By Thobekile Khumalo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has threatened to oust Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the country claiming they interfere in political issues.
Addressing a Zanu PF campaign rally in St Mary’s in Chitungwiza on Wednesday, Mnangagwa said NGOs that defy the government’s policies will be chased out of the country.
“NGOs who do not follow the mandate of this country and what they claim to be about will be chased out of the country because we can do without them,” he said.
The PVO bill provides the government with too much power to control and interfere in NGOs governance and operations.
Among other things, the proposed law would have the effect of criminalising the work of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Zimbabwe by proposing harsh penalties, including jail time of up to one year for NGO Registration framework related perceived offences.
The Bill also gives the government and the minister responsible for CSOs and Trusts excessive power, which will enable them to interfere with the operations of these NGOs. It further gives the responsible minister the power to make an application to the High Court to appoint one or more persons of choice as trustees to run the affairs of an organization which is excessive intervention of the government in the administration of NGOs.
