L. Muchenjekwa

Highly passionate and versatile PhD student in the fields of religion and peace and reconciliation studies. Responding to the question: How can religion (Christianity and African religion) facilitate reconciliation with a special focus on apology and forgiveness, the support of truth-telling being a prerequisite for both of them during and after the Gukurahundi massacre in Zimbabwe? Answering this question through the following sub-questions: (1) What is the origin and development of the Gukurahundi massacre?  (2) How are the social, religious, historical and political dynamics of Zimbabwe connected to the Gukurahundi massacre? (3) To what extent can religion (Christianity and African religion) be mobilised to influence apology and forgiveness, the back up of truth-telling being a precondition for both of them leading to reconciliation during and after the Gukurahundi massacre? (4) What recommendations can be made to promote an appropriate formulation and implementation of the reconciliation process following the Gukurahundi massacre in Zimbabwe? Contributing to a better understanding of apology and forgiveness, the support of truth-telling being a prerequisite for both of them as conditions necessary for reconciliation. Providing scientifically grounded guidelines and strategies to help stakeholders who are involved in healing and reconciliation.