Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) has cautioned government to ensure the repeal and replacement of the Non-governmental Organization (NGO) act should not be just an exercise on Paper.

ZCSD Executive Director Leah Mitaba told Money FM News that government should ensure people’s views are taken seriously and make consultation on what a good law looks like.
“We hope that what the people are saying on the ground is not going to be trashed.” She said.

Ms. Mitaba further expressed hoped  that the result of the replacement of the act will be a good law that will encourage NGO’s to thrive and be able to compliments governments effort in terms of national development, policy development and policy oversight.
Ms. Mitaba said in 2009, Government enacted the Non-Governmental Organization Act, a law aimed at stifling and micro-managing the operations of NGOs.

She however noted that Zambia Council for Social Development, alongside other well-meaning civil society organizations, refused to register under the new law.
“Ten years later, government has seen that the law has not facilitated for the crucial role that NGOs play in any good nation.” She said