Zimbabwe NGO law will force allies into ‘self-censorship’, says teachers’ union
By Bridget Mabanda Zimbabwe’s new law regulating non-governmental organisations will force civil society groups into self-censorship and undermine their independence, a leading teachers’ union has warned. Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), said the legislation would damage his organisation’s partnerships with charities that help defend children’s right to education. […]
Zimbabwe lawyers mount legal challenge to controversial NGO law
By Own Correspondent A prominent human rights organisation has launched a court challenge against Zimbabwe’s new law regulating charities and civil society groups, arguing it criminalises legitimate development work. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) filed an application at the Harare High Court on 16 May, seeking to have key sections of the Private Voluntary […]
FATF compliance, or repression? Zim record of NGO restrictions
The publication of the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) recommendations on combating the abuse of non-profit organisations is widely believed to have given wings to Zimbabwe’s long-stand desire to muzzle NGOs. The two versions of the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Bill gazetted on 5 November 2021 and on 1 March 2024, have been condemned for […]
Why CSOs, Human Rights Experts Oppose Zimbabwe’s PVO Bill?
Local and international human rights organisations have condemned the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill in Zimbabwe as infringing on human rights and democratic standards. The condemnation of the Bill pushes back against the government’s claim that the law is meant to comply with the Financial Action Taskforce’s (FATF) recommendations on curbing terrorism financing through […]
PVO Bill, Govt Ignores CSO Concerns
The Private Voluntary Organisations (Amendment) Bill has been resubmitted to Parliament for debate after President Emmerson Mnangagwa had expressed reservations with the previous version. Parliament resumed sitting on 3 September after a hiatus during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held at the New Parliament Building in Mt. Hampden, Harare, in August 2024. With […]
Navigating the Legal Maze: The Challenges of Compliance for PVOs
By Watmore Makokoba The landscape for Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) in Zimbabwe is becoming increasingly complex as the government moves to amend the existing PVO Act. The proposed changes, aimed at regulating voluntary organizations to combat money laundering and political lobbying, have raised significant concerns among PVOs about their ability to operate effectively and maintain […]
What You Should Know Now About the PVO Bill
The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill has concluded its Committee Stage in the National Assembly and is now awaiting review by the Parliamentary Legal Committee to assess its constitutionality. The bill, aimed at regulating non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe, has made significant legislative progress. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments: Committee Stage Completion: […]
How the PVO Bill Will Shape Charitable Giving, At Home and Beyond
By Watmore Makokoba The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, currently under consideration by the Zimbabwean government, has the potential to significantly impact the landscape of charitable giving both domestically and internationally. While the bill aims to enhance regulation and transparency within the PVO sector, it also raises concerns about its potential consequences for civil society […]
US, UK, and EU Condemn Zimbabwe Crackdown on Dissent Ahead of SADC Summit
By Staff Reporter HARARE – The embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union in Zimbabwe have issued stern condemnations of the escalating crackdown on opposition activists and human rights defenders by president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, just days before the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit. In recent months, the Zimbabwean government has […]
Behind Closed Doors The Impact of the Bill on Transparency and Accountability
As the PVO Amendment Bill progresses through the legislative process, concerns are mounting about its potential impact on transparency and accountability within Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) in Zimbabwe. Critics argue that the proposed regulations could create an environment of secrecy and hinder the ability of organisations to operate openly, ultimately undermining the very principles of […]