7.0 How are the NPRC Foreword Commissioners Appointed? On 22 May 2013, President Robert Mugabe signed into law the new Constitution of Zimbabwe following a long constitutional reform Commissioners have a significant impact on the work of the NPRC. process dating asinfar back as 1999. One ofvalidity the key of this Citizens’ trust the Commissioners gives tofeatures the NPRC’s work. Constitution is Chapter 12, which establishes fivebriefly Independent The appointment process has been introduced in Chapter one. This Supporting Chapter gives a detailedOne outline appointment Commissions Democracy. of of thethe independent process, the right, manner and term of holding office, commissions in this Chapter is the National Peaceincluding and the characteristics of Commissioners. Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), which is given the duty to ensure post-conflict justice, healing, and reconciliation. This Commission represents theChairperson efforts of many organisations including 7.1 Appointment of the churches, victim groups, non-governmental organisations and The Constitution provides for appointment of eight commissioners international organisations that have been clamoring for a plus one Chairperson. The Chairperson is appointed by the commission to help the society come to terms with its violent past. It President in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission represents the hopes of many victims (and survivors) ofOrders past human (JSC) and the Committee on Standing Rules and (CSRO). rightsThe violations that truth, healing see the light of to Chairperson mustjustice be a and person who may has been qualified practise as a legal practitioner in Zimbabwe for at least seven the day. years. In appointing the Chairperson, if the President decides not to go by the recommendations thestill JSC the CSRO, he must The successes or failures of the NPRCofare toand be seen. But what is notify the CSRO as soon as practicable. clear is that an important conversation has already started. The success of the NPRC will depend on the general support from all The law requires that the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson stakeholders and to thedifferent cooperation of the government. This Guide to must belong genders. Understanding the NPRC is our contribution to ensuring that the NPRC is visible, its purpose understood and supported by all. The 7.2isAppointment ofand otherunderstand. Commissioners Guide simple to use Written in plain language, the guide is a valuable resource for civic education, community The procedure for the appointment of other eight Commissioners leaders and facilitators, schools, survivors human violence to is different. The Parliament, throughof the CSRO,rights is supposed human rights the defenders, lawyers,oflawmakers and anyone who advertise call for members the public to make nominations. When nominations are received, the CSRO will shortlist candidates wants to understand the NPRC and its work in Zimbabwe. We hope who will be interviewed you will find this guide useful. publicly. From the public interviews, the CSRO will select and present to the President, not less than twelve names of likely Commissioners. From these names, the President Muchadehama, Aleceight. (Mr.) will appoint only NTJWG Chairperson Harare, 2017 33 5