Breaking the Silence Building True Peace: A report on the disturbances in Matabeleland and the Midlands (summary report)

This publication is a summary report of a longer book. This book was published in 1997 in Zimbabwe. 2000 copies of the book were published. Most of these have been sold.

Preface
Zimbabwe is currently enjoying a period of stability which did no t exist twelve years ago. There are now no emergency powers in force, and people have more freedom of movement and speech than ever before. Before Independence, ninety years of colonial rule caused great injustices and suffering. In particular, the 1970s W ar of Liberation cost the lives of possibly 30 000 people. There were other costs to this war. Thousands lost property, livestock and suffered permanent injuries.
Thousands more gave up their opportunity to get an education, or were forced to live for year s in protected villages. For all these people, the suffering continues in many ways. The events of the 1970s have been well documented. CCJPZ is among the many organizations that stood up for human rights during these years, and who have published books and videos making sure that there is a permanent record of these things. The Man in the Middle (1975) and The Civil War in Rhodesia (1976) are two such publications, among others. The LRF was not established until 1984.
While much has been written about the liberation struggle, there has been little written about what happened in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. This report acknowledges the historical context within which events of the 1980s took place and does not seek to blame anyone. This report now seeks to break the silence surrounding what happened in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. Over one thousand people came forward to tell their stories in recent years. The report seeks to give these people a chance to be heard. It is hoped that truth will lead to reconciliation. To help this happen, there are practical recommendations at the end of the report on how to help the people affected.

Source: Breaking the Silence Building Peace

Acknowledgements
Chronicle of Events: April 1980 - July 1990

SUMMARY
Why was the original book written
Why has this summary been written
How is the book structured
Preface

PART ONE: BACKGROUND
Introduction
What happened in Matabeleland after Independence
Why should people know this history

Data Sources
Where did the information about the events come fromHow has the information been used

Historical Overview
What happened in the 1970s
What role did South Africa play in the events
Why did some people become dissidents
How did the Government respond to the increasing banditry
Who were the 5 Brigade
What else was happening in Zimbabwe at this time
Map of Zimbabwe showing curfew zones

PART TWO: CASE STUDY I - NYAMANDLOVU INCLUDING TSHOLOTSHO
Summary of 5 Brigade impact in Nyamandlovu, including Tsholotsho
Summary of dissidents activities in Nyamandlovu/Tsholotsho
Matobo and its sub-regions Map
Aerial photograph of Bhalagwe Camp 1982

CASE STUDY II - MATOBO (KEZI)
Summary of events in Matobo

PART THREE: IMPLICATIONS OF RESULTS
Organised violence: its implications
Consequences of organised violence
Legal damages
Human remains

PART FOUR: RECOMMENDATIONS
National acknowledgement
Human rights violators
Legal amendments
Human remains
Health
Communal reparation: Reconciliation/Uxolelwano Trust
Constitutional safe-guards
The future

EVENTS SINCE THE REPORT
Charts