Staff Reporter| The people of Matabeleland will this weekend be holding a landmark people’s convention in Bulawayo to discuss issues affecting the region to engage President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Organised under the auspices of Western Region Collective an initiative of organisations and stakeholders of the region, the indaba will seek to present a collective position for Matabeleland in the transition after the departure of President Robert Mugabe.

A circular note presented by one of the organiser, Jennifer Williams of Women Of Zimbabwe Arise, indicates that the meeting will seek to build on a new life for the region after Robert Mugabe.

“The overall objective is building consensus and a social movement within Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and North amplifying people’s voices and perspectives around the transition focused on social inclusion, political participation, devolution, national healing woven within a foundation of equity, equalisation that bring economic recovery,” says the meeting agenda.

The agenda lists the topics to be discussed as follows:

1. Western Region – its contexts, trials and tribulations.

2. Unpacking Devolution – its mechanisms, financing and management of natural resources.

3. Social Inclusion and Equalisation.

4. Politics and Participation – more space for youth and women.

5.National Healing perspectives from Matabeleland.

6. Economic Justice and recovery.

7. Presentation of Declaration and Communique to Press

Sources close to the organisers said that thousands of people from the region are expected to attend the meeting to be held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo.

“Civil Society organisations and political players have been invited to make presentations into the deliberations,” said the sources.

At the end of the meeting a position paper is expected to be drafted and presented to new President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Certainly high on the list of demands from Matabeleland is expected to be the issues to do with the Gukurahundi atrocities. It will also not be surprising to see sentiments throwing in the Mthwakazi cessation agenda.

ZimEye.com will endeavour to cover live some parts of the conference on the ZimEye Youtube channel.