22 Mar 2019
NANGO applauds the decision by the high court to nullify suspension of Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (Cotrad).
The two organisations were suspended by Masvingo District Administrator, Roy Hove, on March 11, 2019 pending investigations into registration.
High Court judge Justice, Loice Matanda-Moyohe, stated that the District Administrator’s decision to suspend Cotrad’s operations is set aside and declared to be null and void and accordingly of no force and effect. The first applicant is not a voluntary organisation as contemplated in terms of the Private Voluntary Organisation Act. The DA is not empowered by any law to suspend or stop the operations of NGOs and therefore the DA was ordered to pay the cost of this application on a legal practitioner and client scale.
As NANGO we are confident in the work of our members. Where NANGO members are suspected to be operating outside their mandate, we encourage government to engage, express their grievance or request clarity through proper channels.
It should be noted that wrongful closure of NGOs disadvantages thousands of beneficiaries spread across the country. The work of NGOs should be appreciated for complimenting the efforts of government.
Cotrad, a member of NANGO, is a trust registered with the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The youth oriented organisation was formed by a group of former student activists striving to promote informed and positive participation of youths and reintegrate youth victims of political violence into the mainstream society. It values respect for human rights and the desire to have Zimbabwe youth participating in the build up to sustainable justice, freedom, peace, development, democracy, rule of law and security of all persons.
NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is the largest umbrella body for non-governmental organisations and was established in 1962. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe.
