By Edward Makuzva
People are forming NGOs to deliver on all the aspects of our national development priorities such as human development services, promote grassroots economic growth, prevent environmental degradation, climate change among others so as to complement government efforts. These efforts cannot be underestimated, a senior government official said.
In her speech read during the official launch of the NANGO Expo on her behalf by one of the ministries director in the ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare director Maxwell Ngorima, Minister Sekai Nzenza said the expo is priemier exhibition for non – governmental organizations in Zimbabwe, providing CSOs an opportunity to showcase their products, services and activities as well as share experience on best practices.
Minister Nzenza hailed the contributions that NGOs have been working towards in the development of our communities in complementing the government.
She said the fundamental issues regarding the registration of PVOs, submission of annual activity reports and audited accounts, the need to operate within the confines of their objectives and geographical operations remain cognisant to these requirements and will be enhanced.
“We have noted over the years that non adherence to these requirements, and i wish to remind those present that the Ministry will enforce these provisions. Very soon we will be flighting in the press a list of NGOs that remain live in our registers but have never bothered to comply with the requirements.
Failure to respond to conditions stated in the advert will result in automatic deregistration and those affected will be required to reregister.
I now wish to move on and acknowledge the good work that NGOs are doing in their various portfolios all over the world and Zimbabwe included. NGOs and civic society play a critical role in the development agenda.
May I urge you to continue with this fantastic work considering that government is seized with numerous obligations which militate against our effectiveness in delivering social protection services as a Ministry. The complimentary role that you continue to play is recognized and appreciated”, Minister Nzenza explained.
The Public Service Minister said her ministry hasinitiated the process of revising the Private and Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act to correct the weaknesses and resolve challenges that we face in the implementation of the PVO Act.
Speaking at the same occasion, NANGO National Chairperson, Ms Ronika Mumbire said one of the key tools for networking and coordination of stakeholders is through organizing an NGO Expo.
Mumbire said the expo provides a unique platform to engage local populations and general citizens in the development discourse, giving communities an integral role to play in initiatives designed for their benefit with the objective that development projects will be more effective, successful and sustainable.
“As partners in development, we can all agree that opening up of formal democracy systems will lead to an increase in the accountability of states to citizens.
“ It has been has noted that accountability goes beyond the responsibility of delivery of a task or service. It also means being answerable if a service is not delivered in a timely and efficient manner”, Mambure added.
She highlighted that the Expo provides a platform for CSOs, governments departments, commissions and business to interface with general public thus promoting better understanding of the needs of local constituencies.
The major parents in this year’s exhibition are the European Union which was represented by the Head of the Delegatipn to Zimbabwe Mr Timo Olkkonen who delivered a message of solidarity.
The UNDP was also represented.
This year the Expo has the following exhibitors NGOs, Independent Commissions, Community Based Organizations, Government departments and Private Sector, among others.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Expo is running under the theme “Inclusive spaces and partnerships for improved public accountability, transparency and effective development.
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