Zimbabwe’s new NGO law ‘threatens civil society’ warns rights group

By News correspondent A controversial new law regulating non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe risks silencing dissent and undermining democratic freedoms, a local media watchdog has warned. The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, which came into force in April, gives sweeping powers to government regulators and criminalises loosely-defined “political activities” by NGOs. Valentine Maponga, media officer at […]

Zimbabwe NGO law tightens oversight and penalties, lawyers warn

By Bridget Mabanda A leading Zimbabwean law firm has warned that new legislation governing non-governmental organisations significantly expands government powers and imposes stricter obligations on charities and civil society groups. The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, which came into force in 2025, grants enhanced authority to the Registrar of PVOs and introduces tougher penalties for […]

Veritas Declares PVO Amendment Act Invalid Over Parliamentary Discrepancies

Harare – Legal watchdog Veritas has raised alarm over the validity of the recently gazetted Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, citing discrepancies between the final Act and the version passed by the Senate. The Act, published in the Government Gazette on 11 April as Act 1 of 2025, aims to overhaul Zimbabwe’s regulation of […]