The recently enacted Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, 2025, introduces sweeping changes to the legal and regulatory framework governing Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) in Zimbabwe. These reforms reflect a policy shift towards greater transparency, accountability and oversight of organisations engaged in charitable, developmental or advocacy work. This article outlines some of the key changes introduced by the new law and explores their implications for existing and prospective PVOs.

Expanded Registration Requirements

One of the most far-reaching provisions of the Amendment Act is the expansion of entities required to register as PVOs. The law now applies to any trust, body or organisation that solicits or receives contributions from the public, including foreign funding, regardless of whether it is already registered under another law such as the Deeds Registries Act. The expanded definition includes many entities previously outside the scope of the Act, such as charitable trusts, welfare-based community groups and foreign-funded programmes. Registration is now mandatory for such entities to continue operating lawfully in Zimbabwe.

New Compliance Obligations

In addition to registration, the Act introduces several compliance obligations that PVOs must adhere to. These include disclosure of the identities of office bearers, trustees and other persons with significant control or influence over the organisation. The law aims to increase transparency regarding governance and accountability. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in sanctions, including deregistration or criminal penalties.

Creation of Oversight Structures

The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, 2025, establishes a new PVO Board and strengthens the Office of the Registrar. These bodies are tasked with supervising registered PVOs, investigating complaints, and ensuring compliance with the Act. The Registrar is now empowered to refuse, suspend or cancel registration for non-compliance, misrepresentation or conduct deemed contrary to public interest.

Mandatory Reporting of Material Changes

PVOs are required to notify the Registrar of any changes to their name, constitution, leadership, ownership, objectives or operations. These material changes must be reported within 30 days, failing which the organisation may face penalties. The aim is to ensure that PVOs operate transparently and that the Registrar maintains up-to-date records of all regulated entities.

Stricter Sanctions and Prohibitions

The Act imposes both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. These include fines, imprisonment of directors, and deregistration of the organisation. It also introduces a blanket prohibition on political involvement. PVOs are prohibited from supporting or opposing any political party or candidate, or from engaging in activities deemed political in nature. This has implications for organisations involved in civic education, governance or human rights advocacy.

Enhanced Financial Oversight

The Amendment Act strengthens financial oversight of PVOs by empowering the Financial Intelligence Unit to monitor organisations considered at risk of being used for money laundering or terrorism financing. PVOs are expected to maintain proper financial records and undergo independent audits. Entities receiving foreign funding may also be subject to additional reporting requirements.

Conclusion

The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, 2025, introduces a more stringent regulatory environment for PVOs in Zimbabwe. Organisations that fall within the expanded definition of a PVO must now register and comply with a range of governance and financial obligations. Failure to do so may result in penalties or loss of the ability to operate. Affected organisations need to review their structures, assess their compliance position and take steps to regularise their status under the new legal framework.

Should you require assistance with registration or compliance under the new Act, our team is available to provide expert legal support tailored to your organisation's needs.

Ruvimbo Muzonzini
Associate
Honey & Blanckenberg