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Blessings Chidakwa Chinhoyi Bureau
The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) held a successful provincial consultative meeting here on Monday.

The meeting, which was held at Cooksey Hall, went on smoothly after similar meetings in Bulawayo and Lupane were disrupted by rowdy elements.

It was attended by senior Government officials, political party representatives, members of civic organisations, traditional and church leaders, as well as the local community.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of State for Mashonaland West province Webster Shamu said: “This is an important day in the province, especially in Chinhoyi, without peace, there is no development. Let us offer maximum support to the commission.

“Let us learn to tolerate each other. Rwanda is a good example where they buried their differences. We are the owners of the commission. Let us have respect for each other’s views and contribute things that benefit our country.”

NPRC head of delegation Commissioner Choice Ndoro said they were working flat out to ensure Zimbabwe held peaceful elections.

“As a commission, we are undertaking strategic planning which we hope will be ready by mid-March this year,” she said. “If there is going to be any differences among political parties, be it intra or inter ones, the strategic plan will play a pivotal role in fostering unity and peace.”

Commissioner Ndoro said Zimbabwe normally experienced violence during the election period, be it at primary elections or candidate nominations.

“As a commission, this time around we will offer maximum support to avoid that,” she said. “The strategic planning promotion process will be done with various stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, civic organisations and security sector.”

Commissioner Ndoro said they were going to engage political parties to avoid slogans that incite violence.

“In most cases, slogans are usually followed by action, so definitely we are going to ban some slogans that have negative connotations,” she said.

Commissioner Ndoro said the strategic planning would encompass the views of every Zimbabwean.

“We want it to be as inclusive as possible,” she said. “We want the people to speak for themselves and make recommendations. We will not impose solutions for their challenges.

“Currently, we have two groups: the one in Matabeleland province, and us covering Mashonaland provinces. Our team’s next mission will be in Marondera, then Mutare.”

Chief Chanetsa, Brian Katsvere, said the commission’s consultative meeting was of much significance.

“The move by this independent commission to reconcile people should be hailed as this would lead to a peaceful and united Zimbabwe,” he said.

“The body should be as independent as possible and make sure it hits the ground running as the country is already in the election mood, so it should try to speed up some of its programmes.”

One of the participants, Mr Brian Shumba, urged NPRC to decentralise their operations, as well as push for the establishment of district offices.

“I understand the Constitution has a provision that empowers the commission to seek funds even on its own,’ he said. “Therefore, run around and even push Government for the establishment of your offices.”

NPRC was constituted in 2013, following the enactment of the new Constitution.

While the commissioners were sworn-in in November last year, the NPRC Bill was passed into law in January this year.

NPRC’s mandate is to ensure post-conflict justice, healing and reconciliation, including developing programmes that promote national healing, unity and peaceful conflict resolution.

It is also designed to bring about national reconciliation by encouraging people to tell the truth about the past and facilitating the provision of justice.