In an exclusive interview with The Zimbabwean, Sibanda said the organisation’s four million members were demanding $2million dollars each for Gukurahundi victims.
They were also demanding US$1million for victims of Murambatsvina in 2005, 2008 election terror victims and all those who had been affected by politically related violence.
In 2005 the government displaced thousands of people from their homes in a cleaning exercise code named Murambatsvina. Most of the victims of this operation are living in abject poverty. Sibanda said the money will alleviate the trauma that the victims had suffered.
More than 20 000 people died during the Gukurahundi era when the North Korean trained Fifth brigade was deployed in the area to deal with the threat of armed dissidents. President Robert Mugabe described it as a ‘moment of madness’ and said the chapter had been closed.
Sibanda dismissed reports by Bulawayo governor and Zanu (PF) deputy national chairperson, Cain Mathema, who accused the group of using Gukurahundi as part of a regime change agenda.
“We believe any serious government should address the needs of its people and as voters we should ensure that any government should earn the support of its people. The ballot is our solution…,” Sibanda said.
“These atrocities should not be repeated as they don’t show any respect for humanity.”
Post published in: Politics