In the spirit of inclusivity and the desire to ensure ownership of NPRC processes, the Commission announced that it would rst convene consultative meetings with citizens and key stakeholders in all the 10 Provinces to gather views on priorities to inform the NPRC's strategic envisioning process. The meetings were scheduled to start on 9 February 2018. However, the meetings were delayed by an urgent interdict/court application by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum preventing the Commission form carrying-out its work without the appointment of the Chairperson. The consultations were rescheduled when the challenge was dismissed by the High Court. The meetings started on 19 February, 2018 in Gwanda and Bindura. The purpose of these The NPRC Consultative Meetings From the 19th of February 2018 to the 3rd of March, 2018, the NPRC travelled across the 10 Provinces of Zimbabwe to convene the much anticipated consultative meetings on national peace and reconciliation. The consultative meetings' purpose was to gather views on priorities to inform the NPRC's strategic envisioning process. Pressure groups, Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) were represented in the meetings. All in all, 10 meetings were done, but not without challenges. In Gwanda, Bulawayo, Gweru and Lupane all the meetings were adjourned due to disruptions by iMthwakazi and iBhetsulikazulu pressure groups which protested the composition of Commission. These are the regions where Gukurahundi occurred and this is where the Ndebele people are highly concentrated. In Marondera, the meeting descended into chaos after Minister of State addressed people and performed a ZANU-PF slogan which incensed participants. Participants who spoke to NPRC Watch said they were unhappy that members of the executive were allowed to address the NPRC meetings. NPRC Watch, Issue 4, May 2018 8 NPRCWATCH Commissioner Chigwedere sought support from Zimbabweans by saying, “We implore the whole nation to journey with us on this noble cause. Once again allow me to reiterate that this process is a journey that will call for collective effort and commitment. It will require our patience and unwavering support... Everyone is an actor with the goal of achieving peace and reconciliation for our country.” Consultative meetings was not clearly communicated in advance; hence participants attended the meetings with different expectations, demands and objectives. www.ntjwg.org.zw “The ultimate role of the NPRC is to facilitate the process of healing and reconciliation, post-conict justice, prevention of conicts and disputes arising in future and promotion of sustainable peace,” said Commissioner Chigwedere, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. She noted that the Commission had not been functioning in the public sphere as it was waiting for the enabling law, which is the NPRC Act.

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