Civic Space Watch Update: Developments on the PVO Amendment Bill

Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill Passed in Senate.

On 26 November 2024, the Deputy President of the Senate, Hon. Michael Nyambuya, announced that the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill [H.B. 2A, 2024] had been sent back to the Senate for reconsideration due to the omission of amendments previously made by the National Assembly. This was done in terms of Standing Order Number 147. These omissions were identified in the consolidated version of the Bill presented to the Senate.

The Senate resumed its debates on 12 February 2025 after their festive break, and the PVO Amendment Bill reconsideration was one of the business for the day. It went through to the third reading, meaning it shall now be transmitted to the next stage, which is the Presidential assent.

During the recommittal stage, the Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, detailed the clauses requiring correction. The omissions primarily involved crucial changes to governance structures, compliance requirements, and penalties related to PVO operations. The following clauses were identified for reconsideration:

• Long Title: The omission failed to indicate that the Bill was also amending the Criminal Matters Mutual Assistance Act and the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act [Chapter 9:23].
• Clause 3: The definition of ‘board’ was deleted as the governance of PVOs had transitioned to the Registrar’s office. However, following deliberations at the National Assembly, the board was reinstated as a governance structure.
• Clause 4: Reintroduced the board alongside the Northern and Southern Regional structures, detailing their composition and functions.
• Clause 5: Incorporated definitions of pre-existing charitable entities, requiring them to register under the amended Act. Concerns were raised about the three-month transitional registration timeframe, with some senators advocating for an extension to nine or twelve months. Unfortunately, the minister defended that the three month period is good enough.
• Clause 7: Clarified the meaning of ‘material change’ to enhance legislative precision.
• Clause 9: Inserted guiding principles for PVO operations, which had been omitted in the transmitted Bill.
• Clause 10: Revised the civil penalties provision, ensuring that any schedule of fines must receive parliamentary approval before implementation.
• Clause 14: Further debated in connection to pre-existing charitable entities and their compliance with the revised registration requirements.

The PVO Amendment Bill has significant implications for civil society operations, compliance, and governance in Zimbabwe, making it essential for CSOs and stakeholders to remain engaged in the legislative process. NANGO continues to monitor these developments and will provide further updates as they unfold. For a copy of the revised PVO Amendment Bill [H.B. 2A, 2024], which was presented to the Senate, and a link to the Hansard recording of the Senate proceedings, please refer to the following: Revised PVO Bill and Senate Hansard

NANGO remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for an enabling environment that supports the growth and sustainability of Civil Society in Zimbabwe. As we continue to monitor the ongoing developments surrounding the PVO Amendment Bill, we affirm our dedication to pushing for a legislative framework that guarantees fundamental freedoms of association, assembly, and expression in line with the Constitution and other international instruments. NANGO will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers and regulators, to ensure that the revised Bill aligns with the principles of good corporate governance and enhances the role of CSOs in contributing to the country’s inclusive governance and sustainable development. Our efforts to secure a robust and supportive legal instrument reflect our unwavering belief in the vital role that CSOs play in advancing human rights, social justice, and development in Zimbabwe.