your work is supported and that your recommendations are implemented. Recommendations with regards the Provincial Reports From these reports, the following were recommendations presented to the NPRC to address or avoid similar challenges: a). Secretariat and Infrastructure are outstanding - These will resolve most of the issues noted. b). The Commission has to take charge - While support from other actors is important, the NPRC must not be seen to be outsourcing its mandate to these actors. It must be in full control of the process. A competent Secretariat will address the issue of the Commission seemingly outsourcing its mandate. Additionally, Commissioners need to show confidence and be in control of the process. However, use of state apparatus like the police must be avoided as there is a history of the police being perpetrators of violence. Local elders can be a useful resource in maintaining order. c). Channels of Communication - Many people approached NTJWG registering that they were not able to participate in the meetings for security reasons but would want to visit the NPRC and make presentations. It is important that the NPRC opens its lines of communication for such persons. d). Political Interference - The NPRC must make a strong statement against political interference in its work. 'Sloganeering' must not be tolerated and the NPRC must be seen to be independent of political forces bent on disturbing the process. This is not to say that politicians have no access to the Commission, but rather they are equal to everyone. e). Distancing the Commission from Government - The Commission often carries the stigma that they are part of Government. While the Commission is an official process, it must actively distance itself from the Government and assert its impartiality and independence. f). Encouraging Participation - NTJWG Stakeholders have proposed a raft of measures to maximise participation. These are being compiled into the ‘Guiding Principles for Public Participation.’ We look forward to sharing these with the Commission as we believe these will address some of the challenges being faced. g). Support Structures for the NPRC: The NPRC needs to put in place support structures to assist in enhancing the wellness of Commissioners as a group and as individuals. The Commissioners have the task to carry the unfair burden of the whole country. It is necessary to put in place measure to help the Commissioners. NTJWG Stakeholders are available to convene a reflective session with the trauma healer’s actors operating around the country. Conclusion We are truly grateful to have had the opportunity to share this with the Commission. As the NPRC prepares for the national convergence and other processes, we can only wish them the greatest of success and assure them of our support. We are open to dialogue and sharing with the Commission insights that we pick from the process. NTJWG remains committed to ensure the success of Zimbabwe's reconciliation process through consistent engagement with the NPRC. RESPONSES OF THE NATIONAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION (NPRC) General Remarks The meeting was chaired by the NPRC Chairperson Justice S. M Nare. He was in the company of the Deputy Chairperson Commissioner Lilian Chigwedere, Commissioners Chada, Chekenyere, Ndoro and Ncube. The Commissioners acknowledged the work of the NTJWG during the NPRC's turbulent transition from dormant to an active commission. The main highlight is when NTJWG Chairperson A. Muchadehama participated in a radio interview where the Commission was represented and helped in clarifying some elusive legal issues. THE NPRC BRIEF – 15 MARCH 2018