The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services through the Department of Registrar of NGOs in partnership with the Council of NGOs in Zambia held a two day validation meeting at Taj Pamodzi in Lusaka. The meeting was a hybrid meeting which allowed NGOs to participate both physically and virtually.
The validation meeting was officiated by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms Angela Chomba Kawandami. In her speech, she stated that it was important to hold the meeting for the purpose of validating the Bill, which brought to the near completion of the process of repeal and replacement of the NGO Act No. 16 of 2009. She further stated that the purpose of repealing the NGO Act was for the purposes of having a more progressive NGO law in Zambia.
She further stated that the government appreciates the role that NGOs play in the development processes through the various activities in the different thematic areas such as advocacy, education, environment, empowerment, health, social welfare, water and sanitation amongst others. It is with this appreciation that the government was in a hurry to create conducive environment for active participation of NGOs. She further stated that a conducive and active participation can be assured or guaranteed if a good law is enacted.
Ms. Angela Chomba Kawandami, further stated that the Ministry was confident that following the validation meeting that was held, the NGO Bill intended to replace the NGO Act No. 16 of 2009, will be presented to parliament in 2023. She stated that it called commitment from NGOs and stakeholders to ensure that they develop consensus on the Bill within the provided time frame.
In attendance was the Council of NGOs outgoing Chairperson, Mr. McDonald Chipenzi, Vice Chairperson, Ms. Tamara Phiri, The Registrar of NGOs, Mrs Pumulo Mudale Moyo, a representative of the European Union, Representative from GIZ, Councillors from the various NGO forum, invited stakeholders and NGOs.
