23/05/2025
Navigating Zimbabwe's Evolving Legal Landscape: A Look at Recent Legislative Developments
Zimbabwe's legal framework is continuously shaped by new legislation and amendments that reflect the government's priorities and societal changes. Recent developments show a significant focus on governance, social welfare, and economic regulation, though some new laws have raised concerns regarding their impact on civil liberties.
One of the most significant recent legislative acts is the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, Act No. 1 of 2025, which was signed into law in April 2025. Originally proposed in 2021, this Act aims to regulate private voluntary organizations by broadening the definition of PVOs to include trusts, legal persons, and "beneficial owners." It also establishes a Private Voluntary Organisations Board and an Office of the Registrar of PVOs to oversee their registration and supervision.
However, the PVO Amendment Act has raised alarms among human rights organizations. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, argue that it "sharply curtails the rights to freedom of association and expression." The law empowers the government to deregister and seize the assets of groups considered to be acting in a "politically partisan manner" and permits the suspension of executive committees of PVOs in the "public interest." Amnesty International has indicated that this law could be used to deny registration to human rights organizations and worsen crackdowns on civil society. As a result, the European Union has reportedly suspended funding for good governance initiatives in Zimbabwe for 2025.
Beyond the PVO Act, several other bills and acts are currently making their way through Parliament or have recently been gazetted:
Persons with Disabilities Bill (H.B. 2A, 2023): Gazetted in February 2024 and transmitted to the Senate as of May 13, 2025.
Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill (H.B. 1, 2024): Gazetted in April 2024; currently in its Second Reading in the National Assembly.
Medical Services Amendment Bill (H.B. 6, 2024):Gazetted in July 2024; referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee in April 2025.
Insurance and Pensions Commission Amendment Bill (H.B. 7, 2024): Gazetted in December 2024; notice of presentation transmitted to the Ministry.
State Service (Pensions) Bill (H.B. 9, 2024): Gazetted in December 2024; notice of presentation transmitted to the Ministry.
Broadcasting Services (Amendment) Act (Act No. 2, 2025): Gazetted in November 2024; transmitted for Presidential Assent in May 2025.
Mines and Minerals Bill (H.B. 1, 2025): Awaiting gazetting; proofs transmitted to the Attorney General's Office in May 2025.
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Amendment Bill (H.B. 2, 2025): Awaiting gazetting.
Pipelines (Amendment) Bill (H.B. 3, 2025): Awaiting gazetting.
Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Amendment Bill (H.B. 4, 2025):Awaiting gazetting.
Climate Change Management Bill (H.B. 5, 2025): Awaiting gazetting.
In terms of economic legislation, the Appropriation Act and Finance Act, which implement the 2025 Budget, have been published. These laws authorize government spending and enact changes in taxation, including new taxes on sports betting winnings and a surcharge on certain fast foods and non-renewable plastic carrier bags.
Additionally, there are ongoing discussions and proposals for new laws governing social media platforms. The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has indicated the government's intention to prepare new legislation to regulate these platforms and hold users accountable, citing challenges associated with unregulated usage. However, this proposal has raised concerns about potential over-regulation and the erosion of fundamental rights pertaining to freedom of expression and access to information.
These legislative developments highlight the dynamic nature of Zimbabwe's legal landscape, characterized by ongoing efforts to address governance, social welfare, and economic development, alongside debates concerning fundamental rights and freedoms.
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