Opposition CCC has admitted to working in cahoots with some rogue non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) that have been caught offside diverting from their core mandate by failing to comply with regulations and engaging in regime change activities.
CCC secretary-general, Mr Chalton Hwende yesterday unashamedly equated the recent ban of non-compliant NGOs to rigging of the 2023 election, indirectly confirming the NGOs involvement in Zimbabwean politics.
The Chamisa-led CCC is already fretting over the ban of 291 NGOs that failed to submit their annual returns as required by the law.
Mr Hwende was blasted by social media users after he likened the de-registering of non-compliant NGOs to rigging of elections.
“The rigging of the 2023 election is now in motion. Human rights organisations are now targeted for closure, our party is banned and our leaders are in Jail. 291 NGOs fail to comply with regulations,” Mr Hwende tweeted.
This tweet irked many Zimbabweans who queried the role of NGOs in running of elections of sovereignty nation.
A Twitter user @TalithaNdebele said: “What has the banning of NGOs which failed to regularise got to do with elections? Is this a way of telling the world that NGOs are regime change merchants. Thank you for the clarity.”
Another user @Belindakaremba said: “If they fail to comply should they be let off easily I am confused here one would think they comply with whatever regulations in place ? Or we should ignore the regulations and treat them special above everyone?”
Other social media users such as ZaMaggie questioned how NGOs that claim to non political with some dealing with Women; children; Red Cross and person with disabilities would affect the outcome of an election.
“I get the other two but I can’t follow how banning human rights organisations impacts rigging & electoral outcomes. You may need to explain that part if you get the time,” @briansedze said.
Mr Admire Musingarabwi another social media user said: “What is wrong with PVOs providing annual returns and audited financial statements to meet registration requirements? What do they have to hide if their operations are bona fide and above board?”
CCC secretary-general received a backlash with users urging him and his party to desist from using lawlessness for cheap politicking and use legitimate ways such as complying with all laws and regulations of this country.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima recently revealed that 291 PVOS were deregistered for varying reasons, chief among them being departing from the mandate on which they were registered, failure to submit audited financials as per the dictates of the law and annual reports of their work. – The Herald
