NGO Act is already law-Kapeya

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NGO Act is already law-Kapeya

Lusaka February 27, 2014,ZANIS—Chief Government Spokesperson Mwansa Kapeya has said government was aware of the concerns that have been raised by some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) regarding some of the legal impediments within the NGO Act of 2009 that need to be addressed.

In a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Kapeya said government wishes to make its position clear on the registration of NGOs.

Mr. Kapeya however said the NGO Act is already law which needs to be adhered to in its current form and force.

He said government has commenced the registration process of the NGOs as a way of operationalising the Act while the review process will follow.

Mr. Kapeya has further observed that that it is the duty of the courts to interpret whether the law in question is bad or not.

He said at the moment, government was of the view that sentiments being made on the NGO Act by some stakeholders are mere speculation as no one has been injured by the said law so far.

Mr. Kapeya, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said government also wishes to amplify the commitment it attaches to NGOs as partners in supplementing its efforts in development.

He said government was committed to reviewing the NGO Act as stated in its manifesto and this issue was scheduled to be tabled before Cabinet.

Mr. Kapeya said 420 NGOs countrywide have paid and collected the registration forms out of which 149 NGOs have been issued with certificates.

He said from this and other figures captured so far, it was clear that a large majority of NGOs have complied with the law by commencing the registration process under the NGO Act.

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