The contentious Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill has moved closer to becoming law after clearing the Senate. It now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s approval to be enacted.
Human rights activists and opposition groups have raised concerns that once signed, the bill will significantly limit the operations of civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government critics in Zimbabwe.
Initially passed by the Senate in February 2023, the bill was later sent back by President Mnangagwa for further review.
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According to NewsDay, Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, while addressing senators, stated that the bill introduces a regulatory board responsible for overseeing the registration and operations of charitable entities in the country.
The revised amendments, which received approval from the National Assembly, provide clearer guidelines on existing charitable organisations and outline the registration procedures.
Ziyambi explained that under the transitional provision, all charitable entities must submit their registration documents within three months of the law taking effect. However, this does not mean immediate registration, as the process may take longer.
The registrar, who is a member of the regulatory board, will report to the board, and all registration matters will be reviewed during board meetings for approval or further action.
Ziyambi defended the three-month timeline, stating it allows organisations enough time to submit applications while ensuring the process is not unnecessarily delayed.
Furthermore, he assured that entities would have the right to seek legal recourse if they are dissatisfied with any registration decisions.
Under the new regulations, all PVOs and NGOs will be required to register with the Registrar’s Office, which will have the authority to approve, deny, or impose conditions on applications, with limited avenues for appeal.
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