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Between 2016 and 2017, while waiting for the enabling Act for the NPRC, the institution
engaged in a capacity building process including the development of an incremental strategic
plan. They also developed 16 organisational policies including the conceptualisation of the
NPRC mandate.
The NPRC public consultations and review of literature revealed that there are long and
deep-seated conflict issues dating back to the pre-colonial era which cannot be ignored
Structural violence, unresolved racial and ethnic conflicts as well as unequal resource
distribution have historical traces from the colonial period, hence the need for a holistic and
inclusive approach to the transitional justice process.
To become proactive, the Commission established early warning and early response systems
ahead of the 2018 elections. The Commission also campaigned for peace through National
Peace Pledges and Peace Caravans.
In closing, Commissioner Ndoro informed participants that the NPRC has established internal and
external committees which could effectively help the body to achieve its objectives. She however,
mentioned that the NPRC will need to work on building trust among citizens and stakeholders if it is
to achieve better results.
The Case for Transitional Justice Policy for Zimbabwe (Otto Saki NTJWG Expert)
Mr Otto Saki presented on key issues that should be considered when developing a TJ policy
Framework in the context of Zimbabwe. He first noted that there are divergent views among
Zimbabweans on whether the country is ready for reconciliation or not given that there has been a
change of leadership, but the alleged wrongdoers are still in positions of power. He raised a point on
the need for creative expertise in crafting a realistic policy for TJ in the prevailing Zimbabwean
context. Saki underscored that;
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The TJ policy should be clear on what remedies will be provided to victims of past human
rights violations.
There should be a shared understanding of what justice means by putting the victims at the
centre while cognisant of the rights of the perpetrators too.
There should be synergy between the NPRC and different government departments. Hence
the TJ policy should clearly outline different anticipated linkages. For example, the role of the
Social Welfare department in facilitating rehabilitation.
The policy should clearly outline how the TJ process will be funded as it is costly to address
the past as it is when addressing the future. The Ministry of Finance, for instance, should be
cognisant of the need for national healing and reconciliation and therefore, must allocate
resources commensurate with the work as expected.
There is need to include economic justice in the TJ policy. Most TJ policies tend to consider
political violations mainly.
Mr. Saki, in closing emphasized that the intended policy framework is not meant to displace the
NPRC but to complement the work of the commission as well as creating enabling pointers towards
a holistic TJ process.
Plenary Lessons and comments raised
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Zimbabwe’s transitional attempts are failing because there are people who benefit from the
country’s perpetual violence (violence entrepreneurs)
Zimbabwe inherited infrastructures and instruments of violence at independence at the
expense of a meaningful transition
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