NGOs sweat over registration hurdles

Small non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have expressed their frustration with bureaucratic obstacles hindering their registration, and they believe that the debate surrounding the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) Bill has exacerbated the situation. These organizations also contend that they were not consulted during the process.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent the PVOs Bill back to Parliament for further discussion.

Tsitsi Chitsike, founder of We Act For Her (WAFH), said, "There was no consultation really for us, the small players. So we would read about it... A number of organizations have been trying to register, and the process itself is very long and convoluted. The documents required just to register a PVO are a daunting task to even consider."

Chitsike explained that small organizations have been making efforts to meet the requirements to ensure they can deliver and get registered.

WAFH partnered with the Talia Women's Network to launch awards to support and recognize the work being done by various players in the NGO sector to improve communities and the lives of underprivileged individuals in Zimbabwe. The awards aim to acknowledge and honor the efforts made by NGOs, non-profit organizations, and private sector organizations contributing to the enhancement of livelihoods in Zimbabwe.

Chitsike emphasized that they aim to support the work of NGOs in their communities and ensure they continue with their mandates, particularly in areas like disability inclusion. She mentioned that some NGOs are dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities are included in the work taking place throughout the country.

Saliwe Zakariya, founder of the Talia Women's Network, noted that most small organizations are grappling with funding challenges. She emphasized that limited funding and stringent requirements, such as the demand for three years of audited accounts, present significant obstacles for new entrants into the sector.

Meanwhile, various awards were presented at the event, with Conscious Development and Empowerment Trust receiving the "Outstanding Actor in Community Empowerment and Social Impact" award, Sanitary Aid Zimbabwe honored with the "Outstanding Actor in Sexual and Reproductive Health" award, and SayWhat recognized as the "Outstanding Children and Youth Rights Organization," among other winners.