Mudenda orders Zanu-PF members to closely monitor NGOs

Jacob Mudenda has urged Zanu-PF structures in Masvingo Province to closely monitor the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the region to ensure their programmes align with national development priorities.

Addressing a Zanu-PF Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting at Robert Mugabe School of Education, Mudenda warned that some NGOs were allegedly straying from their mandates and engaging in political activities aimed at pushing a regime change agenda.

"In terms of Section 105 of the Party Constitution, the PCC is mandated to monitor and recommend political and development programmes and initiatives in the province so as to foster an integrated approach among the party, Government and other stakeholders in the implementation of such programmes," Mudenda said.

"You should monitor all NGOs. Be very careful, some of them come in a sheep's skin and start to deviate from their mandate, dabbling in politics. You should know them and make sure that all what they do aligns with the national developments."

Zimbabwe has in recent years tightened its oversight and regulation of civil society organisations, particularly following the enactment of the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, which was signed into law on April 11, 2025.

The legislation significantly altered the operating environment for NGOs by granting the state expanded powers to oversee, audit and suspend organisations operating in the country.

Authorities say the law is intended to strengthen financial regulatory compliance and curb potential money laundering and terrorism financing linked to foreign funding of civil society groups.

However, critics argue that the law has narrowed democratic space by imposing stricter controls on NGOs, particularly those involved in governance, human rights and advocacy work.