities of Gukurahundi/ Genocide, which inflicted pain on every Mthwakazi national, including yourselves. Instead, you have chosen to collaborate with the perpetrators, working against the very people you swore to protect.

Your subjects continue to suffer under ZANU PF's oppressive, segregative, and discriminatory rule. It is time to resist political interference and reclaim your roles as guardians of our nation. Take a bold stand against the exploitation of our resources and fight for the rights of the Mthwakazi people.

Take note the traditional role of our chiefs does not include presiding over murder cases. Instead, these cases are handled by Independent Courts, which possess the specialized knowledge and expertise required to ensure justice is served.

Lack of Acknowledgement and Accountability: Mthwakazi is opposed to the Gukurahundi Genocide Hearings launched by Emmerson Mnangagwa on July 14, 2024, because he and his ZanuPF Party have not acknowledged or taken responsibility for the atrocities committed against the Ndebele people during the Gukurahundi genocide (1983-1987). This lack of accountability raises concerns about the sincerity and effectiveness of the hearings.

Conflict of Interest: Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the alleged leader and chief perpetrator of the Gukurahundi atrocities, is in a clear conflict of interest. He cannot preside over the investigation into the genocide, as it would be a case of the accused investigating themselves. This undermines the integrity and credibility of the hearings.

Need for International Truth and Justice Commission: To ensure a fair and impartial investigation, Mthwakazi advocates for the establishment of an International Truth and Justice Commission. This commission would investigate the atrocities, identify perpetrators, and seek justice for the victims and their families.

Involvement in Gukurahundi/ Genocide:

On September 17, 1981, Emmerson Mnangagwa, then Minister of State Security, paid a hotel bill for North Korean military instructors training the notorious Fifth Brigade. This brigade was responsible for the slaughter and killing of Ndebele people in Matabeleland and Midlands. This evidence links Mnangagwa directly to the Gukurahundi atrocities.

Incitement of Violence: During the Gukurahundi reign of terror in Lupane, Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered a speech on 4th of April 1983, threatening to shorten the lives of anyone supporting dissidents. The following morning, 55 innocent civilians were massacred at Ciwale in Lupane. This incident demonstrates Mnangagwa's complicity in the violence and his role in inciting it.

Lack of Remorse:

In January 2018, while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland from 23 - 26 January, Emmerson Mnangagwa was given an opportunity to acknowledge and apologize for the Gukurahundi genocide. Instead, he dismissed the issue, saying "let by-gones be by-gones." This response echoes the sentiments of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, who described Gukurahundi as a "moment of madness" without taking responsibility.

Unpublished Report: Emmerson Mnangagwa's National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, led by Rtd Judge Sello Nare, previously investigated the Gukurahundi genocide. However, the report and findings were never published, raising concerns about the commission's credibility and the government's willingness to confront the truth.

The composition of the Truth and Justice Commission is a vital aspect, requiring a structure that guarantees fairness, inclusivity, and credibility. We demand the adoption and effective implementation of the proposed framework to serve the pursuit of justice.

1. Independent Chairperson: A renowned International jurist or human rights expert, impartial and respected, to lead the commission.

2. Commissioners:

- International experts in human rights, law, and transitional justice.

- Zimbabwean citizens with expertise in law, human rights, and social justice, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

- Representatives from victim support groups or organizations working with affected communities.

3. Advisory Committee:

- Representatives from local and International human rights organizations

- Experts in psychology, trauma counseling, and social work

- Community leaders and representatives from affected areas

- Faith-based leaders and representatives from the Church Ministers Fraternal

- Representatives from Civic Organisations and community groups

4. Secretariat:

- A team of professional impartial officers, including investigators, legal officers, and administrative staff, to support the commission's work.

This composition will ensure a fair, inclusive, and credible Truth and Justice Commission, capable of uncovering the truth, promoting healing, and delivering justice for the victims of the Gukurahundi genocide.

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the upcoming Gukurahundi hearings and the involvement of the Zanu-PF government. We urge you ( CHIEFS)to desist from working alongside the Zanu-PF government on these hearings, given their historical complicity in the atrocities.

The Gukurahundi massacres, which occurred from 1983 to 1987, resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives, displacement, and trauma for the people of Matabeleland and Midlands. The Zanu-PF government's involvement in these atrocities is well-documented.

We believe that their participation in the hearings would:

- Undermine the integrity and credibility of the process

- Re-traumatize survivors and families of victims

- Obstruct justice and accountability

We therefore demand a transparent, independent, and impartial process that prioritizes the voices and needs of survivors and affected communities.

We call upon:

1. The Government of Zimbabwe to establish an Independent commission, free from Zanu-PF influence, to oversee the hearings.

2. Matabeleland and Midlands Chiefs to withdraw from any collaboration with the Zanu-PF government on the hearings.

3. We demand that the Zanu PF government and Britain recognize the right to self-determination of the Mthwakazi people, who were denied independence in 1923 when Matebeleland and Mashonaland were amalgamated without the consent of the Ndebele and Shona people.

4. We call for the period of 1983-1987 to be officially recognized as a Genocide.

5. We strongly emphasize the ongoing impact of the 1979 Shona grand plan, as outlined in its 14-page review document, which has resulted in economic and emotional suffering for the people of Mthwakazi, amounting to economic and emotional genocide.

6. We highlight the statement made by Emmerson Mnangagwa on September 17, 1981, when he paid a hotel bill of $12,983 for 106 North Korean military instructors who trained the Fifth Brigade militia, responsible for the unprovoked killings of thousands of Ndebele people.

7. We also reference Mnangagwa's statement at Davos, Switzerland, on 23 - 26 January 2018 where he said "let bygones be bygones," and contrast it with the need for accountability and justice for past atrocities.

8. We recall the inflammatory statement made in Lupane, where it was said that Ndebele people were "cockroaches" that needed to be eradicated with DDT pesticide, followed by the killing of 55 Ndebele people in Ciwale, Lupane, marking one of the earliest and most significant instances of atrocities.

9. We demand transparency from Britain and North Korea regarding their roles in the GUKURAHUNDI Genocide, as well as the involvement of Tanzania's President Julius Nyerere and Mozambique's President Samora Machel.

10. We note the statement made by Fortune Charumbira, Deputy President of the Chief's Council, on July 14, 2024, at Bulawayo State House, where he referred to the GUKURAHUNDI Genocide as "Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Chiefs' project," implying shared responsibility.

11. We urge our Mthwakazi Chiefs to disclose their involvement in the Genocide, as their silence and lack of challenge to Mnangagwa's actions imply complicity.

12. We emphasize that any meaningful redress for the GUKURAHUNDI Genocide must include the Midlands region, as the violence began there, in Kwekwe, at the border between Mthwakazi and Zimbabwe (Mashonaland), and its impact was felt across the region.

13. The Mthwakazi nation categorically rejects the Gukurahundi Genocide Hearings launched by Emmerson Mnangagwa on July 14, 2024. Our objection stems from the top-down approach, where the program is being imposed on the Chiefs and the people without their input or consent. A more acceptable approach would have been a bottom-up one, where the Chiefs are mandated by the people to represent their interests and convey their messages to the authorities. This would have ensured that the Chiefs carry the voices of their subjects to the top, rather than being instructed on what to do or say by those in power.

14. Mthwakazi nationals demand that the Zanu-PF Government and the Government of Great Britain recognize and facilitate the right to self-determination of the Mthwakazi people. This right was denied in 1923 when the British South Africa Company (BSAC) merged Matabeleland with Mashonaland, following the dissolution of King Lobengula's Kingdom. The Mthwakazi people were again denied independence in 1964, when the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was dissolved, and neighboring countries like Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Nyasaland (Malawi) gained independence, while Matabeleland remained merged with Mashonaland under British rule. This perpetuated the 'Rule by Conquest' scenario in Matabeleland. The opportunity to restore the original separate nations of Matabeleland and Mashonaland was missed again when the ten-year Federation scheme (1953-1964) ended. Instead, Ian Douglas Smith's government made a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) and ruled Matabeleland and Mashonaland as a single nation called Rhodesia. Moreover, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's decision during the 1980 Zimbabwe independence negotiations/ Elections relinquished the Mthwakazi State to absolute Mashonaland rule, denying the Mthwakazi people another chance at self-determination.

We, the undersigned, demand that the Government of Zimbabwe, Matabeleland and Midlands Chiefs desist from working alongside the ZanuPF government on the Gukurahundi hearings.

We, rise up to assert our unyielding demand for complete and unconditional independence, reclaiming our rightful place as a sovereign nation. The heinous atrocities inflicted upon our Ndebele heritage can only be adequately redressed through the full restoration of our statehood and the unfettered exercise of self-determination. Anything less would be an affront to our dignity and a betrayal of our ancestors' legacy.

Once we collect 20,000 signatures, we will:

- Submit this petition to the Local and International authorities, demanding action and accountability

- Organize public presentations, ensuring maximum visibility and pressure for change,

- launch targeted follow-up campaigns, including social media activism and advocacy meetings

Join us as we demand justice and accountability for the victims of Gukurahundi/Genocide.

Mthwakazi- Muka- Tsuga-Buka- Vuka- Rise-Vuwa- Tsuwa- Muka- Dzuka- Pfuka- Vuka- Tsoha- Muka.

Sign and share this petition today!

PETITION PRESENTED BY MQONDISI MOYO MTHWAKAZI REPUBLIC PARTY PRESIDENT ON BEHALF OF MTHWAKAZI NATION.