Crisis hits Zim NGOs as US halts fundings

By Staff Reporter/Agencies
Zimbabwe’s non-governmental development sector is facing a major crisis following the issuance of a stop-work order by USAID.
The directive comes in the wake of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to cut aid, leading to the freezing of contracts, immobilisation of resources, and suspension of field activities across the country, region, and globally.
The impact of the funding freeze has been devastating, leaving many organisations and individuals in limbo. Vehicles are being parked, operations have come to a halt, and uncertainty looms over the future of thousands of workers dependent on these programmes.
Amidst the turmoil, concerns have been raised about how the developments are being communicated within affected organisations. While news of the crisis circulates through public channels, social media, and news sites, misinformation and a lack of empathy in some messaging have exacerbated the distress.
“In this harrowing and uncertain time, my thoughts are with those impacted,” said a concerned stakeholder. “The way these messages are relayed matters. Accurate, responsible, and empathetic communication is crucial in such a crisis. This is about people’s jobs, livelihoods, and ultimately, entire communities.”
Leaders within the NGO sector are facing the difficult task of informing teams about job losses and programme suspensions. Some have turned to WhatsApp messages and social media to share updates, though not all communications have been handled with the sensitivity required during such difficult times.
Crisis communication experts have stressed the importance of having a Crisis Communications Plan to navigate such situations effectively.
“A well-structured approach to communicating during emergencies can make a significant difference,” an expert noted. “Taking the time to type, delete, and rewrite messages before sending them, as well as opting for face-to-face discussions where possible, can help in delivering the news with greater compassion.”
As the development sector grapples with this setback, affected individuals and organisations are left searching for solutions, hoping for renewed funding or alternative support mechanisms. The crisis highlights the fragility of aid-dependent initiatives and the far-reaching consequences of international policy decisions on local communities in Zimbabwe.