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.
Although trade unions are exempt from the Private Voluntary Organisations Act, Mr Masaraure said the law would make collaboration with NGOs much harder.
“We will miss out on the expertise and solidarity from our critical allies,” he told the Content ZW.
Masaraure said many civil society organisations would now seek to stay “in good books with government” rather than hold authorities to account.
The union leader urged activists to resist what he called an unjust law, warning that compliance would cost organisations their independence and credibility.
“You can’t be begging to hold solution holders accountable. Resistance is the way to go,” he said.
Masaraure suggested several strategies for civil society groups facing tighter restrictions under the new law.
He called for partnerships across the region, with activists asking neighbouring countries to engage in peer-to-peer negotiations with Zimbabwe over the legislation.
Strengthening regional collaboration would make it harder for the government to “isolate and crush individual organisations”, he said.
The union leader also urged NGOs to seek funding from local communities to mitigate restrictions on foreign financing imposed by the act.
He said civil society groups should be prepared to abandon their offices and instead “work from the hearts and minds of the masses”.
“The hearts and minds of the people are not affected by the government’s repressive laws,” Masaraure said.
The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, enacted in April 2025, has drawn criticism from international bodies including the United Nations and European Union, who warn it could further shrink civic space in Zimbabwe.