Senate Passes Controversial PVO Amendment Bill

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The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill, which has sparked significant debate, is one step closer to becoming law after clearing the Senate. It now awaits the signature of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Rights activists and opposition groups argue that, if enacted, the PVO Bill will significantly hinder the operations of government critics, civil society organisations (CSOs), and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe.

Initially passed by the Senate in February 2023, the Bill was sent back to Parliament by President Mnangagwa for further consideration.

Speaking to senators, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, highlighted that the amendments include the formation of a board to supervise the registration and operations of charitable entities in Zimbabwe.

The amendments, approved by the National Assembly, offer clearer definitions for existing charitable entities and detail the registration process.

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Ziyambi explained that the transitional provision mandates charitable entities to submit their registration documents to the registrar within three months of the Act coming into effect. This does not mean that entities will be fully registered within three months, but rather that the submission date will mark the start of the registration process, which may take longer.

The registrar, who is a member of the board, will report to it, and all registration matters will be discussed at board meetings for approval or further action. Ziyambi argued that the three-month timeline is reasonable, allowing entities sufficient time to submit applications without causing delays.

He also noted that entities have the right to seek legal recourse if they are dissatisfied with any decisions made during the registration process.

PVOs and NGOs will need to register with the Registrar’s Office, which holds the authority to approve, reject, or grant applications, with limited judicial or administrative recourse against such decisions.

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