Peace commission grilled
CIVIC organisations have urged the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to tackle contentious issues affecting the people of Manicaland objectively and in a non-partisan manner.
Church leaders, civic organisations, politicians, business persons and other members of the public met commissioners Mrs Netty Musanhu, Dr Golden Chekenyere, Rev Charles Masunungure and Mrs Choice Ndoro in an emotionally charged meeting held on Friday at Mutare Hall.
The commission is now operational after President Mnangagwa signed the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Bill into law on January 5 this year. The commission was appointed in 2016. The meeting allowed attendees to discuss justice, healing and reconciliation issues.
“Compensation or repatriation is a word that encompasses a lot of things. Some of the scars would need rehabilitative treatment and support, for instance rape victims.
“Some of the affected people would only need to know where his or her relative was buried while another affected person would only need to be asked for forgiveness,” said Mrs Musanhu.
Mrs Ndoro added: “We are guided by our Constitution. The commission aims to develop and implement programmes to promote national healing, unity and social cohesion.”
The debate was then declared open to the public — people who had questions and recommendations.
“Can we trust the commission? It is our sincere hope that this commission would be professional, non-partisan and hear our concerns without considering one’s political affiliation for our issues to be solved amicably. They should be careful that they do not try to heal the wounds while creating new ones or even opening old ones.
“How are we going to be compensated? Some of our relatives were left handicapped. Are we going to get financial assistance? Is it possible to forgive and forget? Are you going to reach rural areas and interact with people who couldn’t afford to come here or who will not be able to travel to the cities?” queried a member of the public.
Human rights defender and social entrepreneur Mr Regai Tsunga, who was also in attendance, asked if the commission would only tackle issues affecting Manicaland only yet some of the problems were national.
“We are fast approaching elections and some of us still have scars from the brutality we were subjected to during the previous national elections. Are you going to solve issues that include forgiveness, healing and reconciliation in time before the elections?
“Some of the wounds are too fresh and deep that some are even living in fear of victimisation from rogue people and traditional leaders who are asking our grandmothers for their voting registration slips. We therefore urge this commission to ensure that chiefs are non-partisan and should work for the will of the people,” said a man who identified himself as Mr Makunike.
The commission promised to compile all grievances and recommendations and take them to Harare for further deliberations before coming back to Manicaland with feedback.