Story by ZBC Reporter
SADC Member States have been urged to ensure that Mechanism for Engagement, particularly with Non-State Actors (NGOs), does not jeopardise regional cohesion and solidarity.
The call was made during the ongoing SADC Council of Ministers Meeting currently underway in Kinchasa(DRC).
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Frederick Shava said there is a need to monitor non-state actors to ensure their stick to the mandates.
“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,” he said.
“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 which 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.”
The SADC Executive Secretary, H.E Elias Mpedi Magosi, urged member states to sign the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Establishment of a SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) as soon as possible.
“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.
SHOC will be established as an autonomous, self-accounting SADC organization. The purpose of the MoA is to establish SHOC and provide a legal foundation for its operation.
The statement from the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting dovetails with the current move from the Zimbabwean government to enact the PVO bill.
