Event Summary
On 31st July 2025, the CSO ZimRights held a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting at Gwanda Hotel, which was interrupted by District Administrator Nomathemba Ngwenya and her assistant, Awakhiwe Ndlovu. They summoned the convener and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers outside, explaining that they were acting on instructions from the District Development Coordinator (DDC) to halt the meeting due to non-compliance with local NGO policies. The government has emphasised that NGOs must operate within strict guidelines, often requiring them to establish formal agreements, such as Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), with local authorities before conducting activities. Ngwenya reprimanded the ZRP for allowing the meeting without appropriate due diligence and stated that only organisations with MOUs with the local authority are permitted to operate in the region, with MOUs established only after a vetting process by the District Joint Operations Committee and local government heads. ZimRights was ordered to conclude the meeting immediately to avoid conflict with the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) and was invited to visit the DDC’s office for further clarification on operational requirements for NGOs.
Additionally, in late July 2025, ZimRights held an onboarding meeting in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, Mashonaland East. Although the police in Murehwa approved the meeting, attendance was surprisingly low. Initially, 50 people were expected, but only 10 showed up. This drop in attendance was due to fear among villagers, especially from Mutata, who were hesitant to join NGO-organised events. Many potential attendees reported being discouraged by traditional and political leaders, who often seek information about such meetings.
Similarly, ZimRights faced bureaucratic challenges during an onboarding meeting in Muzarabani, Mashonaland Central, needing to consult with police in both Guruve and Muzarabani. Although many people attended, the atmosphere was filled with excessive questioning and red tape. It became clear that without a formal agreement under the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, the meeting likely would not have been allowed. Such practices not only hinder the work of civil society but also show the obstacles they face in these areas.
The influence of a particular political party has made police cautious, making them reluctant to approve civil society activities without knowing about them first. This situation raises serious concerns about the shrinking civic space, as the rights to assemble and express oneself are increasingly being restricted.