Labour and Social Welfare minister Paurina Mpariwa yesterday castigated the cancellation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) licences by Masvingo governor Titus Maluleke saying it had been done illegally as she was the only one with powers to either issue or withdraw licences according to the NGO Act.
Mpariwa was responding to a question in the House of Assembly by Magwegwe MP Magalela Sibanda, who had asked the minister to explain whether government had a policy giving powers to governors to stop NGOs or civic society organisations from operating.
In February this year, Maluleke claimed he had cancelled licences of 29 NGOs, claiming they were not registered with his office.
But Mpariwa said: The only person who has power to stop NGOs and civic society from operating is myself as minister.
This country is faced with severe hunger affecting about 60 districts and if you go to provinces people are crying of hunger and we are in serious need of NGOs working at those places and this country needs friends.
She warned: If these people (NGOs) are treated badly, who is going to help government to get food and medicines for the suffering masses since this country is poor?
