This month, Zimbabweans across the country were given the opportunity to voice their opinions on the Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) Bill, a proposed law aimed at regulating the activities of private organizations. These consultations were organized by the parliamentary committee responsible for district administration. However, reports have emerged of disruptions in Chinhoyi, Harare, Masvingo, and Mutare, where supporters of the bill allegedly prevented dissenting voices from being heard.
Human rights lawyer Kennedy Masiye expressed concerns that the disruptions at the hearings might undermine the credibility of the committee’s final report. Masiye emphasized the established role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in providing food aid and disseminating information, pointing out that existing legislation already governs NGO operations, rendering the new bill unnecessary.
Contrarily, lawyer Dr. Masimba Mavaza argued that the proposed law does not hinder the operations of private organizations. Instead, it seeks to ensure that these entities comply with national legal requirements.
