PVOs Bill provisions ‘unleashed’ in rural areas

CIVIL society organisations (CSOs) have claimed that some overzealous government officials in rural areas have already started implementing some provisions of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) Amendment Bill before it has been passed into law.

The CSOs also said people in rural areas would be the biggest losers if the Bill was passed into law.

This came out on Wednesday during a Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe (CiZC) Twitter space discussion when 12 panellists made presentations on the Bill.

The Bill has provisions which will allow government to monitor and regulate operations of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe. Various critics of the Bill have defined it as unconstitutional and meant to abolish CSOs and their operations in Zimbabwe.

Government, has, however, defended it saying it would help control moneylaundering activities.

CSOs said the Bill was meant to frustrate them and would be used as a campaign tool ahead of the 2023 polls.

Peter Liwanda from Chinhoyi Residents Trust said some “over-enthusiastic” government officials have started implementing certain provisions of the Bill.

“Political violence victims have been assisted by CSOs. Government wants the proposed law to close all those avenues. It is worrying to note that some over-enthusiastic government officials like provincial and district development co-ordinators have started implementing certain provisions of the Bill before it is law,” Liwanda said. “As CSOs we need to raise awareness with citizens on its implications.”

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Robson Chere said: “The proposed law is already being operationalised. If a CSO wants to organise a meeting with communities, they go through a vetting process at some illegal offices.”

Political analyst Tendai Mbofana said: “Jitters are already there and people are feeling the effects of this Bill before it has been signed into law. The elderly and people with disabilities will be affected.”

Masvingo Residents Association director Godfrey Mutimba said the Bill would shut out CSO voices ahead of the 2023 polls.

“As we go to the 2023 elections, mobilisation and organising of residents to participate in elections will be difficult. After the Bill is passed, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is likely to fast track assenting it into law. Several NGOs that have been assisting rural communities with food aid are facing closure if the Bill is passed.”

The panellists said hundreds of under-privileged children who received school fees assistance from NGOs face a bleak future. CiZC president Peter Mutasa said: “There is a need to work together as Zimbabweans over the shrinking democratic space in the country. We are not likely to have a free and fair election if this Bill is passed into law.”

CiZC national director Blessing Ivan Vava, who chaired the meeting, said the proposed law should be challenged in court.