Non Governmental Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Board Chairperson Beatrice Grillo has told a media briefing in Lusaka today that the NGOCC together with its one hundred and five (105) member organizations will not register under the NGO Act in its current form.
Ms Grillo says the NGOs acknowledge the need for some form of regulation including self-regulation of the NGO sector to make it more effective and to enhance coordination.
She adds that NGOs are opposed to regulation under a Law whose sole purpose appears to be to register and de-register them.
She further states that NGOs are opposed to regulation that adds no value to either the country’s democracy or the NGO sector.
Ms Grillo says the PF manifesto of 2011 to 2016 clearly states that the PF government will amend the draconian NGO Act.
She has since called on the PF government to fulfill their campaign promise and begin the repeal of the NGO Act in earnest.
Ms Grillo has further urged government to suspend the registration process of NGOs until all contentious issues are addressed.
Today 3rd February 2014 marked the deadline for registration by NGOs under the NGO Act of 2009.