By Rex Mphisa
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has been left with an egg on the face after the exposure of its train wreck organisation of a trip to the 2026 Southern Africa Inter-Revenue Administration Games (SAIRAG) in Namibia.
It has been holding several meetings seemingly to self introspect, witch-hunt and exorcise that evil spirit.
The meetings which included a last executive meeting on Friday sought to establish how much in total was paid suggesting the $159 000 advanced to the air agent is just a tip of the iceberg.
Witch-hunting is also abound in the corridors of the tax and revenue collector to establish who leaked the monumental lapse to “newspapers”.
“Meeting after meeting has been held following publication of the story widely circulated qmongst dissappointed Zimra officers.
The meetings are understandable considering the office, the responsibility on its shoulders, what it should have known and done and what it never did as the country’s organ trusted with assessment, collection, and accountancy for taxes on behalf of Government.
It handles millions, if not billions of State funds, how much is allowed to slip in similar fashion?
What adds salt to injury for is while $159 000 air charter fares will be recovered, not the same can be said for advance services and the dampened spirits of supporters bused by road ahead of the April 3 to 5 games in the resort town of Swakopmund in the heart of the Namib desert.
Advance accommodation, food, shuttle and other related necessities were paid for well ahead of the team’s touch down in the coastal resort town, one of Africa’s finest.
Accommodation in Swakopmund, Namibia, varies widely, with many options available, including budget-friendly guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxury beachfront resorts.
Costs typically range from $40 to over $200 per night, depending on the level of luxury, proximity to the beach, and season, with high season being May to October.
Average Costs in Swakopmund estimated per night are for budget/hostels approximately $30 – $60 while mid-range guest-houses/self-feed cost approximately $70 to $130.
High-end luxury beachfront suites, where obviously the organisers of the Zimra entourage would have housed themselves ask for between $150 – $300.
On accomodation for three days for 100 athletes at $100 per day per athlete it would be $30 000 for three days and nights excluding their out of office allowances!
Besides, what will not be recovered is fees for buses of supporters hired to ferry the cheering squad and “mbuva”, a shona name for “tuck food” carried or stored for later consumption, today’s young people slang for their travelling partners.
Non-adventurous or “upright” members of the Zimra athletes teams saw an opportunity for perfect international family holiday outing on the “free” hired buses that did a gruelling 2 258 single way kilometres between Harare and Swakopmund needing 38 hours.
That mixed band of supporters hoped to see airport shuttles arrive at the games villages with the Zimra athletes for their welcome and cheer, a project denied by poor due diligence.
Zimra used an otherwise in and out of court travel agent they should have known courtesy of their station at the Robert Mugabe International Airport. Or just a click of the “Google” search!
Several airlines and reputable private operators offer charter services across Southern Africa, providing passenger and cargo transport tailored to specific schedules and destinations.
Key charter providers include Mack Air operating in Botswana and Zimbabwe, South African Airways for both passengers and cargo, Wilderness Air for safari, and Grand Air Charters.
But the Shona proverb “Kana museve woda nyama unodauka pawuta” (When something wants to happen it will happen) kicked in much to the mortification of Zimra.
In an update following publication by Ziyah News Network of the embarrassing failed trip, the acting commissioner general of Zimra Misheck Govha on April 9 released circular number 7 of 2026 titled “Update On SAIRAG 2026 Participation In Swakopmund, Namibia this publication had sight of.
Govha naturally exhibited his regret saying significant preparation and commitment was invested for the games but had been invested but “unforeseen and regrettable” impediments got the better of the plans.
“It is with sincere regret that the Authority was unable to participate in the Southern Africa Inter-Revenue Administration Games (SAIRAG) held from 3 to 5 April 2026 in Namibia, despite the significant preparations and firm commitment made towards the trip,” wrote Govha.
“The outcome arose from unforeseen and regrettable technical and administrative challenges encountered by the appointed travel service provider. The matter is being addressed through the appropriate channels in line with established processes.”
He said management fully appreciated the disappointment caused, particularly among those who invested considerable time, effort and dedication in preparation for the Games.
Participation in such platforms, he said, is a source of institutional pride and the unity and team spirit demonstrated across the organisation in the run up to the Games were duly acknowledged.
“Management commends all those involved for their discipline, resilience and exemplary conduct throughout the preparation period. These efforts remain a testament to the strength and character of the Authority.”
“ZIMRA remains committed to staff wellness, team cohesion and sustained participation in initiatives that strengthen organisational culture. Measures will be implemented to preserve the momentum and unity built in preparation for SAIRAG,” said Govha.
He said the failure to attend the games will diminish the resilience, unity and professionalism that define ZIMRA and these qualities whose qualities he said will continue to guide the Authority in the pursuit of excellence.
“The Authority reaffirms its intention to participate fully in the next SAIRAG Games scheduled for 2027 in Eswatini,” he signed off.
But daggers have been drawn against the organisation committee which bungled the entire process by their failure to do due diligence and making false publications the team had taken to the skies.
Maybe heads will roll, or proper sports and wellness structures will be established.
The Zimbabwean government has a new direction with prioritisation of worker wellness, occupational safety, and health programmes within Zimbabwean workplaces as part of his administration’s efforts to improve working conditions and productivity.
Zimra was the host of the 2025 Southern Africa Inter-Revenue Administration Games (SAIRAG) held from April 18 to 20 at the University of Zimbabwe where this year’s overall winners, Zambia, was overall winner, while hosts came second.
On a lighter note, the Zimra teams, which are non professiona, enjoy better travelling facilities than the women and junior national soccer teams whose journeys regionally have mostly been by road!