By staff reporter
Harare – Public hearings on the controversial Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) Amendment Bill commenced today, despite widespread criticism from civil society and human rights groups.
The Bill, which was reintroduced in March after president Emmerson Mnangagwa withheld his assent, has been at the centre of heated debate.
Critics contend that the legislation is designed to stifle dissent and curtail the operations of NGOs perceived as critical of the government.
The upcoming public hearings aim to gauge public opinion on the Bill, but concerns have been raised about the potential for violence, echoing previous hearings marred by disturbances.
Government officials, however, maintain that the primary objective of the PVOs Bill is to align Zimbabwe with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on countering money laundering and terrorist financing.
FATF is an international watchdog responsible for setting global standards to combat financial crime.
As the public hearings unfold, scrutiny will intensify on the government’s intentions and the potential impact of the Bill on civil society and democratic space.