The Churches, Gukurahundi, and Forgiveness in Zimbabwe

Gukurahundi, the mass killing of predominantly isiNdebele-speaking citizens in the Matabeleland and Midlands Provinces in Zimbabwe by predominantly chiShona-speaking military personnel, remains a challenging issue in Zimbabwe. Despite calls by the post-Mugabe administration for individuals and institutions to address Gukurahundi with courage and openness, progress has been slow. This article explores some of the key themes that have emerged from the churches’ engagement with Gukurahundi in Zimbabwe in the context of reflecting on forgiveness. These include silence, feelings of deep anger and pain, calls for an apology, and appeals to indigenous concepts and practices.