By Patience Gondo
The Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) on Thursday January 29 convened a public finance dialogue in Beitbridge aimed at demystifying how public funds are collected and managed.
The dialogue, included Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officers, local councillors, vendors and residents.
The meeting, held at Summit Guest House focused on citizen participation in public finance management, with VISET Executive Director Samuel Wadzai saying ordinary people must understand how government institutions handle public money if accountability and trust are to be strengthened.
“The main purpose of this programme is to ensure that citizens participate in public finance and management,” Wadzai said.
“People must know how public funds are handled by different government departments. Without that knowledge, citizens are excluded from decision making that directly affects their lives.”
Wadzai cited ZIMRA as one of the most misunderstood public institutions, saying many citizens fear tax authorities largely because they do not understand the tax system or their obligations.
To address this gap, ZIMRA’s Domestic Taxes officer Blessing Pfigu was invited to directly engage residents and informal traders.
In presentation, Pfugi introduced participants to the Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS), a digital platform that integrates taxpayers, banks and ZIMRA on one system.
He said TaRMS allows taxpayers to manage all domestic taxes, including PAYE, VAT, Income Tax and Withholding Tax from a single platform.
“TaRMS links taxpayers, banks and ZIMRA on one digital platform, making it easier and more transparent to manage domestic taxes,” Pfugi said.
He said vendors and small scale traders should formally register their businesses with ZIMRA, saying that registration is not limited to large companies.
“Individuals can also register and apply for tax clearance certificates, which are increasingly required for business transactions,” he said.
Pfugi also addressed property related tax issues, advising residents to regularise ownership before undertaking any developments on newly acquired properties.
“Before you start developing a property you bought from someone, come and change ownership,” he said.
“If you don’t, when we come to evaluate, you will be required to prove that you did not add anything. That means producing receipts for building materials such as cement which might be very difficult,”
His remarks drew applause from residents, many of whom said the guidance clarified long standing disputes between property owners and tax authorities.
During the discussion session, Councillor Takavingei Mahachi proposed the establishment of a ZIMRA satellite office in Dilivhadzimu to provide continuous education and support, arguing that closer engagement would reduce fear and improve compliance.
“People should not fear ZIMRA officers when they see them, but see them as partners who want to help businesses grow legally and peacefully,” He said.
Responding to the proposal, Pfugi said ZIMRA would seek authorisation from the local authority to consider the establishment of a satellite presence in residential areas.
He also announced that ZIMRA plans to hold a workshop for newly registered taxpayers on 20 February, with the venue yet to be confirmed. Vendor representatives are expected to attend.
The Beitbridge meeting forms part of VISET’s broader continental agenda to advance economic justice, policy advocacy and inclusive growth within the informal economy, positioning citizens not only as taxpayers but as active participants in public finance oversight.