By Leona Mahachi –
In a bold move to safeguard the nation’s democratic freedoms, a
coalition of fifty leaders from Church and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
across Zimbabwe convened a high-level dialogue in Harare on May 21, 2024 to develop a united
response to the contentious Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Bill, a piece
of legislation that has sparked widespread concern among Zimbabweans.
The urgency of the meeting was amplified by recent public hearings on
the PVO Bill, which were marred by disruptions, preventing fair participation
in at least half of the sessions. These reports of violence and partisan
interference, particularly in Masvingo, Gweru and Chinhoyi, showed the fragile
state in which the country showing the deep rooted crevices that are
threatening national cohesion.
“The PVO Bill is seen as a threat to our democratic freedoms, humanitarian
efforts, and national unity. While it claims to prevent financial abuses, its
provisions exceed international recommendations and could unnecessarily
restrict the operations of civil society organizations, said one Civil Society organisation leader.”
The Church and CSOs proposed a holistic strategy to address the
challenges posed by the Bill. The Immediate interventions proffered during the
discussions include engaging the Parliament to call for a reconsideration of
the Bill and convening a closed-door meeting with the Parliamentary Portfolio
Committee to discuss the disrupted hearings and present unified positions.
The Church and the CSOs have agreed to strengthen coordination among
CSOs and create a unified front, raise public awareness, and engage in
strategic litigation and regional lobbying. The meeting also recognised the
need to initiate a national dialogue to foster social cohesion and conflict
transformation.
“We are united in our commitment to resist the PVO Bill and promote a
democratic and inclusive Zimbabwe. Through continuous dialogue and collective
action, we will ensure a thriving civil society and safeguard the democratic
freedoms of all Zimbabweans.”
The Church CSO meeting presented a platform for constant engagements
between the Church and CSOs to constantly engage and discuss issues that deal
with national cohesion and good governance.
