On Recommendations from the ‘What's Next Conference’: • The Commission dissociated itself from the 'let bygones be bygones mantra' and noted that they had communicated that message to the relevant offices and hoped that mantra would not be heard again. • On periodisation, the Commission emphasised that they will follow the views of the victims. In addition, they had completed a comprehensive conflict mapping exercise stretching as far back as the Mapungubwe era so that the Commission is privy to all the period of violence Zimbabwe has gone through. The Commission buttressed this point by explaining that there are 2 schools of thought which have emerged in terms of how far back institution should go back. First, there are people who think that it is pragmatic that the Commission deal with violence that occurred in post-independent Zimbabwe given the limited time the Commission has before its mandate elapses. The other proposition is that the Commission should go as far back as possible so that no issue is swept under the carpet. The Commission committed to engage the victims so that they determine how far back the Commission should go. • On publicity, the Commission pointed out that they have drafted a media and communications strategy among other policy documents. As such this was work in progress. On the State of Preparedness: a). On the Composition This is water under the bridge. The Commission is now fully composed. The Deputy Chairperson thanked NTJWG for the congratulatory message. The Chairperson thanked the Minister of Religion for their prayers and support as he learns the ropes. However, the Executive Secretary, internal and external committees need to be brought on board also. b). Regulations In terms of the regulations, the Commissioners disclosed that the regulations are ready. They prepared the draft which should be in Parliament any time. The regulations encompass most issues raised by the NTJWG. These address some of the legislative gaps. Beyond the regulations, the Commission has worked on policies and procedures which are key to the Commission’s programmes. The Commission was working on diversity and inclusion, together with the University of Zimbabwe which is assisting with brail material. c). Secretariat In terms of the infrastructure and resources, the Commission was making progress. The Commission gave assurance that they were not going to hire staff from government. With the help of UNDP, they would soon hire the Executive Secretary, followed by other staff. d. Infrastructure Concerning offices, the Commission noted that progress had been made to identify the offices and would soon vacate the temporary office to their new offices in a few days. On the Provincial Consultative Meetings: • The Commissioner went on to clarify that before the Provincial Consultative Meetings, engagements were done. The Commission reached out to Ministers, Traditional Leaders and politicians to commit to the process, but that did not mean they were taking over the process. The Commission said that when Stakeholders see us meeting with different people, they need to appreciate that ‘we are trying to unlock something.’ • Commenting on the disruptions, the Commission noted that it is not easy for people to come from a deep seated history of trauma. It will be difficult but it is part of the process. • The Commission noted that healing is a process. “You don't strike a match and the water boils.” THE NPRC BRIEF – 15 MARCH 2018