By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Government’s new nationwide tax education campaign launched on Monday in Beitbridge has quickly evolved into a platform for citizens to raise long-standing concerns about tax processes, licensing fees and access to information.
The programme, running under the banner “My Tax Works: See the Change in Your Community,” is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion in collaboration with Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
While the initiative aims to explain how taxes fund development, participants in Beitbridge used the opportunity to call for practical reforms that would make compliance easier and more transparent.
Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Deputy Director for Advocacy and Communications, Mr Cletus Munandi, said the campaign seeks to demystify taxation at a time when Zimbabwe relies heavily on domestic revenue due to limited access to international credit lines.
“If communities understand the taxes we collect and their role in financing government operations, it becomes easier for us to fulfil our mandate,” Munandi said.
Clearing agents, who form a large part of Beitbridge’s economic activity, voiced concern over the US$500 clearing agent license fee, calling on the ministry to intervene as it has in other sectors.
They argued that such costs undermine efforts to promote voluntary compliance.
ZIMRA Enforcement Manager Lloyd Mubingi said the authority wants taxpayers to feel empowered, not intimidated.
“We are trying to educate taxpayers on their rights. Awareness improves voluntary compliance, and we also want to show how their taxes support devolution programmes,” he said.
Beitbridge Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola noted that the workshop clarified many issues that had long confused residents especially tax rebates for people with disabilities.
“People were coming to the municipality for disability confirmation letters, yet these should come from medical doctors. The session cleared up such misconceptions,”
he said.
Beitbridge, a major cross-border hub, was selected as the first stop due to its high level of tax-linked economic activity.
The Ministry says the programme will move through all provinces, with each session tailored to the needs and concerns of local communities.
While the official message of the campaign focuses on the importance of taxpayer contributions, early feedback suggests that citizens see the initiative as a chance to push for fairer systems, clearer processes and more accessible tax structures.