HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially signed into law the contentious Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, a legislative overhaul tightening state control over non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The announcement was made public through General Notice 620 of 2025, issued by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Martin Rushwaya, and gazetted on 11 April. The development marks the culmination of months of heated debate over the government’s intent to rein in NGO operations.
The newly enacted law grants government sweeping powers to monitor, restructure, and even shut down organisations suspected of engaging in “political activities.” It also allows authorities to scrutinise foreign funding and replace NGO leadership, citing national security concerns. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the legislation, saying it aligns with global anti-money laundering protocols, particularly recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
However, civil society organisations and human rights defenders have sounded the alarm, accusing the government of using compliance rhetoric to stifle dissent. Critics argue the law will drastically shrink Zimbabwe’s civic space, curtail freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, and muzzle voices critical of the ruling establishment. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the legislation could be wielded as a political weapon against independent groups.
International watchdogs have echoed these fears, warning the law could further isolate Zimbabwe on the global stage. Amnesty International described the move as “a serious blow” to fundamental rights, while The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders cautioned that the legislation may be used to clamp down on organisations advocating for democracy, transparency, and human rights.
