Nomfundo Mogapi, the Executive Director for the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) in her remarks congratulated the people of Zimbabwe for taking steps towards national healing and reconciliation as reflected by the enactment of the NPRC Act and the work of different civic organisations and government including the NPRC. Ms Mogapi ended by urging Zimbabweans that “the world is watching, Africa is watching, Zimbabweans are watching, SADC is watching and would like to learn from Zimbabwe’s processes. Never Again must echo in your hearts and in the hearts of your leaders to avoid sabotage” Scan the code to watch the video. Key Remarks by the Chairperson of the NPRC, Retired Justice Selo Nare She pointed out that among other issues what she called the “paradox of transitional justice in Africa”. She noted that: Ÿ There is a history of poor transitional justice policy implementation in Africa, hence the need to draw lessons from various actors, jurisdictions and experiences to ensure that the Zimbabwean TJ process is successful. Ÿ It is a concern that fault lines on democracy are depleting on the African continent as interparty conflicts are increasing. Ÿ The distinction between victims and perpetrators is sometimes difficult to identify (as their faces are sometimes similar), hence the need to craft inclusive policies that provide holistic solutions. Ÿ Many institutions (family level for instance) that should protect victims are wounded and are not adequately capacitated to support those who needing protection hence the need to pay attention to invest in building strong institutions for effective psychosocial support services. Ÿ Psychosocial support services are a critical gap in most TJ processes particularly on families affected by violence. Ÿ Failure to invest in healing will create intergenerational trauma and perpetual violence. 11 The Chairperson of the NPRC, Retired Justice Selo Nare gave his key note speech by describing the functions of the NPRC and narrowing his discussion to three key issues which are (i) Healing (ii) Reconciliation and (iii) Forgiveness. Justice Nare asked whether; i. Healing is the final product of forgiveness. This means forgiveness is a precondition for healing. ii. Forgiveness entails memory of what happened and developing empathy on the circumstances of the perpetrator and a shared future (freedom from revengeful actions). iii. Reconciliation requires acknowledgement of the injury by the aggressor, it entails restoring relations that are free from yesterday’s hurt, healing the past and forgiving the perpetrator. It is about developing a new relationship and new attitudes. He also described reconciliation as the meeting point between the past pains and the future. 2018 TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE POLICY SYMPOSIUM REPORT