Sightsavers Zim Renews Mandate Under New PVO Bill,...

Sightsavers Zim Renews Mandate Under New PVO Bill, Pledges Expanded Disability Inclusion Efforts

Michael Gwarisa

Sightsavers Zimbabwe has officially renewed its mandate with the Government of Zimbabwe, operating now under the country’s recently enacted Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act.

The renewal not only secures the organisation’s continued work in providing inclusive eye care but also signals a strategic expansion of its commitment to disability inclusion across Zimbabwe.

Through his LinkedIn account, Peter Bere, Country Director of Sightsavers Zimbabwe, welcomed the renewal as a significant milestone.

This renewal under the new PVO legislation offers us a fresh opportunity to deepen our work supporting people with disabilities and strengthening government systems. Our focus remains on ensuring inclusive development so that no one is left behind in Zimbabwe’s national growth journey,” Bere said.

The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, 2025, was officially published in the Zimbabwe Government Gazette on April 11, 2025, after being signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The law replaces the previous Private Voluntary Organisations Act chapter 17:03 which had been in place for decades.

The new PVO Bill introduces updated governance frameworks that aim to increase transparency and accountability among non-governmental organisations and civil society actors operating in Zimbabwe.

Among the key provisions, the law requires all registered PVOs to periodically renew their mandates with government authorities and to demonstrate that their operations align with national priorities and development objectives.

The legislation also encourages collaboration between government and voluntary organisations as partners in national development while maintaining legal compliance and oversight.

Despite some initial concerns from civil society groups about increased bureaucratic demands, some organisations like Sightsavers view the law as an opportunity to recalibrate their strategies and deepen impact under clearer regulatory frameworks.

Since renewing its mandate as PVO registration number 13/13, Sightsavers has committed to expanding its work in disability inclusion.

“This strategic enhancement aligns with our continued commitment to supporting and strengthening Government systems in implementing disability-focused initiatives that are consistent with Zimbabwe’s national development plans and policies,” added Bere.

Zimbabwe faces significant challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly in eye health where staffing shortages and scarce resources limit service reach. Many healthcare workers in Zimbabwe have emigrated, creating a critical gap that Sightsavers aims to mitigate through recruitment and training of eye care professionals.

Sightsavers’ programs focus on preventing blindness and disabilities due to avoidable conditions such as trachoma—a bacterial infection and a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. The organisation’s teams frequently travel to rural communities, providing eye assessments, treatment, and referrals.

Operating primarily in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland North and South provinces, the inclusion-based eye care programme strives to screen 65,000 people by the end of 2024. The project integrates disability-friendly measures to ensure people living with disabilities can access services without barriers.

With the renewal under the new PVO Act, Sightsavers Zimbabwe believes they are positioned to advance its mission of promoting equitable eye health and disability-inclusive development.

The organisation continues to collaborate with government agencies, local partners, and international stakeholders to improve the quality of life for Zimbabweans affected by visual impairment and disability.