Key Amendments in the PVO Amendment Bill – A Summary

What is the Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Amendment Bill?

The Clerk of Parliament gazetted the Private Voluntary Organizations Amendment Bill, H.B. 10, 2001, on November 5, 2021. The bill seeks to amend the Private Voluntary Organizations Act [Ch 17:05].

What are private voluntary organizations (PVOs)?

PVOs are public-benefit bodies or associations of persons or institutions that carry out humanitarian and charity work, provide legal aid, or promote the welfare of animals.

Which organizations are currently not considered as PVOs under the PVO Act?

State-controlled institutions or services, local authorities, religious bodies, trusts (registered by the High Court or otherwise), any association or body created to benefit its own members, any health institution registered under the Health Professions Act, any approved body or association that provides medical services, political organizations, the Zimbabwe Red Cross, and other bodies as may be prescribed.

What reasons are provided in the Bill for amending the Private Voluntary Organizations Act [Ch 17:05]
– To comply with recommendations made to Zimbabwe by the Financial Action Taskforce;
– To streamline administrative procedures for PVOs to optimize regulation and registration;
– To put in place provisions to ensure that PVOs do not participate in political lobbying.

How does the Bill achieve the proposed amendments?

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Source: Citizen Engagement for Accountability Activity (CEAA)