Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed the 10th Parliament to expedite the finalization of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Bill, a move that is expected to significantly restrict the operations of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe, thereby shrinking the civic space. This directive comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the government’s increasing control over civil society.
The PVO Amendment Bill was first introduced in November 2021 with the stated aim of “countering terrorism and prohibiting political lobbying by NGOs.”
However, this legislation has faced substantial criticism from civic society organizations, which argue that it seeks to suppress their activities through stringent regulations. These regulations would require NGOs to operate under direct government supervision, including monitoring their financial transactions, and grant the government the authority to shut down organizations deemed detrimental to state interests.
In June 2022, a revised version of the bill was presented, which included even stricter provisions. This revised bill was subsequently passed by the Senate on February 1, 2023. Despite some expectations that the bill would need to be restarted due to the previous version expiring without being enacted, President Mnangagwa included the PVO Bill among other pending legislative instruments that require finalization.
During a recent address, Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of expediting the enactment of outstanding bills, stating,
“Parliament has an obligation to expedite the enactment of all Bills that, for one reason or another, are outstanding from previous Sessions of the August House.”
He listed several key bills, including those related to persons with disabilities, civil aviation, and the PVO Amendment.
The 10th Parliament is set to tackle approximately 18 bills, indicating a busy legislative agenda ahead. Among these are the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Bill, aimed at improving the governance of the ZIMSEC Board, and the Teaching Professions Council Bill, which will establish a code of conduct for teachers. Other significant bills include the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, the Service Pensions Bill, and amendments to the Public Service Act to align it with constitutional requirements.
This legislative push reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to assert control over various sectors, particularly civil society, raising concerns about the implications for democracy and civic engagement in Zimbabwe.
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