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Suspected ZANU PF youths on Friday disrupted public hearings on the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill in Gweru and Harare.
The PVO Amendment Bill, gazetted on 5th November 2021, seeks to regulate the operations of civic groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027071/zanu-pf-youths-disrupt-pvo-bill-hearings">NewsDay</a>, in Gweru, the meeting was abandoned after the ruling party youths heckled the officials led by Senator Sisasenkosi Ndebele, forcing her to leave the venue of the meeting.
In her welcome remarks, Ndebele had said the meeting was non-political and participants were “free to air their views”.
After disrupting the meeting, the youths reportedly started singing in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa asking why “people hated him”.
During the meeting, the ZANU PF youths would clap their hands when fellow party members were making their submissions but boo other participants’ contributions.
In their support of the Bill, the youths unanimously said it would “curb terrorism” by monitoring the activities of non-profit organisations.
They maintain that NGOs harbour a “regime change agenda” through support from “hostile Western countries”.
In Harare, police had to be called in after suspected ZANU PF youths disrupted the public hearing held at the Ambassador Hotel.
The hearing was abandoned after participants largely from ZANU PF and some religious sects started singing party songs in response to a young woman who had criticised the Bill.
The young woman had said the Bill gave the responsible minister overarching powers to interfere in the work of civic groups.
She left the room fearing for her life following the heckling by ZANU PF supporters.
Critics of the Bill argue that it undermines freedoms of expression and association and gives the government unjustifiable control over the operations of civic groups.
Among other provisions, the PVO Bill stipulates that NGOs and civic society organisations (CSOs) should disclose their sources of funding.
The organisations are required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government defining their activities and zones of geographic coverage.
The Bill gives the government the authority to “deregister any private voluntary organisation that fails to comply with its conditions of registration.”
In February 2023, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that he would “speedily” sign into law the Private Voluntary Organisation Bill (PVO) once it reaches his desk.
He said no amount of pressure from foreign governments will stop the signing of the Bill into law.
However, when the Bill eventually reached his desk, Mnangagwa did not sign it but referred it back to Parliament for reconsideration after he raised reservations about certain aspects of the Bill.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Rowdy ZANU PF Youths Disrupt PVO Bill Hearings

South African opposition Patriotic Alliance party secretary Kenny Kunene said that the reaction of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to raids conducted by the local authority in Johannesburg buildings made him understand why the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe banned some civil society organisations in his country.
During his two-day stint as Johannesburg’s acting mayor, when he stood in for mayor Kabelo Gwamanda who was out of the city, Kunene conducted raids on hijacked buildings in the Joburg CBD.
Several NGOs and human rights organisations condemned the raids, describing them as illegal.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2023-05-21-i-now-understand-why-mugabe-banned-ngos-says-kenny-kunene/">TimesLive</a>, Kunene vowed to continue with them as he attempts to “clean up the city”. He said:
<blockquote>
We are presenting it officially to the mayoral committee, it needs to be a priority of the government of local unity.
We can’t complain about revenue loss yet we have over 1 700 buildings that have been taken over by criminal syndicates who collect money from our people.
</blockquote>
Kunene castigated “NGOs masquerading as political parties” and challenged them to declare their political interests. He said:
<blockquote>
If they want to govern they must go and contest elections like we did. NGOs must not get involved in the work of the government. It is none of their business.
We have a crisis of buildings being hijacked in this country, our townships and suburbs are infested with illegal foreigners and drug dealers who are not South African.
When we fulfill our mandate and act as the representative of our constituency who has been voted into government, they want to question us.
</blockquote>
Kunene, who is the transport MMC, vowed he would not allow NGOs to “misuse” the country’s laws. He said:
<blockquote>
I understand why Robert Mugabe banned all NGOs in Zimbabwe, and only allowed NGOs led by Zimbabweans that seek to help Zimbabweans to exist.
</blockquote>
He accused the alleged criminals of illegal electricity and water connections as well as drug dealing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

I Now Understand Why Robert Mugabe Banned NGOs - Joburg Mayor

The United States Government says Zimbabwe’s Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) Amendment Bill will affect the ability of faith-based organisations to provide essential services if signed into law in its current form.
The PVOs Bill sailed through the Senate on 1 February 2023 and now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s assent.
The Bill seeks to regulate the operations of civic groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
In a report titled: Zimbabwe 2022 international religious freedom report, the US government said:
<blockquote>
If passed, members of civil society stated, the amendments would require all trusts to register as PVOs, including faith-based organisations with no transitional provisions.
In meetings with the government, embassy officials raised concerns about the likely impacts of the draft PVOs Amendment Bill on faith-based and other NGOs and their ability to provide essential services, if enacted in its current form.
</blockquote>
Among other provisions, the PVO Bill stipulates that NGOs and civic society organisations (CSOs) should disclose their sources of funding.
The organisations are required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government defining their activities and zones of geographic coverage.
International NGOs that “digress into programmes that are not specified in the MoU as agreed upon by line ministries and registered by the registrar” will be de-registered.
The Bill gives the government the authority to “deregister any private voluntary organisation that fails to comply with its conditions of registration.” The US report added:
<blockquote>
Religious and civil society groups reported increased government monitoring of public events, prayer rallies, church congregations, and activities of religiously affiliated NGOs perceived to be critical of the government.
NGOs and religious leaders continued to report that security services targeted some religious officials who engaged in political discourse perceived as negative towards the government.
According to faith leaders, intelligence officials asked churches to submit their transcripts or recordings of specific sermons thought to be critical of the government.
</blockquote>
In February this year, Mnangagwa said that he will “speedily” sign into law the Private Voluntary Organisation Bill (PVO) once it reaches his desk.
He said no amount of pressure from foreign governments will stop the signing of the Bill into law.
Critics argue that some provisions of the Bill may serve as the basis for restricting the operation of many NGOs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

United States Says PVOs Bill A Threat To NGOs That Provide Essential Services

The Government says it will deregister non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that deviate from their mandate.
This was said by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lovemore Matuke in the Senate last week.
He was responding to ZANU PF Mashonaland Central Senator Alice Chimbudzi who had asked him how the Government is dealing with NGOs that interfere with the country’s electoral processes. Said Matuke:
<blockquote>
Matters to do with NGOs and how they work when we are looking at elections, I believe that you are aware that we had an exercise prior, where a lot of NGOs were no longer operating according to their mandate. We had that problem.
The registration would say something different from what is obtaining on the ground and being done by the NGOs.
We saw that they had deviated from their mandates and most of these NGOs failed when it came to re-registration.
Those who would have deviated from their mandate we are looking for them.
If there are NGOs who are going against their mandate, kindly let us know so that we cancel their licences.
</blockquote>
Early this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that he will sign the Private Voluntary Organisation Bill (PVO), which critics argue may serve as the basis for restricting the operation of many NGOs.
In July last year, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/10/proposed-ngo-law-seeks-to-flush-out-dirty-money-says-ed/">Mnangagwa argued that the Bill is meant to flush out dirty money</a> and stop non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that seek to undermine the country’s sovereignty.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Threatens To Deregister NGOs That Interfere With Electoral Processes

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday urged Zimbabweans to remain united and to refuse to be divided by foreigners and “rouge” non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
He made the remarks while addressing thousands of people who attended the main Independence Day celebrations held in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central Province. He said:
<blockquote>
As the harmonised general elections draw nearer, I call on the nation to remain vigilant and protect our hard-won Independence.
No voices, foreign or local, inclusive of rogue NGOs, should sow seeds of division and disharmony among us.
Unity and peace should be preached in our families, churches and communities.
Dialogue and tolerance have been the hallmark of the Second Republic.
We must all say: No to violence, before, during and after elections.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa, who has been endorsed as ZANU PF’s presidential candidate in the upcoming general elections, promised to deliver credible polls. He said:
<blockquote>
My government has put measures in place to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
</blockquote>
According to the Election Resource Centre (ERC), an electoral and democracy think-tank, Zimbabwe cannot hold free and fair elections in 2023 if the polls are conducted under current electoral laws.
Moreover, opposition political parties have demanded that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) release the voters’ roll but it has hitherto refused to do so.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Be Wary Of "Rouge" NGOs - Mnangagwa

Leaders of various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) met President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Friday.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009072/csos-meet-ed-over-pvos-bill">NewsDay</a> reported that the meeting was a last-minute bid by CSOs to persuade Mnangagwa to stop signing the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill into law.
The Bill is currently being scrutinised by the Attorney-General’s (AG) office after it sailed through Parliament.
In a tweet, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana confirmed the meeting. He wrote:
<blockquote>
Late this afternoon HE President Emmerson Mnangagwa met and engaged with representatives of CSOs in Zimbabwe at State House.
The subject of the engagement was the PVOs Bill which is currently being tidied up by the AG. The meeting was cordial and good-natured.
</blockquote>
Some of the CSOs leaders who attended the meeting include Jenni Williams (Women Arise Zimbabwe), Isaac Maphosa, and Musa Kika (Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum).
The trio reportedly refused to disclose the outcome of their meeting with Mnangagwa.
But representatives from Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition were excluded from the meeting.
Critics of the amended PVOs Bill say it will enable the government to severely restrict the operations of civil society organisations.
The government will be able to deregister CSOs perceived as rogue or susceptible to money laundering and funding terrorism.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Society Organisations Leaders Meet Mnangagwa Over PVOs Bill

Zimbabwe has urged fellow SADC member States to monitor non-state actors to ensure they stick to their mandates.
Non-State actors are organisations and/or individuals that are not affiliated with, directed by, or funded by any government, for example, non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Speaking during the ongoing SADC Council of Ministers Meeting currently underway in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava, said Zimbabwe is awaiting the enactment of a law that regulates NGOs. He said:
<blockquote>
It is imperative that Member States ensure the Mechanism for Engagement does not undermine regional cohesion and solidarity.
There is a need for a vigorous and continuous monitoring and review mechanism of accredited Non-State Actors.
This is to ensure that they stick to their mandates and demonstrate accountability, transparency and good governance in their affairs.
Further, cognisance of national legislations which govern the conduct of Non-State Actors should also be appreciated.
The Republic of Zimbabwe is currently awaiting the enactment of the Private Voluntary Organisations Bill, a legal instrument that allows the State to exercise its regulatory function while ensuring enhanced aid coordination and convergence of the work of development partners within the framework of the country’s national priorities.
</blockquote>
SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Mpedi Magosi, urged member states to expedite the signing of the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Establishment of a SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC). Said Magosi:
<blockquote>
SHOC’s mission is to coordinate humanitarian and emergency assistance to Member States in the Region affected by disasters, thereby contributing to disaster risk reduction and resilience building.
</blockquote>
The purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement is to establish SHOC and provide a legal foundation for its operation, <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/03/19/sadc-urged-to-monitor-non-state-actors/">reported ZBC News</a>.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Urges SADC Member States To Monitor NGOs

A Pretoria High Court order to grant 22 Afghans running away from the Taliban regime access to South Africa on asylum transit visas will stand.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed that Tuesday’s judgment is final, reported <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-03-01-afghans-fleeing-the-taliban-allowed-into-south-africa-as-asylum-seekers/">TimesLive</a>.
The spokesperson for the Department f Home Affairs, Siya Qoza, was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
The DHA will abide by the ruling of the court and take all necessary steps to give effect to the ruling.
The DHA will deal with the asylum applications during the asylum process.
The decision to abide shows the DHA respects the rule of law. However, this should not be interpreted as opening floodgates for spurious asylum claims.
The DHA will not hesitate to fight the cases in court, as it has done in this instance.
</blockquote>
Home Affairs had refused the Afghans entry into South Africa despite a court order that the government should grant them permission to seek asylum.
The order was issued after a United States-based Non-Governmental Organisation approached the High Court in Pretoria seeking the court to compel the SA government to grant asylum to the 22 Afghan nationals arguing that the group might be victimised by the Taliban regime.

22 Afghans Allowed Into South Africa As Asylum Seekers

President Emmerson Mnangagwa says he will “speedily” sign into law the Private Voluntary Organisation Bill (PVO) once it reaches his desk.
Writing in his weekly column in <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/i-am-going-to-sign-pvo-bill-president">The Sunday Mail</a> this week, Mnangagwa said no amount of pressure from foreign governments will stop the signing of the Bill into law.
The Bill was recently passed by Parliament, but some civic bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) immediately implored Mnangagwa to ignore it.
Critics argue that some provisions of the Bill may serve as the basis for restricting the operation of many NGOs.
However, Mnangagwa said the NGO sector “had become a veritable refuge for the deviant and wayward, and for actors with sinister motives”.
He said some Western countries preferred to work with and through particularly selected NGOs instead of working directly with the Zimbabwean government. Wrote the President:
<blockquote>
Why would foreign sovereigns seek to relate to another sovereign State through NGOs?
Foreigners must keep out, as we realise and fulfill our sovereignty through the laws we make for ourselves.
On that score, no amount of foreign noise will stop the passing of the PVO law which, in any case, has gone through our Parliament comprising all the elected parties and representatives of our country.
We do not enjoy democratic space or any of our freedoms through foreign NGOs; we enjoy them every day in the very society we have founded and built through our own blood and struggles.
This must sink in the minds of all those who solicitously involve themselves unduly in our legislative processes.
Let me repeat: once the Bill is cleaned and sent to my Office, I will sign it into law. Speedily, too!
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa said some of the NGOs had deviated from their mandate and there was no longer any accountability. He said:
<blockquote>
In spite of the clarity of the law then, and of terms and conditions for registration, some NGOs wilfully departed from their original, founding mandates.
Worse, many had become a law unto themselves, all in the name of defending and serving the poor.
Others abused resources donated to assist the poor to self-enrich themselves. Accountability had broken down and fortunes were being made in the name of our poor. That was callous.
</blockquote>

Mnangagwa Explains Why He Will "Speedily" Sign PVO Bill

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that he will sign the Private Voluntary Organisation Bill (PVO) into law once it reaches his desk.
The Bill was recently passed by Parliament, but some civic bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) immediately implored Mnangagwa to ignore it.
Critics argue that some provisions of the Bill may serve as the basis for restricting the operation of many NGOs.
In July last year, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/10/proposed-ngo-law-seeks-to-flush-out-dirty-money-says-ed/">Mnangagwa argued that the Bill is meant to flush out dirty money</a> and stop non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that seek to undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Writing in his weekly column in <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/i-am-going-to-sign-pvo-bill-president">The Sunday Mail</a> today, Mnangagwa said the new law will usher Zimbabwe into a new era of genuine philanthropic and advocacy work. He said:
<blockquote>
The Private Voluntary Organisation Bill, PVO Bill, has now passed the various stages of the legislative process.
It is now being cleaned up for my assent. I will sign it into law once it reaches my desk.
Thereafter, Zimbabwe will enter a new era of genuine philanthropic and advocacy work, unsullied by ulterior political or financial motives. This has been our goal as Government in drafting such a law.
To protect our society, specifically the needy and the vulnerable against the greed, wiles and subterfuges of the crooked, found both here at home and abroad.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa also said bona fide organisations “have nothing to fear”, as they could continue their work and vocation by serving the needy and poor. He added:
<blockquote>
Our churches have been at the forefront of doing humanitarian work. This Godly role must be nurtured, furthered and protected. 
To that end, governance structures envisaged by the new law for the sector will incorporate churches so they bring their honest, beneficent influence to bear on all actors.
</blockquote>
The President asserted that the law will “protect and defend our sovereignty from foreign interests”, who were increasingly using NGOs “to infiltrate and destabilise us”. He wrote:
<blockquote>
It is regrettable that a sector meant to do good for the weak and vulnerable has over the years got infiltrated and weaponised against our nation and our people, including the very poor in whose name and for whose benefit the sector arose to serve in the first place.
Any responsible Government would not stand idly by as this happened. Corrective action had to be taken to cure such mischief.
It has since been taken through this enabling legislation, which now empowers Government to protect the weak and vulnerable while fortifying our sovereignty against insidious encroachment by these hostile forces.
</blockquote>

Mnangagwa Vows To Sign Controversial PVO Bill Into Law

USAid Zimbabwe acting mission director Priscilla Sampil said that any law passed by the Zimbabwean government that restricts the operations of Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) and NGOs will negatively affect vulnerable people.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006897/senate-passes-pvos-billas-usaid-warns-of-funding-threat">NewsDay</a> on Thursday after the Senate passed the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) Amendment Bill, Sampil said USAid has provided US$4.5 billion in support to Zimbabwe since 1980. She said:
<blockquote>
USAID remains committed to working with and supporting the people of Zimbabwe through assistance programs that promote a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic society.
This work is conducted through international partners as well as local PVOs and NGOs to ensure they benefit the people in need.
Without commenting on the contents of any proposed legislation, we note that anything that restricts the ability of these organisations to operate, and anything that creates a sense of trepidation or uncertainty among them, is likely to be unhelpful.
USAID has provided over $4.5 billion in assistance to Zimbabwe since 1980. US investments of more than $1.3 billion since 2006 to fight HIV and AIDS have contributed to an 80% decline in the annual number of HIV-related deaths.
</blockquote>
The PVOs Amendment Bill now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s assent to become law.
The Bill has been criticised by opposition parties and civic groups who argued that it will restrict the democratic space.
The proposed law will reportedly give broad powers to the government to control the operations of civil society organisations (CSOs).

PVOs Amendment Bill... Enacting Restrictive Laws Unhelpful, Says USAID

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavima, has said the government has not deregistered any Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) operating in the country.
In an interview with the Zimpapers Television Network’s The Chase programme on Thursday night, Mavima said the government has identified and informed 391 NGOs who are non-compliant with the dictates of the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act to regularise their operations.
He said the identified NGOs, whose figure was 450 last year but has come down to 391, still have a chance to regularise their operations before the Government gazettes their deregistration. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
The list still gives them an opportunity to regularise before we gazette, for now, we haven’t gazetted but soon we will be gazetting.
We have given them a very long rope but once we gazette they will then have to apply afresh to operate.
</blockquote>
He also denied claims that the listing of non-compliant NGOs was done based on the amended PVO Act, saying the process to amend the law has not been completed. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
The new Act’s amendment process has not been completed and a lot of people have been saying there is a draconian action by Government in line with the new Act and we have started to see the implementation of that Act which is going to constrain civil society space.
The Act has always been there and just like in any other country, it provides a criterion for registration for anyone who wants to operate a PVO.
It sets the requirements needed, a management arrangement, provides annual reports to the PVO board, audited financial statements and keeps within the mandate that you said you wanted to operate in and also to confine yourself to the geographical space that you said you want to operate from. This is standard procedure, everywhere.
</blockquote>
Mavima said Zimbabwe has only deregistered two NGOs last year for national security reasons.
He said one of the NGOs had said they wanted to provide services to children and started constructing schools and after that started teaching fundamentalism in those schools.
Mavima also explained that Jairos Jiri Association, which is among the 291 NGOs that were listed, has over the years been unbundled and become a number of organisations offering various services.
He said some of the offshoots have complied while others are now defunct. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/minister-clarifies-ngos-deregistration/">Chronicle</a>

"The 391 NGOs Have Not Been Deregistered"

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has condemned the government’s decision to de-register 291 private voluntary organisations (PVOs).
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said the PVOs were deregistered for different reasons but mainly because of their failure to submit audited financial statements.
CiZC spokesperson Obert Masaraure said the development will result in job losses and this will have a negative impact on livelihoods. Masaraure said:
<blockquote>
This is quite an unfortunate development that will negatively impact the lives of ordinary citizens; especially given the fact that most of these organisations are working in the field of social welfare.
We also have to be alive of the negative economic impacts of this move and the fact that jobs will be lost, and again this will impact negatively on livelihoods.
Government should consider the welfare of the suffering masses before implementing decisions that impact on people’s welfare.
We would also like to highlight the fact that the push to amend the PVOs Act is a sure sign that the government is determined to close down operating space for civil society organisations.
Government is keen to instill fear into civil society organisations that are undertaking their genuine role of holding the government to account.
We implore the government to respect the work of civil society organisations and to recognise their huge contribution to the strengthening of democracy, good governance and economic prosperity.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to comply with the requirements of the law to avoid being de-registered. He said:
<blockquote>
Information gathered by NANGO regarding the motivation and reasons for deregistration is mainly failure to comply with the PVO Act (17:05) Section 5(e), which requires PVOs to submit annual returns (audited financial reports and annual narrative reports) of which failure to submit these for three consecutive years may result in your certificate being terminated.
We urge all our members not to panic. However, we encourage all PVOs to submit their returns annually as a compliance requirement in order to avoid any risk of being deregistered.
</blockquote>
The de-registered organisations were ordered to surrender their certificates of operation to the government. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006534/outrage-as-govt-deregisters-291-pvos">NewsDay</a>

Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition Denounces Govt's Decision To De-register 291 PVOs

The majority of the 291 private voluntary organisations recently deregistered by the Registrar of Private Voluntary Organisations had not submitted their annual returns as required by the Private Voluntary Organisations Act, a cabinet minister has said.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/291-ngos-fail-to-comply-with-regulations/">The Herald</a>, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said the PVOs were deregistered for different reasons but mainly because of their failure to submit audited financial statements. He said:
<blockquote>
The reasons for deregistration vary from one organisation to another, but basically, most of them failed to submit the needed annual returns as mandated by the Act.
Typically, you will find that on rare occasions there are issues of national security, but those are very rare.
The main problem was people biting off more than they could chew.
People just register but they do not deliver on their mandate, and also some cannot keep up with the requirements for reporting, and therefore they end up being deregistered.
For example, they say they want to provide services to vulnerable people, maybe children, maybe elderly people.
They bring brilliant ideas, but on implementation, they find that they cannot get the resources that are needed and they cannot keep up with the requirements.
That is to say bring the report on an annual basis, and bring audited financial statements.
As a result, they fail to comply, let alone deliver on the mandate so they end up being deregistered because they have not fulfilled the requirements for registration.
</blockquote>
The registrar of the PVOs had earlier announced the cancellation of the certificates of the delisted organisations for not complying with what the Act required. It said in a statement:
<blockquote>
The Registrar of Private Voluntary Organisations in conjunction with the Private Voluntary Organisation Board has noted with concern that a number of registered private voluntary organisations are not complying with the prescribed expectations of their operations, as outlined in terms of the Private Voluntary Organisation Act (Chapter 17:05).
Accordingly, the Registrar of Private Voluntary Organisations and the Private Voluntary Organisation Board have therefore deregistered 291 organisations that were found to be non-compliant with the provisions of the Private Voluntary Organisation Act.
</blockquote>

Govt De-registers 291 Non-governmental Organisations

Afghanistan’s rulers, the Taliban, on Saturday, 24 December ordered all national and international NGOs to stop their women employees from working after “serious complaints” about their dress code.
The spokesperson of the country’s Ministry of Economy told AFP that the ban followed “serious complaints” about women’s dress code.
A notification sent to all NGOs, a copy of which was obtained by AFP and confirmed by a ministry spokesman, read:
<blockquote>
There have been serious complaints regarding the non-observance of the Islamic hijab and other rules and regulations pertaining to the work of females in national and international organisations.
The ministry of economy … instructs all organisations to stop females working until further notice.
</blockquote>
Saturday’s order came less than a week after the Minister of Higher Education banned women from attending universities.
Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban has progressively imposed harsh restrictions on women.
Afghanistan is the only country on the planet where women are not allowed to go to university. | <a href="https://ewn.co.za/0001/01/01/taliban-ban-women-from-working-in-national-international-ngos-ministry">EWN</a>

Taliban Ban Women From Working In NGOs

ZANU PF says Zimbabwe doesn’t need non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as they have not brought about any tangible development to the country.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Tuesday, ZANU PFspokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said NGOs “can go to hell” adding that they don’t play any important role other than giving food handouts. He said:
<blockquote>
To hell with those NGOs who have nothing to offer in Zimbabwe. There is no role played by NGOs in terms of Zimbabwe’s development and nothing can be credited to them.
There is no traceable study where NGOs have delivered production in Zimbabwe, like car manufacturing companies. What is their role if they don’t give food handouts?
</blockquote>
However, Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika said civil society plays a key role in sustainable development. Said Kika:
<blockquote>
I am afraid to say he does not understand what development is, particularly sustainable development, which is impossible without civil society.
</blockquote>
Human development, the most important development, has people at the centre, and one cannot wish away civil society in that matrix.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure said ZANU PF is using NGOs as a scapegoat for its failures. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000797/go-to-hell-zanu-pf-tells-us-ngos">NewsDay</a>

NGOs Can "Go To Hell," Says ZANU PF

The government has established committees in the country’s districts to monitor non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and ensure that they do not deviate from their mandate.
This was revealed by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare deputy minister Lovemore Matuke on Thursday while responding to senators who wanted to know why the government was targeting NGOs. Said Matuke:
<blockquote>
What we have done as a ministry is, we have got a committee at the district level, it is an inter-ministerial committee which is at every district and also has the duty to monitor the operations of NGOs.
Every NGO which provides anything to any community has to go through that committee and also when they go out there to give whatever they want to give, they seek approval from our offices.
Those who deviate from their mandate, normally we delist them, but we can only do that when we get reports that this NGO has deviated from its mandate.
Sometimes we get information from the local councillors as to whether the NGOs are following their mandates because I can see your question is that there are NGOs that go out there not to help people, but to do things which are a bit evil in terms of politicising, maybe whatever they will be giving.
If we get knowledge of any of those NGOs, the ministry will not hesitate to delist the NGO from our books so that they will not continue with their operations.
</blockquote>
The Government is currently crafting the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill which seeks to regulate the operations of NGOs in the country.
Critics say the Bill, which is currently before the National Assembly, will result in employees at civic society organisations losing their jobs and also constrict the democratic space if it is passed in its current form.
However, the Government has defended the Bill, saying will fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000303/govt-monitors-hostile-ngos">NewsDay</a>

Govt Monitoring Operations Of NGOs

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has defended the controversial Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill saying it is meant to flush out dirty money and stop non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that seek to undermine the country’s sovereignty.
In December 2021, four United Nations special rapporteurs wrote a letter to Mnangagwa raising concerns about the Amendment Bill.
They said some provisions of the Bill may serve as the basis for restricting the operation of many NGOs, including human rights groups, currently operating as Universitas organizations.
But writing in his weekly column in <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/foster-peace-president-urges-church">The Sunday Mail,</a> Mnangagwa said the law will “flush out dirty money” being laundered through some NGOs. He said:
<blockquote>
What the Bill seeks to do is to stop mischief which has often sought to take advantage of the poor and situations of need in the country.
Additionally, it seeks to flush out dirty money, which is often laundered through some PVOs …
Above all, it seeks to stop the subversion of national processes by foreign actors who often front political NGOs.
Electoral processes are solely for citizens; they should never come under the undue influence of outsiders who hold no legitimate stake in our country.
To allow that to happen undermines our sovereignty and the integrity of those processes.
</blockquote>
The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill proposes that the Minister will undertake a risk assessment of all PVOs at least once every five years.
Based on a risk assessment, the Minister may decide that certain sectors or types of PVOs are at high risk of being used by terrorist organizations for their nefarious activities.
The UN officials said the risk assessment designation is vague and gives the Minister broad powers that he may use to limit the civic space. Their letter to Mnangagwa, dated 17 December 2021, read in part:
<blockquote>
The ambiguity of the risk assessment designation as provided in the Amendment Bill is particularly worrisome in light of the broad power granted to the Minister to “prescribe such additional or special requirements, obligations or measures” to a high-risk entity.
The power to “revoke licensing or registration of a non-compliant private voluntary organization or to order removal of a director, trustee, employee or other office bearer of a private voluntary organizations” may have a particular chilling effect on civic space.
We are seriously concerned that the overall prospective impact of the Amendment Bill, would likely be detrimental to civic space in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>

Proposed NGO Law Seeks To Flush Out Dirty Money, Says ED

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday threatened to expel Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that have deviated from their mandate and are now meddling in politics.
Mnangagwa made the remarks while addressing ZANU PF supporters at a rally held at Chaminuka Primary School in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza yesterday. He said:
<blockquote>
Non-governmental organisations in this country who do not follow our mandate, I will chase them away from this country.
They must just do what they profess, what they declared they want to do in this country, this country can do without them.
</blockquote>
President Mnangagwa’s administration is currently working on the controversial Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, 2021, a proposed law that seeks to control the operations of NGOs in the country.
The Government says proposed amendments seek to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism in Zimbabwe through Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs).
However, activists insist the proposed amendments will interfere with the operations of NGOs if passed into law.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mnangagwa-threatens-to-expel-ngos/">New Zimbabwe</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Threatens To Expel 'Meddling' NGOs

Harare Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC), Tafadzwa Muguti, said that NGOs and Trusts that have failed to comply with a directive to present their credentials to his office by 30 June 2021 will be forced to cease operations until they comply.
Last month Muguti directed all Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Private Voluntary organisations (PVOs), Trusts and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in the province to submit their work plans for the year 2021 to his office as they would be reporting to him.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/harare-pdc-tafadzwa-muguti-cracks-whip-on-ngos/">Harare PDC, Tafadzwa Muguti, Cracks Whip On NGOs</a></li>
</ul>
In a memorandum dated 29 July 2021, Muguti revealed the 40 NGOs that complied with the directive. He said:
<blockquote>
The enlisted NGOs have been permitted to conduct their operations within Harare Metropolitan Province subject to them complying with the outlined procedures.
Those that failed to comply with the request on the 30 of June 2021 shall with immediate effect be stopped by law enforcement from conducting any operations whatsoever until they fully comply with the policy.
</blockquote>
The organisations that have complied with the directive are:
<ol>
<li>Junior Achievement Zimbabwe (JAZ)</li>
<li>Action Aid Zimbabwe</li>
<li>Adult Rape Clinic</li>
<li>KATSWE-Sista-hood</li>
<li>Birdlife Zimbabwe</li>
<li>Kunashe Foundation</li>
<li>CARITAS Zimbabwe</li>
<li>Legal Resource Foundation</li>
<li>Childline Zimbabwe</li>
<li>Mwenje Wedu Child Care</li>
<li>Cancer Serve</li>
<li>Netherlands Development Organization</li>
<li>Chiedza Chenyika</li>
<li>Mwana Wedu Child Care</li>
<li>Consolidated Africa Services PVO</li>
<li>Plan International</li>
<li>Destiny Mission Organization</li>
<li>Pangae Zimbabwe AIDS Trust</li>
<li>Deborah’s Heart Foundation</li>
<li>Restless Development</li>
<li>Danchurch Aid</li>
<li>Robina Times Trust</li>
<li>Family Bonds Foundation</li>
<li>Shamwari Yemwanasikana</li>
<li>Faith In Community Aiders (FICA)</li>
<li>SAYWHAT</li>
<li>Family Support Trust</li>
<li>The Future of Hope Foundation</li>
<li>Goal Zimbabwe</li>
<li>The Hospice and Palliative Care Association</li>
<li>Helpline Zimbabwe</li>
<li>Worthy Work Care Trust</li>
<li>Harare Wetlands Trust</li>
<li>Youth Advocates</li>
<li>Harare Residents Trust</li>
<li>Zimbabwe Old People ASSOCIATION (ZOPA)</li>
<li>Integrated Sustainable Livelihoods</li>
<li>Zimbabwe Young Positives</li>
<li>Zimbabwe National Network of People</li>
<li>Justice For Children Living With HIV (ZNNP+)</li>
</ol>
<h4>More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Harare PDC, Tafadzwa Muguti, Bans Noncompliant NGOs

Humanitarian Non-governmental organisations are saying it’s now difficult to operate in rural areas. According to CITE, District Administrators want them to sign new MOUs reveal their source of funding and yearly budgets.
Below is a screenshot of one such MOU:
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDmWXWIX4AEzLT-?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>

NGOs Now Find It Difficult To Operate In Rural Areas

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) claims a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) last month cancelled their programming following threats by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that government would go after NGOs who organised the January protests.
In a report, ZPP said programming of many NGOs was disturbed following Mnangagwa’s statements. Said ZPP:
<blockquote>Following the utterances of the President, NGOs have been forced by circumstances to cancel some of their programming, as a result, the operating space has become volatile and unsafe for most programming. ZPP is concerned about the continued blame game targeting civic society organisations (CSOs) that have been described as regime change agents by the government, in the aftermath of the violent protests as this tarnishes the role and efforts made by CSOs in supporting engagements towards building lasting peace in Zimbabwe.</blockquote>
<hr/>
 
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/27/ngos-accused-of-working-with-westerners-to-force-mnangagwa-into-gnu-or-transitional-authority/" rel="bookmark">NGOs Accused Of Working With Westerners To Force Mnangagwa Into GNU Or Transitional Authority</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/20/govt-denies-mnangagwa-threatened-to-track-down-lawyers-doctors/" rel="bookmark">Govt Denies Mnangagwa Threatened To Track Down Lawyers, Doctors</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/17/mnangagwa-promises-to-deal-with-doctors-and-nurses-who-treated-shutdownzim-protestors/" rel="bookmark">Mnangagwa Promises To Deal With Doctors And Nurses Who Treated ‘ShutDownZim’ Protestors</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/03/ngos-cancel-programmes-after-ed-threats/">NewsDay</a>

NGOs Cancel Programmes Following Mnangagwa's Threats

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Sekai Nzenza said they are investigating some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for funding and inciting the stay away which turned violent on Monday.
Implicated NGOs include Crisis Coalition, Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights and Abammeli Human Rights Network. Nzenza warned that Government will revoke licences for NGOs found guilty. Said Nzenza:
<blockquote>Let me reiterate that NGOs must comply with the mandate they have agreed with my ministry and stop meddling in politics. We will look closely into allegations levelled against some of these NGOs and if any of them is found on the wrong side, we will not hesitate to revoke their licence.</blockquote>
<hr/>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/01/17/mdc-alliance-ngos-will-pay-riot-looting-damages-government-says/">MDC-Alliance &amp; NGOs Will Pay Riot Looting &amp; Damages, Government Says</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/27/ngos-accused-of-working-with-westerners-to-force-mnangagwa-into-gnu-or-transitional-authority/">NGOs Accused Of Working With Westerners To Force Mnangagwa Into GNU Or Transitional Authority</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/14/mdc-blasts-govt-for-threatening-to-de-register-ngos-dabbling-in-politics/">MDC Blasts Govt For Threatening To De-register NGOs Dabbling In Politics</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/03/29/stay-out-of-politics-mnangagwa-warns-ngos/">Stay Out Of Politics: Mnangagwa Warns NGOs</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-to-probe-ngos-inciting-violence/">Herald</a>

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