The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill H.B.2, 2024, completed its Committee Stage in the National Assembly on the afternoon of September 4, 2024. The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, proposed a series of amendments, all of which were adopted by the Committee, while amendments suggested by opposition Members of Parliament were rejected. The Bill has now been referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) to assess its constitutionality considering the adopted changes.
In response, NANGO is collaborating with other CSOs to review the latest version of the Bill, focusing on the substantive amendments that were adopted by the Committee. While this process is underway, we encourage stakeholders to refer to the September 3, 2024, Parliamentary Hansard for a detailed record of the proceedings and debates surrounding the Bill.
NANGO will continue to engage with relevant authorities to advocate for an enabling environment for CSOs and ensure that any legislative measures are aligned with constitutional principles and international human rights standards. We remain committed to safeguarding the space for civil society to operate freely and without undue interference, recognizing the critical role of NGOs in promoting good governance and development in Zimbabwe.
In a concerning development, government officials in Matabeleland South have introduced new operational guidelines for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), intensifying efforts to exert control over civil society activities. This follows a similar attempt earlier this year, which faced significant pushback from NANGO and other CSOs over concerns related to legality, motivation, and the potential restriction of civic space.
The new directive, communicated via a letter dated August 19, 2024, from Acting Provincial Director of Local Government Services Zacharia Jusa, seeks to enforce strict compliance with a standardized system supposedly aimed at aligning NGO operations with local development goals. However, these guidelines raise serious concerns, as they are not supported by any existing legal or policy framework. This poses significant challenges to the independent and effective operation of CSOs in the province.
The directive outlines extensive requirements, including the submission of 24 registration documents to local authorities, the creation of a District Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, and the submission of detailed monthly financial and programmatic reports. Additionally, NGOs are required to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with multiple government offices and hold inception meetings with local stakeholders, including Chiefs and Members of Parliament, before commencing any programs. These requirements impose a heavy administrative burden on CSOs, many of which are already operating with limited staff and resources.
Civil society actors have expressed widespread concern, noting that national laws governing NGO registration and operation do not grant provincial authorities such regulatory powers. The demands from Matabeleland South introduce administrative hurdles that could paralyze operations and hinder vital work supporting vulnerable communities.
NANGO is actively engaging with provincial authorities to voice CSOs’ concerns over the legality and motivation behind these new requirements. NANGO emphasizes that the resolution to these issues must come from the national level, where ministries and government agencies with the mandate to regulate NGOs can provide clear guidance. Efforts are underway to involve national bodies, including the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW), to ensure that any new regulations comply with legal standards and protect the rights of CSOs to operate freely.
This troubling trend of introducing non-legally grounded directives highlights the need for collective civil society action in advocating for an enabling operational environment. NANGO will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for a fair and supportive environment for CSOs across Zimbabwe.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) released its 2024 Mid-Term Monetary Policy Statement on August 30, 2024, presenting several key measures aimed at stabilising the economy amidst persistent challenges such as informalisation and parallel market activity. Notable highlights include the continued tight monetary policy stance and the stability of the structured ZiG currency. While the currency has contributed to relative stability, more efforts are needed to build confidence, especially in the financial sector, and encourage broader use of ZiG across various sectors of the economy.
Key policy adjustments include the RBZ’s intervention in the foreign exchange market, which could reduce reliance on the parallel market by increasing the availability of foreign currency for importers. This intervention is expected to alleviate pressure on businesses and stabilise exchange rates, a critical factor for Zimbabwe’s welfare and development, particularly in the fight against inequality.
The introduction of smaller ZiG denominations, as highlighted in the policy, is an attempt to improve financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas, while addressing pricing issues caused by the lack of small change. Additionally, policies such as exempting small electronic transactions from bank charges aim to ease the financial burden on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These measures are crucial for boosting formalisation and supporting economic participation.
However, NGOs should remain mindful of potential drawbacks. The policy’s tight liquidity controls, while designed to maintain price stability, could reduce the availability of credit, potentially slowing economic activity. Furthermore, the focus on maintaining high statutory reserves may limit banks’ ability to lend, disproportionately affecting low-income households and small businesses.
Overall, the RBZ’s policy trajectory emphasizes stability, but challenges related to inequality and limited access to credit may persist. Civil society actors should continue to monitor how these measures impact communities, particularly vulnerable groups, and advocate for policies that promote inclusive growth and equitable development.