Building Strong Advocacy Organisations: Governance

In this section, we will look at internal governance structures through setting up a board. We will also explore external governance components such as the laws that govern CSOs

---

Internal Governance Structures

How to set up a board?

An organisation’s board of trustees also referred to as a board of directors, and in some instances are people who volunteer to maintain and grow the values, ensure missions are accomplished, review and amend policies, and evaluate the organisation’s performance, among other key aspects.

---

External Governance Considerations

It is important to read through and understand the laws that will impact your organisation’s operations in Zimbabwe.

Laws that govern Civil Society Organisations in Zimbabwe:

1. The PVO Act: PVO-Act_17_05_updated.pdf
2. The PVO Amendment Bill: 2024-Private-Voluntary-Organisations-Amendment-Bill.pdf
   • This bill is currently undergoing consultations after relapsing at the end of the parliamentary term in August
3. National Trusts Act: https://zimlii.org/akn/zw/act/1960/23/eng%402016-12-31

Notes from the legal consultant:

1. Notes on the PVOs: Private-Voluntary-Organisations-Notes-1-1.pdf
2. Notes on tax compliance: Tax-and-Pensions-Compliance.pdf

Read more: Governance: Laws that Govern CSOs – Incubation Hub (sivioinstitute.net)

Resources