NGO Law in Zimbabwe

The Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05] is the primary enactment governing Non-Governmental Organisations (“NGOs”) in Zimbabwe. It should be read closely together with the Code of Procedure for the Registration and Operations of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe.

The Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05] applies to any body or association of persons, corporate or unincorporate, or any institution, whose objects include one or more of the following:

The provision of all or any of the material, mental, physical or social needs of persons or families;

The rendering of charity to persons or families in distress;

The provision of assistance in, or promotion of, activities aimed at uplifting the standard of living of persons or families;

The provision of funds for legal aid;

The prevention of cruelty to, or the promotion of the welfare of animals;

Such other objects as may be prescribed; and

The collection of contributions for any of the foregoing.

Importantly, charitable organisations which are or were registered as Trusts of a public character have a legal obligation to register as Private Voluntary Organisations (“PVOs”) in Zimbabwe. A trust of a public character is defined as one established for the benefit of either the public generally or of a specific class or section of the community, but not for private individuals or a fluctuating body of private individuals. see Endeavour Foundation and Another v Commissioner of Taxes 1995 (1) ZLR 339 (SC).