Zimbabwe's government is demanding that nongovernmental organizations working in the nation conform their programs to local priorities rather than imposing external agendas, according to Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo. Speaking at a ministry planning session in Bulawayo on Friday, he emphasized that while partnerships with development groups remain valued, authorities must determine national needs and direct assistance efforts accordingly.
The minister's statements follow President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent approval of legislation overhauling regulations for private voluntary organizations. The revised law strengthens government supervision of such groups, imposes stricter registration standards, and raises fines for violations. It also addresses money laundering concerns and limits political activities by outside entities.
Moyo acknowledged serious domestic problems, including youth drug addiction, widespread joblessness, food shortages and constrained public finances that he attributed partly to international sanctions. Despite reduced foreign aid, he urged his department to pursue alternative funding through business collaborations and grassroots initiatives. The ministry's upcoming strategy should emphasize natural resource development, community economic strength and job creation to advance equitable progress, he said.
The minister's statements follow President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent approval of legislation overhauling regulations for private voluntary organizations. The revised law strengthens government supervision of such groups, imposes stricter registration standards, and raises fines for violations. It also addresses money laundering concerns and limits political activities by outside entities.
Moyo acknowledged serious domestic problems, including youth drug addiction, widespread joblessness, food shortages and constrained public finances that he attributed partly to international sanctions. Despite reduced foreign aid, he urged his department to pursue alternative funding through business collaborations and grassroots initiatives. The ministry's upcoming strategy should emphasize natural resource development, community economic strength and job creation to advance equitable progress, he said.
