12th NGO Directors Summer Retreat Consolidated Report

The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), a coordinating body of 1270 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe, values the need for a vibrant, strong, and free civil society, essential in advancing sustainable development through democracy and good governance. The 'Whole of Society' approach adopted by the Government of Zimbabwe affirms that, 'CSOs are independent development actors in their own right, playing a vital role in advocating respect for human rights, in shaping development policies and in overseeing their implementation.' However, the current legal, administrative, and policy pronouncements by the government are inhibitive in forwarding the interests of CSOs operating in Zimbabwe. Legislations governing CSOs in Zimbabwe have increasingly become more restrictive with the enactment of new laws or amendments that curtail civil society activities and compromise their autonomy such as the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Bill of 2021. These include excessive and expensive administrative procedures in the areas of advocacy, human rights, or other democracy and governance-related interventions. From NANGO's perspective, it is imperative for CSOs to collectively dialogue on how to safeguard the operating environment even in a very complex and restrictive context. Joint action by CSOs is also essential to strengthen security and protection mechanisms to safeguard the civic space. Sustainable development and democracy cannot be achieved in the absence of a robust and independent civil society or respect for human rights and human dignity. To read more, download the attachment below: