William Brown, a representative from the US Centre for Non-Profits and Philanthropy, recently acknowledged the significant contributions of community-based organizations (CBOs) in Zimbabwe. In an interview with NewsDay, Brown praised local non-profit organizations for their commitment to transforming livelihoods despite limited resources.
During his visit to Zimbabwe, Brown conducted workshops aimed at enhancing the sustainability of local civil society organizations. He emphasized the crucial role these organizations play in filling gaps not covered by government or business sectors, particularly in offering specialized services or support to specific community groups.
According to a report by Newsday, Brown noted, “Non-profit organizations can supplement areas that businesses or government may overlook, catering to unique community needs and interests.”
However, Brown identified human resources as a major challenge threatening the operation of CBOs globally. He pointed out that reliance on volunteers, who often provide short-term or part-time support, can limit the scope of projects undertaken by non-profits.
The importance of CBOs in Zimbabwe comes into focus amid criticism of the government’s introduction of the Private Voluntary Organisation Bill. The bill, which has been criticized for potentially stifling NGO operations in the country, was recently referred back to Parliament by President Emmerson Mnangagwa after legislators handed over the document for assertion in a previous session.
Brown’s observations and experiences shed light on the integral role of CBOs in enhancing community welfare and the challenges they face in maintaining their operations and impact.
