Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013’.
Harare – The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) joins the rest of the African continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child (DAC). The commemoration of the DAC is mainly to recall the 1976 uprisings in Soweto, South Africa when high-school students started protesting against apartheid-inspired education which resulted in the public killing of these unarmed young protesters by police officials. Thus, as we commemorate this day, we are indeed celebrating the progress that Africa has made since the celebration of the DAC in 2013.
This year sees the celebration of the DAC under the theme, “Eliminating harmful practices affecting children progress on Policy & Practices since 2013”. The theme resonates well with the work and mandate of NANGO whose focus is to promote, co-ordinate and organise, where necessary, the participation and contributions of NGOs in Zimbabwe in the social, economic, and political development of the Zimbabwean people. The association, therefore, focuses on creating platforms where Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the community can be actively involved in policy formulation and lobby and advocate for the successful implementation of these policies to achieve the ZIMBABWEAN WE WANT. In this regard, the commemorations aim to re-evaluate the approaches, policies, programs, and legislation that have been adopted to end harmful practices by the African Union Member States since the celebration of DAC 2013. Further, the commemoration also provides an occasion for Governments, NGOs, CSOs, and other relevant stakeholders to renew their ongoing engagements towards the protection and assistance of children affected by harmful practices.
NANGO recognises the numerous policies that have been developed by the continent in a bid to deal with harmful practices affecting children at both country and continental levels. Of note are the Agenda 2030, Agenda 2040, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children (ACRWC), Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 (target 5.3) and Section 81 of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Children’s Act, Child Protection Policy among other policies, instruments, and regulations. In light of this, NANGO calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to continue adopting and promulgating policies and measures that ensure that every child is protected from violence, abuse or torture and be protected from harmful cultural practices, exploitation and all forms of abuse.
Also, the association recognises the devastating effects the covid-19 pandemic has had on the gains the children’s sector had made in terms of advancing children’s protection in Zimbabwe and Africa at large. The pandemic increased the number of school dropouts, especially in rural areas, child marriages, increased inequalities, reduced access to health services and products, and gender-based violence due to covid-19 induced lockdowns and regulations. The pandemic coupled with natural disasters and harsh economic conditions has also affected resulted in increased high inflation rates which directly impacts children’s access to basic human needs and wants such as food, shelter, quality education among other things. With the country rallying for the upcoming elections in 2023, the political environment is more prone to political violence and civil unrest and hence we reiterate the need to maintain peace and security towards this period and continue respecting basic human rights for children.
NANGO applauds the efforts that CSOs have made so far in a bid to address the many challenges affecting children across the country. To note, the recent review of the age of consent from 16 to 18 years is clearly a move in the right direction illegal child marriages. We, therefore, commend these achievements and also, aim to echo the need for CSOs to continue their work in lobbying and advocating for the respect and protection of children’s rights. In this regard, there is a need to explore more opportunities among child protection actors for dialogue, sharing of information, and sharing of values, skills, experiences, and competencies.
The association, on this day, proposes the following recommendations;
To Government:
To CSOs:
To the Media:
NANGO is the coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is the umbrella body for Non-Governmental Organisations and was established in 1962. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector, and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe. Here is to the African Child on our Day.
For further engagement during this period please do not hesitate to get in touch with NANGO Acting Executive Director Ernest Nyimai at director.nango@gmail.com, NANGO Board Chairperson Lamiel BK Phiri at lamielbkp@gmail.com or NANGO Board Secretary Michael Ndiweni at bulawayovendors@gmail.com.
CIVICUS speaks about a proposed NGO bill and the threat it represents for Zimbabwean civil society with Ernest Nyimai, the Acting Executive Director of Zimbabwe’s National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO).
NANGO is the umbrella body of civil society organisations (CSOs) operating in Zimbabwe, mandated by its membership to coordinate CSO activities, represent the sector and strengthen its voice.
How do you think the proposed NGO bill would affect civic space in Zimbabwe?
In our view as the umbrella body of CSOs operating in Zimbabwe, the proposed Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) Amendment Bill presents the danger of further shrinking civic space should it sail through in its current form. The bill will put at further risk the fundamental freedoms that civil society is supposed to have to be able to do its work to improve people’s lives. This is due to quite significant proposed amendments that in our view are repressive.
Currently, more than 60 per cent of NANGO members are legally registered as trusts, and some are registered under Common Law Universitas. If this bill is passed as it is, they will be automatically deregistered and required to apply for re-registration under the new proposed PVO guidelines.
The PVO Amendment Bill proposes to criminalise CSOs that support, oppose or finance a political party or candidate. The clause does not clearly specify what supporting or opposing a political party or candidates entails. If a CSO opposes a party’s policy or governance practice, does this amount to opposing a political party? If a CSO gives legal support in an election challenge, does this amount to supporting a political party or candidate? This provision can be abused, especially against CSOs that work on democracy, governance and human rights issues. This provision is contrary to the right to the freedom of association provided for in section 58 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The imposition of harsh penalties such as imprisonment for violation of this provision without any justification or regard to civil remedies or administrative fines is grossly arbitrary.
Another reason the PVO bill can affect civic space is that it is phrased in a way that would make room for selective application during its administration. If an organisation is deemed to be operating outside its mandate, its board can be immediately suspended and an interim one can be appointed to act in its stead while a final decision is made. But procedures are not clear, so there is room for the responsible minister, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, to arbitrarily suspend an organisation’s board due to personal interests. This kind of interference in the operation of CSOs would limit their independence and autonomy.
The PVO bill was prompted as a way to ensure compliance with Recommendation 8 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which requires governments to review the adequacy of laws and regulations that govern non-profit organisations so that these organisations cannot be abused for money laundering and financing of terrorism. But in my view, the government deployed an omnibus approach to pursue many other interests besides the fulfilment of FATF Recommendation 8 requirements.
The bill in fact violates the FATF’s balanced approach, which stipulates the need to maintain an enabling operating environment to fulfil FATF requirements. The government has not concluded a risk assessment indicating which CSOs are at risk of being used for money laundering and financing terrorism. This is the ideal procedure as required by FATF to ensure the application of the risk-based approach to mitigating vulnerabilities to money laundering and financing of terrorism.
How would the PVO Bill, if implemented, affect NANGO’s work?
NANGO is registered under the existing PVO Act. But if the amendment bill goes into effect, many of our members will be automatically deregistered, which will have immediate repercussions on NANGO, whose greatest strength is precisely our membership. Besides, there are various clauses that impose sanctions and restrictions in terms of programming areas and NANGO is of no exception to this potential criminalisation of CSO work.
The new legislation will also weaken our eligibility for funding due to increased government interference in the operations of CSOs. The donor agencies we work with require recipient organisations to be independent and autonomous for the purposes of grant compliance. But the implementation of the new proposed PVO Amendment bill will potentially affect our independence and limit our autonomy. Development partners and donors may decide to stop funding CSOs in Zimbabwe if they view it as becoming too risky.
As CSOs we exist to protect the rights and dignity of people. If the new bill forces many CSOs to stop operating, the vulnerability of communities they serve and human rights abuses will likely increase. We need CSOs to continue working and defending people’s rights in an enabling operating environment. CSOs promote and protect human rights, but through the increased surveillance of CSO operations by security agencies, many activists, human rights defenders and civil society members will be abducted and tortured, and the security threat will increase.
How is civil society responding to this threat?
We have used a multifaceted approach, taking advantage of the various strengths we have as a large and diverse group of organisations. In the initial stages, we tried to push back against the PVO bill in many ways, including through litigation to expose the ways in which it would violate constitutional provisions. We also assessed the bill against the core humanitarian standards that we adhere to as CSOs.
Unfortunately, the bill has nonetheless progressed, so we are currently conducting scenario planning in which the law might be passed. Most of our efforts are focused on engaging, having a dialogue and negotiating with government officials for revision of repressive clauses of the bill. The bill is currently being debated in parliament following its second reading, so we are also advocating with parliamentarians to get them to really understand how this bill is going to affect the work of CSOs and those they work with.
We are also engaging with the body that administers the PVO Act, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, which played a key role in drafting the bill. We are trying to engage it in discussing the potential political, social and economic impacts of the bill. CSOs are a significant contributor of foreign currency in Zimbabwe: close to one billion dollars per year are coming in the form of official development assistance that is channelled towards various programmes implemented by CSOs. CSOs employ around 18,000 people. If they shut down or their activities are limited, barriers to overcoming unemployment will rise. Our desire and hope is to have an enabling instrument guaranteeing the space for civil society to continue its good work.
How can the international community help Zimbabwean civil society?
Zimbabwe is a member of various regional and continental organisations, which we have used to our advantage. We have engaged with regional and continental pressure groups, and especially the FATF, and they have shared their technical expertise on advocacy and lobbying, while also leveraging their convening power to help us engage with our government.
The international community should continue to assist us as mediators, especially in light of the hostility and limited confidence and trust between civil society and the government. It is very important that they highlight how the bill will affect the general role of CSOs in Zimbabwe. There is also politicisation of CSO work due to misinterpretation of the general role of CSOs in the national development discourse. For example, civil society has the key responsibility of holding the government accountable and advocating for people’s rights, and this bill threatens our ability to fulfil it. We need regional, continental and global organisations to help us advocate with the Zimbabwean government to ensure an enabling operating environment for civil society in line with the ‘whole of society’ approach that the government subscribes to.
Civic space in Zimbabwe is rated ‘repressed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor.
Get in touch with NANGO through its website or Facebook page, or by emailing , and follow @ErnestNyimai and @nangozimbabwe on Twitter.
Harare – The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), the umbrella body of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe joins the rest of the African continent in celebrating Africa Day. On the 25th of May 1963, Africa made history by establishing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) the precursor to the African Union (AU). The day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the coming together of African states as they sought to achieve greater unity across the continent, and accelerate the political, economic and socio-cultural integration of Africa as a whole. Thus, as we commemorate this day, we are indeed celebrating the successes of AU in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made since the establishment of AU in 1963.
NANGO recognises the numerous instrument that have been developed by the continent in a bid to deal with the political, economic, social and trade challenges. Of note are the Agenda 2030, Agenda 2063, Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) among others. These instruments are key to addressing extreme poverty, inequalities, conflicts and diseases on the continent. However, the implementation of these instruments was heavily disrupted by the novel coronavirus which started in December 2019. The progress that the continent had made in successfully implementing these strategies has been lost and the continent sees itself once more grappling with extreme poverty, poor living standards due to poor economies, high inequalities and increased levels of conflicts. At the moment, there exists increased conflicts across the continent due high levels of immigration as people have been forced to look for greener pastures elsewhere. As an association, we continue to request governments to find sustainable means to address these issues.
To note is the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) that was established by government of the AU and heads of state at their 18th Ordinary Session which fits well with the Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This acts as an instrumental strategy if successfully implemented and domesticated since it will result in economic growth of the continent. The African Development Bank (AFDB) estimates that if fully implemented it could boost Africa’s income by $450 billion, bring 30 million people out of poverty and raise the incomes of 68 million others who live on less than #5.50 a day. Further, the AFDB forecasts benefits such as industrialisation, increased FDI flows, reduced dumping and unfair trade practices, structural transformation and sustained growth. Thus, we advocate for the duly domestication and implementation of the ACFTA so as to achieve the Agenda 2063 and an integrated prosperous and peaceful continent.
We note that the continent, besides the coronavirus pandemic, is also suffering from the effects of climate change as evidenced by increases in natural disasters with the Southern Africa region hit by five storms after being hit by Cyclone Idai and Cyclone Kenneth in 2019. Even though these disasters occurred in different periods, they left devastating impacts on the continent with families separated with their loved ones, property destroyed, millions displaced and thousands killed. Thus, the continent is still trying to recover from these deadly storms yet the of concern is that the World Meteorological Organisation warned that up to 12 cyclones could hit Southern Africa before the end of the season.
As we celebrate Africa Day, we also take cognisant of these challenges that ravage our societies resulting in socially, economically, politically and environmentally dysfunctional societies. The unity that was demonstrated by our founding fathers, who set the foundation of the AU unity and inclusion is still as important today as it was back then. We encourage our governments to accelerate implementation of the continental instruments, which are critical in transforming our continent into the Africa We Want.
Africa is blessed with natural minerals and human resources that are key in contributing towards inclusive and sustainable development where all segments of the societies realise their social, economic, political rights in a progressive manner. We reiterate the need for more inclusive democratic processes that ensure that ‘No One is Left Behind’ and ‘No Place is left Behind’ by including women, youths, children, persons with disabilities, indigenes, elderly, amongst other disenfranchised groups and marginalised places/states. We also reiterate the need for the continent to develop effective disaster management and relief policies so as to cater for the people affected by natural disasters.
As Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) we are heavily concerned about politically motivated violence, stifling legal frameworks targeting civic organisations, politicisation of public offices, high levels of corruption, lack of transparency and accountability, legal frameworks stifling freedom of speech and freedom of the press as well as lack of trust between governments, its people and CSOs. These factors contribute significantly to shrinkage of civic and democratic space across Africa. The continent should ensure that there is a conducive civil society operating environment and strengthened synergies between government and civil society as the two stakeholders are key in driving development in Africa.
NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is the largest umbrella body for Non-Governmental Organisations and was established in 1962. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe. Hunger in Africa should be confronted collectively and nutrition is key to a healthy population thus our focus in 2022. Here is to Africa on our Day.
For further engagement during this period please don’t hesitate to get in touch with NANGO Acting Executive Director Ernest Nyimai at director.nango@gmail.com, NANGO Board Chairperson Lamiel BK Phiri at lamielbkp@gmail.com or NANGO Board Secretary Michael Ndiweni at bulawayovendors@gmail.com.
Harare – The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) notes with great concern the ongoing incidents of intimidation, harassment and violence against foreign nationals, including the brutal killing of Elvis Nyathi, a father of four children, in Diepsloot in the Johannesburg metropolitan area as a domestic worker.
The murder of Nyathi came after the locals had earlier protested against increased numbers of crimes in their area which they said were being committed by foreign nationals. South Africa is home to millions of immigrants, mainly from Lesotho, Namibia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe etc. However, violence does not necessarily result in the reduction of the crime rate but rather adds to the already high numbers which is against what South African locals are fighting for.
In the recent past, movements such as Put South Africans First and Operation Dudula have forced immigrants who they suspected to be undocumented/illegal to produce their papers. Inasmuch as the locals are doing what they feel is right, it is of utmost importance to be guided accordingly and respect the Constitution of South Africa.
It is crucial to note that the South African Government has ratified several international human rights and refugee instruments that are an integral part of national law. In this regard, the human rights of all persons residing in South Africa regardless of nationality must be respected.
The association stands by recent statements by both Zimbabwean and South African Government representations who have come out and condemned actions of violence against foreign nationals. The government of South Africa has also urged its citizens to respect the rule of law and not take the law into their own hands. The denunciations are greatly appreciated but we are urging both governments to find sustainable means to deal with the issue at hand.
For interviews and media enquiries, please contact Dr Lamiel BK Phiri, NANGO Board Chairperson at lamielbkp@gmail.com or +263772394631.
Uncertainty, Abuse and Infringement of Workers’ Rights
Harare – The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) joins our nation and the rest of the world in honouring workers across the globe. It is worth noting that we are commemorating this important day in the midst of various challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, deteriorating welfare of workers in various sectors of the economies and poor working environment within different economic sectors of the nation. The day, ideally, is supposed to be a celebration of the work being undertaken by workers in different sectors as we fight to achieve the Agenda 2030 and attain sustainable development for the country and the globe at large.
The association take this opportunity to salute Zimbabwean workers and millions of their colleagues across the globe on the frontline who have continued with the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, saving lives in the process. Further, we salute our labour force for their continued dedication despite having to deal with poor working conditions, low salaries and low recognition of their work especially by those with the responsibility to ensure that workers’ needs are taken care of.
Also, NANGO take this opportunity to celebrate workers in the NGO Sector who have continuously put dedication to their humanitarian efforts even though faced with the shrinking operating environment. We are cognisant of the numerous challenges that the NGO workers are facing such as the pending PVO Amendment Bill, Covid-19 pandemic, and the decrease in funding opportunities. We appreciate the continued support that workers in the NGO sector have been offering to communities as they complement government efforts in building the Zimbabwe We Want. The service you provided exceeded all expectations. Thus, your dedication is imperative for the sustainable development of our country in the spirit of Leaving No One Behind and Leaving No Place Behind. We say “Thank you, and keep up with the good work to everyone involved”.
As we celebrate workers today, the current situation in our country reminds us of how far we have to go insofar as catering for the labour force. The covid-19 pandemic had adverse effects on the labour sector. Businesses and institutions have been forced to reduce the labour force resulting in increased unemployment rates, underemployment leading to work overload on individuals, and deteriorating welfare of workers due to reduced funding. In addition, workers’ rights have and continue to be ignored, trembled upon due to the currently prevailing circumstances. In such situations, the government is required to intervene and develop sustainable ways to cushion those affected by the current environment may it be political, economic, social or technological. The association also urge the government to address the issue of the economic meltdown and support the operating environment of the informal sector. The economy is in dire need of an economic incentive that will be supported by a zero-tolerance of corruption, nepotism, and poor corporate governance. The government need to safeguard and promote the realisation of workers’ rights.
In this regard, NANGO shares recommendations with the following stakeholders:
Employers (Private Sector, CSOs, Churches)
Employees
Government
NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is a non-party political, non-profit making and non-denominational official coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe.
For further engagement during this period please don’t hesitate to get in touch with NANGO Acting Executive Director Ernest Nyimai at director.nango@gmail.com, NANGO Board Chairperson Lamiel BK Phiri at lamielbkp@gmail.com or NANGO Board Secretary Michael Ndiweni at bulawayovendors@gmail.com.
27 Feb 2022
On February 27, across the globe, we celebrate World NGO Day. As the name suggests, the day brings awareness to Non-Governmental Organisations’ (NGOs) work and those efforts that contribute to making the world a better place. These efforts often go unnoticed, so we must take this time to recognise these generous contributions.
The day established by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, a UK-based social entrepreneur, is celebrated by many across the globe. In 2014, the day became recognised by the United Nations and the European Union to pay tribute to the NGOs, Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) which perform the vital work of providing social assistance to the most vulnerable members of society and defending human rights.
World NGO Day provides an opportunity to honour and remember NGO founders, employees, volunteers, members, and supporters. There are vast numbers of individuals who have devoted themselves to the work of NGOs in many forms, from those who offer a few hours of their time to those who have sacrificed their lives for a cause they believe in.
All over the world, NGOs safeguard human rights, the rights of individuals to access basic human needs and develop effective policies through lobby and advocacy. At the national level, NGOs have been monitoring and reporting human rights violations, especially now when the perpetrators are hiding behind the Covid-19 pandemic. The day, therefore, seeks to celebrate the bravery of these people and call for an end to their persecution everywhere.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has largely directed and dictated operations, actions, and outcomes since its advent in December 2019. The pandemic has led to NGOs having to adapt to the new norm and develop new ways to implement programmes and carry out day-to-day business. Despite the shortfalls and grave detriments of the pandemic, NANGO would like to express gratitude to the NGOs across Zimbabwe for the tremendous work that they have done for society.
In the context of the Coronavirus pandemic, NGOs have been working tirelessly and providing Protective Protection Equipment (PPE). In addition, they have been instrumental in the provision of direct health services to communities as well as providing social assistance to the most vulnerable groups and hard-to-reach areas.
The day also acts as an opportunity for states to reflect on the steps they should take to create an enabling and welcoming environment for NGOs. The people who work in NGOs and CSOs are often exposed to great personal risk because of systematic harassment they experience at the hands of authorities all around the world at large.
Zimbabwean NGOs have not been an exception as they are subjected to restrictive legal, policy, and administrative instruments promulgated by the government. The restrictive environment is further compounded by the selective application of the law. The call by the regulatory authority to control NGOs has been louder by the day and the current process of reviewing the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act and the intention to enact an NGO bill all work towards constraining the civic space. The review of the PVO Act has been motivated by various reasons chief among them being the need to include the Financial Anti-Terrorist Financing (FATF) recommendations to do with Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism.
NGOs play pivotal roles ranging from financing, implementation, watchdog, and oversight, all of which contribute towards sustainable national development. This is critical in ensuring the realisation of Agenda 2030, Vision 2030, National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), and various sectoral plans. A multi-stakeholder approach is the new innovative way of partnering to deliver the development outcomes. This work can be facilitated and enhanced by an enabling environment.
NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is the largest umbrella body for NGOs and was established in 1962. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector, and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe.
31 May 2021
The French Embassy in Zimbabwe is launching its first call for proposals “Support to the resilience of vulnerable populations to economic and climate challenges” aimed at supporting Zimbabwean civil society organizations working in these areas.
This tool, dedicated to civil society’s action, belongs to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is named “Innovative Projects from Civil Societies and Coalitions of Actors (PISCCA)”. In Zimbabwe, the French Embassy will implement it for 2 years (2021-2022) and a total amount of 600 000 USD.
This call for proposals aims more specifically to support small scale initiatives, 3 to 12 months between 10 000 USD and 50 000 USD, implemented by small and medium-sized CSO’s that address the following two themes :
The Resilience of Agricultural Systems to Climate Change and Food Insecurity
Given the increase in food insecurity in the country, the French Embassy wishes to support local and associative dynamics that aim to adapt agricultural systems to the climatic reality, with the ultimate objective of improving the living conditions of rural populations.
The Empowerment of Women to Promote their Civic, Social and Economic Rights
Gender equality is a priority for French development cooperation, which makes it a requirement for every project. By focusing on women’s social and economic integration, the French Embassy wants to be more involved with civic associations that work with this goal. To this end, particular attention will be paid to projects targeting workers in the informal sector.
Our objective with this call for proposal is also to strengthen the capacity of CSO’s in implementing local projects and initiatives.
All CSO’s interested have to submit their concept note before the 30th of June.
How to Apply
To apply, please download the concept note on the link below
https://zw.ambafrance.org/Launch-of-the-call-for-proposals-Support-to-th…
25 May 2021
Today, 25th May, the African continent celebrates Africa Day with a particular focus on Arts, Culture and Heritage. Africa Day celebrations assists in tracing, tracking and learning from the paths we have been following and taking as we united in resolving the economic, social, governance and environmental issues the continent is facing.
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NANGO), a non-party political, non-profit making and non-denominational organization is the officially recognized coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. NANGO, the country’s largest umbrella non-governmental organization joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 58th anniversary of the Africa Day running under the theme “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want.”
This year’s theme strongly acknowledges the importance of preserving and promoting the arts, culture and heritage as the greatest pinnacles in fostering a prosperous, unified and cultured society. It is also critical to note that it is through upholding cultural values such as ‘Ubuntu’ that an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global sphere can be achieved. The day is also coinciding with the African Continental launch of Entry into force of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance. NANGO appreciates Zimbabwe’s membership into the African Union (AU) including the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (African Commission) and its consequent obligations to implement the AU framework and African Commission recommendations.
The broader membership of NANGO and secretariat recognizes the AU’s role in unifying the African continent to collectively address issues of unresolved historical conflicts, low levels of youth participation, civil unrests, loss of the sense of pride and belonging, insurgencies, inadequate support towards the arts and culture sectors and the growing crisis of underdevelopment across the continent. We also acknowledge Zimbabwe government’s contributions to address these issues through the establishment of heritage sites as well as the adoption of the 2013 Constitution that has provisions for the socio-economic, political and cultural rights.
This year’s celebration however comes on a back-heel of a number of issues derailing progress towards the Africa We Want. The major one is the Covid-19 pandemic which has piled up pressure on the African economy and resultantly affected the well-being, livelihoods and demographics of most African states and peoples. The Covid-19 pandemic calls for African government leaders to increase vaccination efforts on the continent after what has appeared strongly to be vaccine apathy across several countries. But defying the odds by managing to control the pandemic that has ravaged other parts of the world is in itself something to praise the continent for, a continent least impacted globally by the pandemic and this may be worth celebrating at the very least. Recently, African heads of state concluded a summit in Paris where they argued among other issues for an increase in the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) from 33 billion to 100 billion dollars. The SDR, used sparingly, gives member countries of the AU such as Zimbabwe the possibility of “drawing” liquidity to supplement financial reserves. There are also other burning issues on the continent such as the internal displacements of citizens from their places of origin, historical upbringing and heritage. There is also Mozambique’s Islamist insurgency in the North Cabo Delgado province which has led to a refugee crisis and may affect countries such as Zimbabwe that neighbour Mozambique.
In particular, whilst NANGO and other like-minded organizations appreciate efforts by the government to promote the arts, culture and heritage in the country, we continue to urge Zimbabwe to address the structural and socio-economic challenges that continue to push citizens in intruding and destroying the cultural and heritage sites such as the mountains, the caves and places of historical significance. We therefore, call upon the Government of Zimbabwe:
For further engagement please do not hesitate to get in touch with the NANGO Executive Director, Leonard Mandishara on +263774078026, NANGO Board Chairperson, Ms. Ronika Mumbire on +263712724911 and NANGO Board Secretary, Dr. Joachem Nyamande on +263784530915.
he National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), an umbrella coordination and representative body of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe, is a membership-based organisation with one thousand two hundred members across the whole country. Our members are clustered into ten sectors (Women, Children, Disabilities, Economic, Youth, Land and Environment, Human Rights and Governance, Humanitarian, Health, and Media, Arts, and Culture.
Civil Society work has been key in complementing government on several programmes and actions that include response to natural disasters such as cyclones, droughts and famine, social protection support in the health, education and vulnerable groups, civic education. Furthermore, contribution to the development and implementation of national development processes such as the National Development Strategy 1, Sustainable Development Goals, and Vision 2030 amongst others.
To read more download the attachment below
Statement on CSOs shrinking operating space.pdf
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) is concerned that our country continues to experience protracted national crisis. This crisis is characterised by continued intolerance, polarization, corruption, disregard for the rule of law, contravention of the constitution and marginalisation of vulnerable groups and communities, among other factors.
NANGO notes with great concern the government’s approach to addressing the grievances of the general citizenry and the vilification of dissenting voices that are calling for the promotion of lawfulness, tranquillity, peace, equity and fairness, inclusive and sustainable development, respect for human rights and constitutionalism. We urge the government to lend an ear to alternative voices all of which hope and yearn for a better and prosperous Zimbabwe where everyone’s dreams and aspirations are possible. The refuting of alternative voices and views demonstrated by the responses to the call by various concerned stakeholders and citizens does not project a nation that is accommodative and democratic, this undermines efforts to move towards sustainable peace and development.
The citizens and communities look forward to a nation that provides them a platform to contribute in a meaningful way to ending the current economic, social, governance, and environmental challenges we are facing. Thus, government hostilities towards citizens, reflected in its response characterised by hate speech, derogatory language, and labelling of groups and tribes, is a cause of concern.
NANGO, like many other institutions, was hopeful that the visit from the South African envoy was going to yield the much-needed mediation between the government and its people. We are taken aback that the envoy left without consulting non-state actors and other concerned stakeholders. However, we remain hopeful that the envoy will return with a refined, people-centred, and inclusive strategy.
We believe that the national crisis needs an all-inclusive and holistic approach in addressing the myriad of challenges that bedevil the country more so when poverty and hunger are on the rise and the COVID-19 pandemic is amplifying public finance management, social service delivery, and governance issues.
We note that the deteriorating economic environment characterised by a projected negative growth rate of 5 percent coupled with a galloping inflation rate amid reduced incomes has further deepened poverty and inequality indicators for the majority. Low incomes for the formally employed in both the public and private sectors have left most households with inadequate disposable income to purchase basic commodities. The informal sector, which employs the majority of people, has been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures.
NANGO notes with concern the level of autonomy of the Judiciary, following the recent events that have been a reflection of how the Zimbabwean justice system has failed to induce confidence in its independence. Citizens and communities feel that the Judiciary Institutions have been used as an arm to further repress and deny citizens their constitutionally guaranteed rights. Countrywide, over the past few weeks citizens have been arrested over trumped-up charges ranging from criminal nuisance, participating in a public gathering to cause public violence, and obstructing or endangering the free movement of persons or traffic. Over half a dozen are still withheld without bail, in stark defiance of the provisions in the constitution.
We emphasize the need for all stakeholders to work together towards the dream of the Zimbabwe We Want, to this end we urge
● The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission is to urgently carry out its mandate and investigate all cases of human rights violations.
● The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission to take up its constitutional mandate and reign in state and non-state actors who continue to fan violence, conflict, disharmony, and tribalism.
● The Zimbabwe Republic Police to execute its mandate of maintaining peace and security and also ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.
● The Ministry of Home Affairs to reign in on police officers and ensure they desist from using brute force on citizens.
● The Zimbabwe National Army, which has been accused of using disproportionate force on civilians, to work towards its mission of defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests of Zimbabwe and contributing to international peace and stability.
● The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development urgently disburse the ZWL$18 billion Economic Recovery and Stimulus Package pledged by the government in May 2020. The funds should be disbursed transparently to avoid leakages due to corruption and rent-seeking.
● The Parliament of Zimbabwe and the office of the Auditor General to carry out their oversight role over the Executive as it responds to the deteriorating socio-economic environment.
● The Government to create pathways of inclusion, participation, and involvement of multiple stakeholders in solving the Zimbabwean crisis.
● The government to provide adequate social safety nets for all vulnerable groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters such as droughts, Cyclone Idai, and floods. The safety nets should be expanded to more vulnerable populations in urban areas and workers who in the past were considered to be resilient.
● The government to promote transparency and accountability as a way of combating corruption and promoting the efficient use of public resources.