Source: Silas Nkala, NewsDay
OPPOSITION parties and civic groups in Bulawayo have accused the Zanu PF government of lacking commitment to national healing and reconciliation, as evidenced by the escalation of State-sponsored brutality against protestors.
Zapu deputy spokesperson, Iphithule Maphosa, yesterday said although the national healing programme was long overdue, it was now doubtful government would implement it given its propensity to crush dissent.
Ibhetshu Likazulu spokesperson Mbuso Fuzwayo said: “There’s no acknowledgement of wrongdoing by this government. It is still clear that those who hold different views are regarded as enemies and other arms of government are threatened by the Executive.
“The government does not show any sign of remorse at its evil deeds. Structures of violence are still in place. It’s unfortunate that this government does not accept responsibility over the killing of innocent people.”
Edwin Ndlovu, Bulawayo provincial spokesperson of the People’s Democratic Party, said the Zanu PF government, as the perpetrators of violence, should never be expected to spearhead national healing.
“No national healing and reconciliation can take place under this illegal and illegitimate regime. Actually, we would be forced to lobby Sadc and African Union, maybe, to lead the process. Asking rats or mice to account for missing ground nuts is asking for too much,” he said.
Former Vice-President Joice Mujuru’s Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) said Zanu PF had never shown commitment to national healing its formation in 1963.
“All they want to see is blood and bodies on the floor. At a time when they should be healing people, they have been embarking on bloodletting operations ever since.
“Genocide and violence has become a culture from which they cannot escape. True and genuine healing will only be possible in a post- Zanu PF Zimbabwe,” ZimPF spokesperson, Methuseli Moyo said.
Source: Silas Nkala, NewsDay