LUSAKA, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Zambian Vice-President Inonge Wina on Wednesday called on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support government plans to amend a law that governs NGO operations.
The NGO Act of 2009 will only be widely accepted if key stakeholders do not shun the process of repealing it, Wina.
In remarks delivered at the start of the 2018 Congress of NGOs, the Zambian vice-president said the government appreciates the role being played by NGOs in national development by complementing its efforts.
She urged the NGOs to use the congress to identify quality leadership to propel effective coordination and the organizations' participation in the repealing of the law.
Wina expressed satisfaction that an NGO policy is currently in place which serves as the foundation for the repealing and replacement of the NGO Act.
Chanda Nonde, chairperson of NGO Registration Board, said the congress will try to develop an agreed roadmap for the repealing of the NGO Act.
The law has received a backlash since it was enacted, with NGOs saying it contravenes the country's constitution and international law, forcing the government to embark on a process of repealing it in 2014.
One contentious provision in the law is the need for NGOs to register under a government-appointed NGO Board.
