The Zimbabwe government of President Mnangagwa is determined to push through controversial amendments to the law governing Private Voluntary Organisation. The Bill was first introduced in November 2021 “to counter terrorism and prohibit political lobbying from non-government organisations.”
Following various submissions and public hearings, consultations with the Minister concerned were held in June 2022, whereupon new amendments were added. Stakeholders thereupon claimed these consultations were held in bad faith. The recent amendments, which also introduced additional punitive, criminal and civil penalties, were not in the original Bill and thus had not been debated in public in terms of the constitution. They were seen by critics as a “serious threat” to Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) that exposed the state’s human rights violations and to freedom of speech and association. NGOs that protect human rights and demand government accountability are thereby facing the “chop”.
They therefore clamoured for the bill’s withdrawal and the publication of a new bill for public debate in terms of the constitution. The response of a senior government party functionary was negative. He accused NGOs to pretend they are providing hunger relief, but were under foreign control planning “regime change”. He threatened them of ending their activities, with only NGOs allowed to function that assist the country’s development.
The next hearing will take place on 20/21 August, when the bill is likely to be passed to the detriment of the people. It cannot be forgotten that 2023 will bring elections, when the zanu-PF government has to fend off strong opposition.