In Zimbabwe, many groups or clubs operate as registered societies. These could be cooperatives, savings clubs, or other community organizations. The law sets clear rules about who can be a member, how to join, and what rights members have. Here’s a straightforward explanation:

Who Can Be a Member?

• To be a member, you usually need to be listed when the society was first registered. That means your name was part of the original application and you agreed to the society’s rules (called by-laws).

• If you weren’t an original member, you can still join later by applying to the society’s management committee and agreeing in writing to follow their rules.

What Are the Basic Requirements to Join?

• You must be at least 18 years old (or legally an adult).

• You should either be a Zimbabwean citizen or normally live in Zimbabwe.

• You may also need to meet other conditions depending on the society’s specific rules, like where you live or your job.

Can Employees Join?

• Yes! Even if you work for the society, you can still be a member.

Can Groups Join Other Groups?

• Smaller societies (called primary societies) can join bigger ones (called secondary societies) if they operate in the same economic area.

• Both primary and secondary societies can be members of even larger organizations (called apex organizations) in the same sector.

Can Someone Belong to More Than One Society?

• Usually, you cannot be a member of two societies that have the same purpose or objectives—unless the government’s Registrar agrees.

Do Members Have to Pay?

• Yes, members must pay their membership fees or buy shares in the society as set out in the rules before they can use any member benefits or vote.

Shareholding Limits

• In primary societies, no single member can own more than 20% (one-fifth) of the society’s shares. This helps keep control fair.

Leaving the Society

• Members can leave, but they must give notice according to the society’s rules.

• For primary societies, the notice can’t be longer than two years.

• For secondary or apex societies, notice can be up to three years.

Suspension or Expulsion

• If a member breaks the law or the society’s rules, or harms the society’s interests, they can be suspended or expelled.

• The society must follow fair procedures, including giving the member a chance to explain themselves before any decision.

What Happens to Debts After Leaving or Death?

• If a member leaves or passes away, they (or their estate) may still owe the society money for up to two years based on debts existing at the time they left or died.

• However, if an audit shows the society owes the member money (a credit balance), then this liability stops immediately.

In short, being a member of a registered society in Zimbabwe means you agree to follow its rules, pay your dues, and enjoy certain rights—but you also have responsibilities. The society has a legal process to manage membership fairly, including who can join, how you can leave, and what happens if problems arise.