Registration of a Local PVO in Zimbabwe

In terms of section 9 of the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05], the Secretary of any private voluntary organisation (PVO) which is required by law to be registered should lodge its application with the Registrar of Private Voluntary Organisations (the Registrar).

All local organisations are required to submit their applications for registration through the District Social Services Office in the area where their headquarters is located.

The District Social Services Officer is responsible for making the initial assessment of the PVO after perusing the submitted application and interviewing the applicants. The application is then forwarded to the Head Office through the Provincial Social Services Officer with the following documents for consideration by the Private Voluntary Organisations Board (PVO Board):

• (a) Application Form PVO 1, Form PVO 2 (obtained at the District Social Welfare Offices);
• (b) Proof of advertisement within 21 days waiting period;
• (c) Copies of the organisation's constitution;
• (d) Curriculum vitae of the members of the executive committee;
• (e) Proof of notification to local authorities of intent to register;
• (f) Police criminal clearance certificates.
• (g) Notice of intention to operate in an area to the Local Authority
• (h) Minutes of the meeting which motivated the members to come up with the organisation.

There is no requirement in terms of the Code for local PVOs to enter into any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Zimbabwe (GOZ) or any relevant ministries. However, for operation purposes, local PVOs are required prior to their registration, to notify the local authorities of their intended operations.