The transition of the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) to the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO)

23 May 2025

For 25 years, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has been advancing environmental justice, sustainable natural resources management, and protecting communities’ rights in Zimbabwe and across Southern Africa.

Founded in 2000 and formally registered in 2001, ZELA has pioneered transformative work at the intersection of law, policy, and grassroots community empowerment. Today, we embark on a strategic evolution to strengthen our impact – the transition of ZELA to the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO), registered in terms of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act. The ZELA Board, management and staff anticipate that the transition process will be completed by the 30^th of June 2025.

This transition marks a critical milestone in our journey, representing a strategic move to align with global developments in the non-profit sector and national legal requirements, ensuring compliance, adaptation and positioning the organisation for future growth.  This will not only ensure compliance but also enhance operational flexibility, credibility, and the ability to serve communities. Thus, rebranding to ZELO reaffirms our unwavering commitment to environmental justice, equitable resource management, and amplification of the voices of marginalized groups.

Why this Transition Matters 

ZELA’s legacy is rooted in its unique approach that combines legal expertise, policy advocacy, and community-driven action, through our PRIDE approach (Partnerships, Research, Impact Litigation, Documentation, and Evidence-based support). As ZELO, we will build on this foundation to:

• Amplify Community Impact: By reinforcing branding and institutional identity, ZELO will deepen its engagement with communities, civil society, and policy/decision makers, to advance transparency and accountability in natural resources management.
• Ensure Continuity: This transition will enable ZELO to maintain its commitment to community support and environmental justice without disruption, safeguarding the trust placed in the organisation, by its partners and stakeholders.

This transition is, therefore, not merely a change in legal status but a significant rebranding effort that recognises the organisation’s growth over the years and aims to reinforce the organisation’s mission, while expanding its visibility, reach and engagement within local, regional and global contexts.

A Pledge to Stakeholders

To our communities, partners, donors, and the Government, this transition is a strategic step forward, not a departure from our mission. We remain dedicated to being a thought leader, knowledge broker, a legal advocate, and a champion for the constitutional right to a healthy environment enshrined in Section 73 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution.

We, therefore, look forward to completing the transition, with meticulous attention to required legal, strategic, operational, and branding adjustments. During this period, we kindly request your patience and continued collaboration. Rest assured, our teams remain fully operational and committed to delivering on ongoing projects.

Looking Ahead

ZELO emerges at a pivotal time amidst climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequitable resource distribution, which demand bold and innovative responses. As an organisation, we are poised to meet these challenges with renewed vigor, grounded in law, driven by justice, and remaining accountable to the people we serve.

Together, let us continue ensuring Zimbabwe’s natural resources benefit present and future generations. We invite our partners, stakeholders and the communities that we work with to join us on this exciting journey, as we explore new opportunities for better environmental stewardship and improved natural resources management in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.

Once the transition is complete, we will officially announce this milestone and unveil our new logo—an emblem of our growth, resilience, and reinforcement of our vision.

Mutuso Dhliwayo

Executive Director

Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA)

For enquiries or to learn more about our transition, please contact the Executive Director on mutusod@zela.org or Deputy Director, Shamiso Mtisi on shamiso@zela.org