By Pemphero Malimba:
The National Advocacy Platform (Nap) says the Non-Governmental Organisations Regulatory Authority (Ngora) should provide capacity building to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help them comply with the law.
Nap chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said this during the Kulinji Programme on Times Radio Wednesday.
He said some cases of non-compliance could have been avoided if Ngora had strengthened the capacity of affected organisations.
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“Many compliance failures can be prevented through clear guidance, practical training and early engagement rather than waiting until default occurs and imposing sanctions,” Kondowe said.
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He added that NGOs need training on registration, annual reporting, financial accountability, governance standards and other statutory obligations.
“While the NGO Act does not expressly designate Ngora as the principal capacity-building institution, its mandate is not purely punitive.
“Section 3 requires an environment conducive to NGO development and the effective functioning of NGOs, while section 18(2)(h) empowers Ngora to undertake matters necessary or conducive to carrying out the Act’s objects,” Kondowe said.
Last month, Ngora gave 36 NGOs, including the Human Rights Defenders Coalition, a 30-day notice of deregistration for failing to submit annual reports and for other compliance issues.
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The organisations were among 330 NGOs classified as non-compliant with the law.
Speaking during the same programme, Ngora spokesperson Laston Chinkudzu said the authority provides guidance to NGOs on compliance requirements.
Chinkudzu said Ngora sends reminders on annual reporting and assists organisations experiencing difficulties with its online system.
“If they have challenges with our online system, we engage and train them,” he said.
Chinkudzu said the authority also has representatives in districts who assist NGOs with compliance matters.
