Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has urged fellow SADC member States to monitor non-state actors to ensure they stick to their mandates.
Non-State actors are organisations and/or individuals that are not affiliated with, directed by, or funded by any government, for example, non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Speaking during the ongoing SADC Council of Ministers Meeting currently underway in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava, said Zimbabwe is awaiting the enactment of a law that regulates NGOs. He said:
It is imperative that Member States ensure the Mechanism for Engagement does not undermine regional cohesion and solidarity.
There is a need for a vigorous and continuous monitoring and review mechanism of accredited Non-State Actors.
This is to ensure that they stick to their mandates and demonstrate accountability, transparency and good governance in their affairs.
Further, cognisance of national legislations which govern the conduct of Non-State Actors should also be appreciated.
The Republic of Zimbabwe is currently awaiting the enactment of the Private Voluntary Organisations Bill, a legal instrument that allows the State to exercise its regulatory function while ensuring enhanced aid coordination and convergence of the work of development partners within the framework of the country’s national priorities.
SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Mpedi Magosi, urged member states to expedite the signing of the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Establishment of a SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC). Said Magosi:
SHOC’s mission is to coordinate humanitarian and emergency assistance to Member States in the Region affected by disasters, thereby contributing to disaster risk reduction and resilience building.
The purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement is to establish SHOC and provide a legal foundation for its operation, reported ZBC News.
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