“Improving revenue performance key to national development” – ZIMRA Acting CG

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has said it is taking drastic measures to enhance revenue collections and to curb tax and duty corruption in order to improve inflows into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

This was said by the ZIMRA Acting Commissioner General, Happias Kuzvinzwa, while addressing members of staff at Nyamapanda Border Post on 2 June 2016. He further urged all ZIMRA officials to follow proper procedures and principles as the Authority serves the nation.

"If we don't do the right things [as ZIMRA officials], we will be betraying the Government by depriving it of the much-needed revenue," said Kuzvinzwa.

ZIMRA's Acting Commissioner General also highlighted that the Authority is working closely with associations of customs clearing agents and tax consultancy firms to improve professionalism and curb corruption in the sector.
One of the proposals to sanitise the sector is the formulation of a code of ethics for the associations, which enables them to take action against members who engage in errant behaviour, such as corruption.

Kuzvinzwa further emphasised the need for ZIMRA officers to desist from corrupt tendencies and to uphold ethical and professional standards in the execution of their duties.

The Revenue Authority introduced an independent hotline for reporting tax and duty corruption early this year as it moves a gear up in eradicating the vice. Processes are also underway to intensify asset declarations and lifestyle audits as a way of curbing corrupt practices.