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Zimbabwe's National Assembly Debates Stringent Measures in Private Voluntary Organisations Bill

In a significant session of the National Assembly on June 20, 2024, the Private Voluntary Organisations Bill (PVO Bill) advanced during its second reading, with Hon. Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, presenting the bill. The Minister stepped in on behalf of Hon. July Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, detailing the need for stricter regulations on charities and non-governmental organizations.

The PVO Bill is designed to enhance the administration, accountability, and transparency of such organizations, particularly those that receive foreign funding. Hon. Ziyambi emphasized the government’s objective to ensure that all charitable organizations collecting public or foreign funds adhere to the Private Voluntary Organisations Act. This measure aims to curb organizations that deviate from their charity mandate and engage in politically partisan activities.

Key Points from the Minister’s Speech:

  • Recognition of the positive role of PVOs in service delivery.
  • Concerns over the political activities of some charities.
  • Requirement for all externally funded charities to register under the PVO Act.
  • Proposals to streamline the registration processes for efficiency.

Following the minister's introduction, the session, presided over by the Speaker, featured a report from Hon. Mashonganyika, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. The report, a collaborative effort with the Senate Thematic Committee on Gender and Development, indicated mixed stakeholder reactions. Some viewed the bill as a necessary check on PVO misconduct, while others criticized it as excessively restrictive.

The committee suggested amendments such as extending the registration period to nine months, enabling appeals to the High Court instead of the Registrar, clarifying the scope of prohibited political activities, and encouraging government collaboration with PVOs.

Despite the critical discussions and presentation of the committee report, no debate on the bill was held on that day. The National Assembly is scheduled to resume consideration of the bill on June 25, 2024. This forthcoming session is expected to delve deeper into the bill's provisions and its potential impact on civil society's operations in Zimbabwe. The outcome could significantly influence the future landscape of charity work and NGO operations within the country.