Online Reporter
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
A DIGITAL application designed for real-time data collection and analysis has been approved for use during the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme, which is expected to commence during the first quarter of this year, it has been learnt.
The tool will “enable secure and efficient gathering of disaggregated data categorised by village, chieftainship, district and province”.
It will also generate detailed reports identifying prevalent issues and propose targeted interventions to address them, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the outreach process.
The steering committee overseeing the programme, chaired by Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who is also head of the secretariat for the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme, approved the application during a meeting held in Bulawayo last weekend.
“A key development from the meeting was the endorsement of a digital application designed for real-time data collection and analysis,” said Mrs Mabiza.
“This innovative tool will enable secure and efficient gathering of disaggregated data categorised by village, chieftainship, district and province.
“It will also facilitate the generation of detailed reports that highlight prevalent issues and propose targeted interventions to address them effectively.”
Instead of relying on manual data entry and processing, the digital application will allow for immediate data collection during outreach sessions.
This real-time data will enable quick identification of key issues, trends and areas of concern within affected communities.
In addition, the digital platform will minimise human error in data entry, ensuring more accurate and reliable information is collected, leading to a better understanding of the needs and experiences of affected communities.
Mrs Mabiza said a comprehensive communication and awareness strategy has been adopted to foster active community participation in the engagement sessions.
“The steering committee for the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme also approved the development of a comprehensive communication and awareness strategy aimed at engaging communities and fostering their active participation in the upcoming engagement sessions,” she said.
“Additionally, the coordination centre’s operational capacity has been enhanced, with the foundational framework established and renovations underway.
“These initiatives underscore the steering committee’s unwavering commitment to fostering healing, reconciliation and sustainable peace in the affected regions.”
The coordination centre will manage, support and oversee the public hearings that are meant to document and address post-independence disturbances that affected parts of Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.
It will be responsible for coordinating the schedule and locations of public hearings, including arranging secure venues, transportation and other logistical needs.
“The programme is anticipated to commence before the conclusion of the first quarter of 2025,” added Mrs Mabiza.
“Preparations for the Gukurahundi Outreach Programme have progressed significantly, with the steering committee meeting regularly to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed interventions.
“A structured framework has been developed to guide the outreach sessions, with a strong focus on fostering open dialogue, reconciliation and healing.
“Logistical arrangements are well underway, encompassing resource allocation, session scheduling and venue identification.”
Capacity-building initiatives, Mrs Mabiza said, are also underway to train key facilitators, such as rapporteurs and chiefs, to ensure they are well-equipped to conduct the outreach sessions effectively.
The trained personnel will also be instructed on the use of the digital application to optimise its potential during the programme.
“This innovation is expected to enhance operational efficiency and support informed, evidence-based decision-making,” she added.
“Significant strides have been made in the preparations for the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme, though logistical arrangements are yet to be fully finalised.
“Critical components, such as resource allocation, scheduling of outreach sessions and venue identification, are in advanced stages, alongside the ongoing refurbishment of the coordination centre.
“Concurrently, measures are being taken to ensure adequate personnel deployment, including the training of rapporteurs to effectively utilise the digital application that will play a pivotal role in the outreach sessions.
“The steering committee has emphasised the importance of completing these arrangements promptly to ensure the seamless execution of the programme.”
The Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme is aimed at identifying those affected by the violence, gather their testimonies and develop community-driven solutions.
Through this community-led dialogue, the initiative seeks to understand the root causes of the disturbances and come up with ways of addressing longstanding grievances.
Additionally, it will help identify the needs of Gukurahundi victims, enabling the State to provide interventions that support healing and closure.
