Errant NGOs face ban

Leornard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
NON-governmental organisations that politicise their projects at the expense of community development risk being banned, an official has said.
Addressing hundreds of women at a belated International Women’s Day commemoration at Matetsi area in Hwange district, Hwange Rural District Council vice-chairperson Councillor Mathew Muleya said government supports every development programme as long as there were no strings  attached.

The belated commemorations, where Hwange West legislator Bekithemba Mpofu, who was the guest of honour, read a speech presented by President Mugabe when he officially launched Women’s International Day on March 26 in Harare, were organised by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development and Ntengwe, a non-governmental organisation  based in the area.

“We support the programmes that you are doing in our community but you are not allowed to speak politics. Preach about development and not politics as that is for us politicians. If we hear any politicisation of your programmes we will stop everything,” said Clr Muleya.
Scores of non-governmental organisations have been accused of meddling in Zimbabwe’s politics.

Ntengwe director Elisabeth Markham said they were focusing on programmes such as empowering women to address challenges brought about by climate change.

More than 20 women clubs have benefited from empowerment programmes initiated by  Ntengwe.
Programme coordinator Innocent Isaac said the self-help projects started in Binga in 1999 targeting vulnerable groups before spreading to Hwange district where 27 self-help clubs made up of 15 women each, have benefited.

Some of the groups that showcased their farm produce and other activities at the occasion were Muka uzwitile, Tezha Nazo, Kuzwibatila, Takalipeja, Mukani and Lugwasyo from Hwange district.

Chief Shana of Jambezi in Hwange West urged women to take advantage of the empowerment opportunities at their disposal.
“All women should grab such opportunities meant to empower them and their communities,” said Chief Shana.