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 organisations that fail to comply.
Muvingi Mugadza Legal Practitioners said the law represents “a significant shift in the regulatory landscape” for NGOs operating in Zimbabwe.
The firm said the legislation aims to bring Zimbabwe’s regulatory framework in line with international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, while also restricting political involvement by charitable organisations.
The new act brings trusts that operate like NGOs under the same regulatory oversight as registered voluntary organisations.
It also amends the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act to include provisions against financing weapons of mass destruction.
Registration and reporting requirements have been tightened, with stricter rules for both new and existing organisations.
The law firm said all organisations, including those registered before the amendments, international groups, and previously unregistered trusts – must carefully assess whether they comply with the new requirements.
“Failure to comply with the updated provisions may result in regulatory sanctions, including suspension or deregistration,” Muvingi Mugadza Legal Practitioners said in a statement.
Non-compliance could also lead to criminal prosecution under various penalty provisions in the act.
The firm urged organisations to take “a proactive approach to understanding and implementing the changes” to ensure they can continue operating legally.
The amendments have drawn criticism from human rights groups and international bodies, who argue they could be used to restrict civil society and silence dissent in the southern African nation.