Volume 2 of the September 2021 Crisis report gives us insights into how the state is making concerted efforts to sweep the Gukurahundi issue under the carpet and government’s insincerity on revamping the education sector. Further we are encouraged to register to vote and demand electoral reforms for free, fair and credible elections. Read on for this and more!
State making concerted efforts to sweep Gukurahundi under the carpet
On August 30, 2021, suspected State security agents destroyed a Gukurahundi memorial plaque that had been erected by Bulawayo based pressure group, Ibhetshu LikaZulu in Silobela, the Midlands province, to replace another one that was destroyed in June this year. The plaque had been erected in memory of 11 victims of the Gukurahundi massacres.
During the Gukurahundi massacres, an estimated 20 000 civilians lost their lives at the hands of the North Korea trained Fifth Brigade. The government of Zimbabwe has been making cosmetic approaches towards bringing closure to the Gukurahundi issue and pressure groups have accused the ruling party, Zanu PF of lacking sincerity in addressing the 1980s massacres.
Register to vote and demand electoral reforms for free, fair and credible elections
Zimbabwe has held a series of elections that have largely failed the credibility test owing to a number of factors. The country goes to the polls in 2023 amid calls for eligible voters to register and turn out in their numbers on voting day and ensure they defend their vote.
‘Govt insincere on revamping education sector’
Despite numerous promises to revamp the country’s education sector and improve the welfare of teaching staff, government has proved a lack of commitment towards its pledge and continues to make unilateral decisions that have a negative bearing on the education sector.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure in an interview with the Crisis Report blasted government for making pronouncements on issues related to the education sector without input from key stakeholders. On August 25, 2021 government announced new opening dates for schools in a move that caught most parents off guard.
Read the full publication here (3MB PDF)
Source: Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
