THE Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) Amendment Bill has sparked heated debate with opposition legislators arguing that it will have a negative impact on the economy.
In a heated debate during its second reading in Parliament last week, Dzivarasekwa legislator Edwin Mushoriwa said the Bill was bad for the country.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year refused to accent to the Bill after it had been passed by both houses of Parliament and referred it back for further debate.
“I rise with a deep heart and regret at the reintroduction of the Private Voluntary Organisations Bill before this august House.
“You need to understand Madam Speaker that this is not the first time that this Bill has been brought to the august House. This Bill has got a huge negative effect on this economy,” Mushoriwa said.
However, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister and leader of government business in Parliament Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the Bill saying it is necessary to improve the administration, accountability and transparency of charitable organisations in Zimbabwe.
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“The Bill before you is a very necessary measure to improve the administration, accountability and transparency of charities in our country,” he said.
Ziyambi urged legislators to support the Bill, which he said was intended at promoting a better, safer and more conducive environment for the operation of PVOs in Zimbabwe.
The PVOs Amendment Bill has been a source of controversy since its introduction, with critics arguing that it is aimed at curtailing the operations of the country’s non-governmental organisations and civil society groups.
Civic society groups have also condemned the Bill saying it undermines freedoms of expression and association, while giving the government unfettered control over their operations, including disclosure of their sources of funding.