Mass NGO, CSO closures loom in Zimbabwe

The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill, long criticized by rights activists and opposition groups as a tool to suppress dissent and shrink democratic space, has cleared the Senate and now awaits Presidential assent. The Bill has sparked fears among civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that it could severely restrict their operations and independence, as the government accuses them of promoting a foreign agenda and opposing the ruling Zanu-PF party.

The Bill's progress comes at a time when political tensions are running high in Zimbabwe, fuelled by ongoing debates over efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office from 2028 to 2030. Despite the President's public declarations last year that he plans to retire in 2028, Zanu-PF passed a resolution during its October 2023 conference supporting the extension. The move has met resistance from grassroots supporters and war veterans, highlighting growing divisions within the ruling party.

Observers have raised concerns that once signed into law, the PVO Bill will undermine democracy by silencing government critics and interfering with the work of CSOs and NGOs. The Bill includes provisions requiring these organisations to register with the Registrar's Office, which will have broad powers to approve or deny applications. Critics argue that the process provides minimal avenues for judicial or administrative recourse, effectively granting the state unchecked authority to control the activities of these organisations.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the Bill during the Senate debate, saying it seeks to establish a regulatory framework for charitable entities. He explained that the amendments would introduce a board to oversee the registration and operations of such organisations. Ziyambi stated that charitable entities will have three months from the Act's implementation to submit their registration documents to the registrar, with the date of submission marking the start of the registration process. While he maintained that the process is reasonable, critics argue that the Bill's provisions open the door to potential state overreach and harassment of independent organisations.

The PVO Bill has faced significant opposition both domestically and internationally. United Nations experts last year urged President Mnangagwa to refrain from enacting the legislation, warning that it would infringe on the independence of civil society and erode the role of NGOs in addressing pressing societal issues. Rights activists argue that the Bill is a clear attempt to silence dissent and restrict civic space, particularly for organisations that advocate for democracy, human rights, and social justice.

In addition to domestic opposition, the Bill has drawn scrutiny in the context of Zanu-PF's internal politics. The party's push to extend Mnangagwa's term has exposed cracks within its ranks, with some members voicing strong opposition to what they see as an undemocratic move. Critics suggest that the PVO Bill could be part of a broader strategy to consolidate power ahead of the next election cycle.

As the Bill awaits Mnangagwa's signature, its potential implications for Zimbabwe's civic and political landscape remain a subject of intense debate. If enacted, it could significantly alter the operating environment for CSOs and NGOs while exacerbating tensions between the government and its critics. The outcome will not only shape the future of civil society in Zimbabwe but also test the nation's commitment to democratic principles.