Nkayi district is one of the districts that have recorded high cases of politically motivated violence and intimidation during the elections. Community traditional leaders such as village heads , Chiefs and some government officials in the district , for example the District Administrator have been accused of fanning violence and divisions within the district on political party lines. There has also been a report of villagers being denied government food assistance and agricultural inputs because they belong to opposition parties.
Presenters from different sectors which included traditional leaders, churches, JOMIC political parties and civic society made their presentations which spoke against the victimization of civilians.
Bulawayo Agenda held a multi stakeholders meeting in Nkayi which brought together leaders from different sectors of the community. The meeting was meant to discuss peacebuilding and national healing initiatives in the district.
A total of 121 participants attended the meeting as follows:
- One local Senator Hon. Makhula.
- 50 traditional leaders .
- 25 Rural District Councillors, 9 of which are women.
- Government departments that were represented were ministry of youth and ministry of women affairs.
As the country gears up for the much dreaded general elections expected to be held in March 2013, there are fears of political violence and intimidation during the run up to the elections.
It is said that Nkayi district is one of the districts in Matabeleland that recorded higher cases of politically motivated violence and intimidation during the run up to the 2008 Presidential elections.
The community leadership and some government officials in the district, are amongst some of the said perpetrators of violence
What they said...
Such meetings will:
- “The meeting will increase stakeholder’s collaboration and working together on prevention of politically motivated violence, intimidation and torture.” Participant.
- “The coming together like this will improve our knowledge as traditional leadership of this peacebuilding and national healing initiative that are currently taking place at a national level.” Headman.
- “as youths we are being used by the politicians to commit violence against our will, but what can we do, we need to fend for our families as well...” Youth Leader .
Results
- Representatives of political parties committed their parties to peaceful campaigns during the elections.
- The meeting saw the participation of the local senator, 50 traditional leaders, 25 councillors 9 of which are women, a positive development in endeavours to increase the participation of groups that are perceived to be the either the drivers of conflicts or have the potential to stop it.
- There was profound commitment across the political divide to participate and engage the processes.
- The meeting created a healthy platform for collaboration between Civil Society and local leaders in the area of peace building.