mandated to deal with matters of restorative and transformative justice, thus it will be well
placed as part of the Project team, to address constitutional provisions and issues pertaining to
conflict identification, prevention, management, resolution and transformation among
communities, and fostering peace through discussions and dialogue. This may be necessary at
any of the stages of the Project, as some communities have advocacy groups that typically raise
such issues as may cause agitation at any given opportunity where there is a national gathering.
Therefore, it is in this context that the combined experience of the NPRC, CSOs, Community
Based Organisations (CBOs) and the Church in matters of community and national healing will
come in as an important strength.
The structure of the Church forms a major portion of the intrinsic strengths for the Project. Its
connection with the grassroots in all communities of Zimbabwe makes it a suitable participant in
the Project to facilitate acceptance of the Project by communities. It brings neutrality to the
process, dispelling fears and doubts that some members of different communities might have
regarding the apolitical nature of the Project. The Church is also always constantly in touch with
local communities for various programmes, and has become a welcome moral voice of reason,
peace and goodwill. This will make it easy to mobilise participants and foster orderly conduct
during meetings, which will be typically held at the Church institutions. The other strength
brought about by the Church is its good working relationship with local traditional and
government leadership, which extends the range of influence that will be necessary to enhance
participation of all concerned stakeholders. This is in addition to the support that the Church
enjoys from its authorities, and the presence of trained community workers of the Church, who
will be able to present topical Human Rights issues to communities through animated
dramatisation for easier understanding and acceptance.
3.2 Weaknesses
One of the limitations identified with the MoJLPA, is that it has been engaging in its
programmes in a generalised way, which does not cater for specific thematic areas affecting the
citizens across the country. This is despite the fact that the country‟s societies are not
homogenous, and their level of understanding and appreciation of issues varies according to
circumstances. This, therefore, tends to limit the scope of influence that the Ministry can have on
the Project, as far as acceptance by the communities is concerned.
The other limitation is that the Project relies squarely on donor funding. This means that it will
be limited to only that which the donor can afford. A full-scale programme to cover all areas
equitably and sufficiently would have been desirable in order to prevent a backlash where some
sections of the population cry foul that they have been left out and are considered to be less
important.
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