National News

Board fires shot at NGOs

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Board has given a two-month ultimatum to NGOs operating with expired boards to reconstitute them, failing which drastic action will be taken against them.

NGO Board spokesperson Joel Mkandawire said in an interview yesterday the NGOs have up to March 31 to fix the mess.

Kajoloweka: Engage the suspected NGOs

He said some NGOs are operating with boards whose members or trustees’ term of office expired, adding the development is against the law.

Said Mkandawire: “Operating on an expired term is as good as running without a board, which is illegal according to the NGO Act of 2001. It’s an issue of accountability and transparency to the public they represent which also jeopardises donor and public confidence.”

While he could not say which NGOs are flouting the law, Mkandawire warned that the board will not allow the malpractice to continue.

He hinted that failing or refusing to comply with the provisions of the NGO Act will result in the NGO Board motivating donors to stop funding such NGOs and apply the law to suspend or cancel such NGOs.

On his part, Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka said as much as the NGO Board is mandated to ensure that NGOs comply with the law, it should have engaged the NGOs it suspects are against the law rather than rushing to issue ultimatums.

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