…As government tries to muzzle NGOs through the PVO bill
Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – Chief Ndanga born Wilson Makono recently ordered village heads in his area to report all Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) intending to operate in their respective areas to him before granting them permission.
Chief Ndanga was speaking during an engagement meeting with village heads and villagers around Jerera Growth Point to discuss issues of the ever sprouting illegal settlements following indications of expansion of the growth point by Zaka Rural District Council (RDC).
Village heads around Jerera turned to land barons and cashed out from land seekers whom they were settling in areas earmarked for expansion.
“No NGO should come and operate here without my knowledge. When they approach you, you have to tell Headman Gonese who will in turn notify me. We heard there are other NGO’s like CCJP. I heard another one is in five villages so far. Mr Chada, I heard there is an NGO operating in your area, how did they come without my knowledge? I heard there is Heal Zimbabwe operating here but I wasn’t told,” said Ndanga.
He went on to tell the village heads that they are supposed to be apolitical since most NGOs are accused of having political agendas.
“Time for politics has come so don’t rush you never know, you should not be political, you work with the current government, so beware of these NGOs that come intending to work with you,” added Ndanga.
The development comes at a time when government is trying to fast track the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Bill which seeks to muzzle the operations of the NGOs whom they perceive to be pushing opposition political parties agenda.
When passed into law the bill seeks to control the activities of NGOs giving power to responsible ministers of provincial affairs to directly control the operations through appointing the board among other things.
Zanu PF is known for using traditional leaders to intimidate their subjects to vote for the ruling party with some leaders in Zaka district being known for orchestrating political violence on perceived enemies.
On the issue of illegal settlements, Ndanga warned the village heads to stop selling land and ordered Headman Gonese to do an audit and compile a list of the traditional occupants and another list of those who bought land from the village heads after indications of expansion so that their stay could be regularised.
“I want the headman, with you village heads’ input, to compile a list of people who have been in your areas before the expansion plan was indicated. I want you to compile another with the people whom you sold land to so that we help and regularise their stay,” he said.
He however, warned those who bought land to respect the local leadership saying they will not be displaced.
“Those of you who bought land here should respect the local traditional leadership so that we can fight in your corner. Some of you will say there is no village head ahead of me because I bought the land. Some will fail to recognize our sacred days, so if you want to stay here behave,” he said.
