MASVINGO, SEPT 7, (Southern Eye Live) - Government is moving to digitise the registration of Private Voluntary Organisations in a bid to end the persistent problem of missing documents and delays, a senior official has said.
Speaking at the ongoing PVO regulations sensitisation workshop in Masvingo, Jefias Mahachi of the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare said the ministry’s key priority was to take PVO application processes online.
“The ministry's aim is to move PVO application processes online, directly addressing the persistent challenge of missing documents,” he said.
Mahachi said the digitisation drive would be supported by capacity building for Department of Social Development officers.
“Officers are being equipped with better tools for communication, feedback, and document handling to more effectively support the civil society sector,” he said.
The ministry also called for proactive engagement between PVOs and the PVO registrar’s office.
“Organisations were encouraged to engage the registrar's office directly and early, including reporting challenges as they arise, rather than waiting until compliance visits,” he said.
Mahachi further urged sector-led support for new organisations.
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“Registered PVOs were encouraged to support intending organisations with accurate information and clear registration pathways,” he said.
He added that the ministry also plans to support newly registered organisations in fully understanding their post-registration obligations.
He outlined key compliance risks that continue to affect PVOs.
“The key compliance risks facing PVOs include outdated constitutions, missing supporting documents, late reporting, and failure to follow temporary fundraising or exemption conditions,” Mahachi said.
The workshop seeks to strengthen regulatory literacy across the sector.
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations said the session reinforces its continued commitment to working with government and civil society to ensure PVOs understand and comply with the law.
