ZNEF documents colonial era injustices

Bulawayo Bureau

A GROUP of religious leaders under the Zimbabwe National Elders Forum (ZNEF) has pledged to provide President Mnangagwa with a detailed account of the century-long colonial rule that dispossessed indigenous Zimbabweans of their land and livestock.

The initiative aims to seek justice and reparations for the atrocities committed during this period.

In October, President Mnangagwa launched the ZNEF-led study titled: “Land Displacements: The Untold Stories of Crimes, Injustices, Trauma, and Losses Experienced by Indigenous Zimbabweans During the Colonial Era (1890-1980): A Case for Reparations.”

The study seeks to document the devastating impact of colonialism and pursue legal action compelling the British government to provide compensation and issue a formal apology.

The initiative, which began in 2022, is backed by a coalition of prominent Zimbabweans, including clergy, scholars and business leaders.

Speaking at the 8th National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo on Sunday, ZNEF chairperson Bishop Felix Mukonowengwe highlighted ongoing efforts to gather evidence.

“We met with His Excellency, President Mnangagwa and he told us to do thorough research in all communities. We are now talking to experts, talking to people, gathering tangible information to go with it to the United Kingdom. Let’s unite as Zimbabweans and move this programme ahead,” he said.

Bishop Mukonowengwe added that over the years, people lost livestock to colonial settlers.

“This injustice must be addressed, and compensation should be made in monetary terms. We are confident this will happen under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.”

While Zimbabwe’s colonial history has been widely documented, Bishop Mukonowengwe noted that the psychological trauma and social losses experienced by indigenous communities remain underexplored.

The ZNEF study aims to fill this gap, ensuring the full scope of colonial injustices is recognised.

The push for reparations aligns with similar efforts in Namibia and Kenya. In 2013, the British government agreed to pay £19,9 million to over 500 elderly Kenyans who suffered torture and abuse during the colonial administration’s response to the Mau Mau Uprising. This payment marked a significant acknowledgment of colonial-era atrocities.

ZNEF’s advocacy extends beyond reparations. In 2021, its leadership engaged with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Scotland.

The delegation presented a letter urging the removal of Western-imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe, which have crippled the nation’s economy for decades.

The clergy continue to rally influential global church leaders to condemn these sanctions publicly, emphasising their detrimental impact on Zimbabwe’s development.

The initiative represents a significant step towards addressing historical injustices and fostering national unity.

“This is about healing and justice. Let us stand together as stewards of our nation’s future and ensure these stories are never forgotten,” said Bishop Mukonowengwe.