Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Zimpapers Reporter
PUBLIC Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Edgar Moyo, has called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the country to align their activities with the country’s national values, priorities and aspirations.
He said the Government remains committed to working with them within the framework of national development.
Speaking while officially opening his ministry’s five-day strategic planning workshop in Bulawayo last week, Minister Moyo said although partnerships with development agencies and NGOs were welcome, the Government must take the lead in setting priorities and guiding interventions.
“Partnership with developmental partners and NGOs is welcome, but programming must be led by us, grounded in our national values, priorities and aspirations. NGOs must not lead us; we must lead them. We must show them our needs and not the other way round,” said Minister Moyo.
His remarks are coming after President Mnangagwa signed into law the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025 which introduced far-reaching reforms to strengthen accountability and transparency in the operations of PVOs.
The Act, which amended the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05], expands Government oversight on the sector, tightens registration and reporting requirements and increases penalties for non-compliance.
It seeks to align Zimbabwe’s legal framework with international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, while also curbing political involvement by non-governmental entities.
The law also empowers the Registrar of PVOs, restructures the PVO Board and brings trusts operating as PVOs under the same regulatory umbrella. In addition, it amends the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act to include provisions against the financing of weapons of mass destruction.
Turning to socio-economic challenges, Minister Moyo said the country continues to grapple with drug and substance abuse among youths, high unemployment, growth of the informal economy, food insecurity, irregular migration and a limited fiscal space worsened by the impact of illegal sanctions.
“These challenges are daunting, but not insurmountable. Through collaboration, innovation, and resourcefulness, we can overcome them. While traditional donor support has declined, we have not fully explored private-sector partnerships, local resource mobilisation and community-driven development models,” he said.
Minister Moyo urged his ministry to craft a five-year strategy that prioritises the use of local natural resources, community empowerment and employment creation in line with Government’s inclusive development agenda.
“As the ministry shapes its strategy for the next five years, it must place stronger emphasis on leveraging local natural resources, strengthening community livelihoods, expanding social enterprises and promoting employment and decent work opportunities to ensure that no one and no place is left behind,” he said.
