Zimbabwe Trust Position Paper on the NPRC Bill and (iii) other Civic Society Organisations analyses on the Bill. b) Withdrawal of the NPRC Bill The Minister responsible for National Healing and Reconciliation, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s Office withdrew the National Peace and Reconciliation Bill from Parliament. On the 10th of May 2016, the Minister of state in the Vice President’s Office Tabitha Kanengoni Malinga, indicated that the reconciliation Ministry found it fit to first consider the adverse report by the Parliamentary Legal Committee. She said ―I move to withdraw the NPRC Bill for reasons that after receiving an adverse report on the Bill, the ministry has decided to consider those issues and then we will re-submit the Bill at a later date.” The withdrawal of the NPRC Bill was a welcome development as the existing Bill violated the people’s rights and expectations for a viable independent reconciliation process. While the ministry responsible for National Healing and Reconciliation considered suggested that it withdrew the Bill to consider the adverse report from the Legal Committee, the Ministry should stand guided by both the constitution and, more importantly, the views of the people of Zimbabwe as expressed during the parliamentary public consultations. The ministry should also expeditiously ensure the commencement of the parliamentary processes leading to the enactment of the law and effective operationalization of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. c) Advocacy work by Civic Society Organisation Civic Society organisations played a crucial role in raising communities’ awareness on the NPRC Bill as well as the role and functions of the NPRC as prescribed in the constitution. To contribute to the broader national healing and reconciliation awareness processes, Heal Zimbabwe conducted 67 meetings in 9 provinces namely, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo, Midlands, Manicaland, Masvingo, Harare and Mashonaland East, West, and Central provinces. A total of 2202 people were reached through public meetings and community peace clubs consultations. Public meetings reached 1126 people while HZT established 67 Community Peace Clubs meetings reached 1076 people. In its consultations HZT made efforts to reach both urban and rural communities. The meetings were held between January and March 2016, coinciding with our Snap Survey. Below is a table indicating areas reached during HZT’s consultative meetings. Activity 67 meetings with community peace clubs Public Meetings Total Area Mutare, Buhera, Makoni, Chipinge, Muzarabani, Mazowe, Murehwa, Mutoko, Mbire, Zaka, Gutu, Bikita, Tsholotsho, Gokwe South and Gokwe North Gutu, Chitungwiza, Kwekwe, Chipinge, Chinhoyi, Marondera, Masvingo, Harare and Bulawayo 24 areas visited 6 No. of people reached 1076 (596 males and 480 females) 1126 (552 males and 574 females. 2202 people reached

Select target paragraph3