MARTIN MAWAYA
MASVINGO–The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Commissioner General, Regina Chinamasa has commended the media fraternity for amplifying taxation and customs issues, as well as their impact in the economic development of the country.
She said the fourth estate plays a pivotal role in disseminating information required for efficient and effective revenue collection and in the fight against the scourge of corruption.
Speaking at the media engagement meeting hosted under the theme ‘ZIMRA Transformation – Past, Present and the Future’ in Masvingo recently, Chinamasa said the revenue authority seeks to strengthen it’s relations with the media and enhance their knowledge on tax policies, its impact on livelihoods and general economic performance.
“This engagement presents an opportunity for us to discuss, introspect and to find areas we can leverage on for the betterment of all Zimbabweans through sharing of relevant information on Taxation and Customs.
“I am convinced that at the end of this brief exercise you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge that may assist you to develop informative and balanced stories on ZIMRA’s present and future trajectory, for the benefit of the nation.
“Building and fostering partnerships with our clients and important stakeholders like the media fraternity is one thing we will not take for granted, since the achievement of our mandate is anchored on strong client and stakeholder engagement. We will collectively endeavor to build and sustain linkages and collaborations with the media fraternity, to enhance synergies among players in revenue generation and trade facilitation,” she said.
Chinamasa also pointed out that ZIMRA Strategy of 2021 to 2025 gives an indicator of the extent to which the funding of public sector programs and projects will pan out against the National Development Strategy 1 targets.
She added that the authority is committed to improve service delivery through transparency, commitment, innovativeness, fairness and integrity.
The revenue authority commissioner urged the media to expose all forms of corruption.
“I call upon all of us not only to shun corruption, but also use your position within the media sector to condemn, highlight and write about corruption. Corruption is one of the biggest non-tariff barriers that makes our products less competitive on the international market and erodes investor confidence.
“My organisation has put in place several measures to fight corruption, which include the Whistle-blower facility, anti-corruption hotline, as well as disciplining members of staff in accordance with the laws of the land and the Authority’s Code of Conduct. Asset declarations and lifestyle audits are also used to identify any cases of unjust enrichment, as a way of curbing corruption,” said Chinamasa.
She said ZIMRA has launched “#I am for zero” campaign to cultivate a sustainable anti-corruption linked to tax and customs related service administration within the organization and stakeholders across the country.
Meanwhile, Chinamasa said in the past 21 years, ZIMRA has reconfigured the taxation and customs terrain resulting in efficient and effective revenue collection for the government through outreach and raising the number of registered taxpayers.
She added that the authority “managed to surpass the revenue collection targets set by the government and thrive to continue to sustain this trend though robust domestic resource mobilization. As you might be aware, ZIMRA collect taxes and duties to finance 80% government’s expenditure (both recurrent and capital expenditure)”.
Recently, ZIMRA launched a self-service Kiosk at ZIMRE Building in Masvingo as well as in Bulawayo at Mhlahlandlela and Kurima House in Harare as part of creating the ease of doing business.
The Kiosks are meant to assist taxpayers who do not have computer gadgets and internet to register, submit their tax returns and validate Tax Clearance Certificates.
