Breaking the Silence, Building True Peace
A report on the disturbances in
Matabeleland and the Midlands
1980 - 1989

Summary Report

PART ONE: BACKGROUND
I.   Introduction

• What happened in Matabeleland after Independence?
• Why should people know this history?

II.  Data sources

• Where did the information about the events come from?
• How has the information been used?

III. Historical overview

• What happened in the 1970s?
• What role did South Africa play in 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?