Gukurahundi, the Forgotten Tragedy: Examining Print Media as a Vehicle for Peace Education in the Matabeleland Region after Ethnic Violence

Abstract

The research analysed the role of print media in peace education in the post-Gukurahundi era in Zimbabwe (2018 – 2020) focusing mainly on the media coverage of the work of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). The NPRC is a constitutionally set up body meant to deal with the countrys’ past conflicts with the aim of achieving peace in the country. The objectives were to investigate the roles of print media in peace education in Zimbabwe in the post-Gukurahundi era, explore the factors that influence print media reportage in peace education in the post-Gukurahundi era in Zimbabwe, analyse the implications of print media reportage on peace education in post Gukurahundi era in Zimbabwe, and recommending measures that can be enacted to ensure positive, educative and peace building media reportage. Located in a triangulation of media theories, including the concept of the public sphere, and theories drawn from peace studies, the research used descriptive qualitative methodology through a combination of in-depth interviews with journalists, peace activists, chiefs, and NPRC officials, focus group discussions and an analysis of newspaper stories around the activities of the NPRC to gather and analyse data. It was established that the media experienced a number of challenges in playing its peace education role including issues related to ownership and control, especially by the government. There were other challenges related to sourcing and source bias. The research recommended that there is a need for the media to pursue victim-centred journalism that puts the voice of the victims at the centre of the Gukurahundi narratives; there is a need for journalists to be independent and consciously refuse to be controlled by owners of publications; and that, there is a need for the media to build trust with the victims of the atrocities