Why should duty-free cars be a privilege for the few?

The Government of Zimbabwe needs to reconsider its approach to policies governing the importation of motor vehicles, particularly where duty exemptions and privileges are concerned. Government policies should be designed with the interests of the majority of citizens in mind, not just those fortunate enough to be employed in the public sector or holding political office.

The Government has allowed civil servants to import vehicles duty-free. Members of Parliament and councillors have also enjoyed similar privileges. Furthermore, restrictions have been introduced limiting the importation of vehicles older than ten years.

But has anyone stopped to consider the millions of unemployed Zimbabweans who have no access to these privileges?

We are creating a situation where having a government job or holding public office comes with additional benefits, while ordinary citizens, including the unemployed, are left to carry the full cost of importing a vehicle.

Why should a civil servant enjoy a duty-free vehicle import facility while an unemployed Zimbabwean, perhaps someone who has worked abroad for years and saved towards buying a vehicle, has to pay the full import duty?

Being unemployed should not automatically mean being excluded from opportunities and government concessions.

There is another important economic reality that Government must consider. Zimbabwe is no longer a significant manufacturer or assembler of motor vehicles capable of meeting domestic demand. Although there have been attempts at local vehicle assembly, the country relies heavily on imported vehicles to meet the transportation needs of its population.

We cannot continue introducing policies that make vehicle ownership increasingly expensive when local manufacturing and assembly cannot provide affordable alternatives at the scale required.

If Zimbabwe is dependent on imported vehicles, then our import policies must reflect that reality. Government must strike a balance between generating revenue, maintaining road safety, protecting the environment and making transportation affordable.

A National Vehicle Import Incentive Scheme for 2027. As we approach 2027, I am proposing that Government introduces a National Vehicle Import Incentive Scheme, allowing every eligible Zimbabwean, regardless of employment status, to import one qualifying vehicle duty-free within a specified period.

This should not be a privilege reserved for civil servants, Members of Parliament or councillors. It should be an opportunity available to all Zimbabweans.

The scheme could be subject to reasonable conditions, including one vehicle per eligible person, a minimum ownership period and safeguards against commercial exploitation.

This would be an opportunity to recognise the ordinary Zimbabwean who has remained in the country, endured economic hardships and continued contributing to the economy.

We must not forget those who stayed when economic circumstances were difficult. They kept businesses running, paid taxes, created employment, supported families and continued to believe in Zimbabwe. Some sacrificed opportunities elsewhere because they wanted to build a future at home. These Zimbabweans deserve recognition too.

Economic contribution is not measured by whether someone appears on a government payroll. A small business owner, a farmer, a market trader, a private-sector employee and even someone currently unemployed may have contributed to the economy in different ways.

There should be no discrimination between a civil servant, a councillor, a Member of Parliament, a self-employed person or an ordinary citizen who has the financial means to purchase a vehicle.

I am not suggesting unlimited duty-free imports. Government can introduce a controlled scheme allowing one vehicle per eligible citizen within a specified period, with appropriate safeguards against abuse.

The ten-year vehicle age restriction should also be reviewed in the context of affordability, road safety and environmental standards. Zimbabweans should not be forced into purchasing expensive vehicles simply because they cannot afford the import duties associated with alternatives.

Government must appreciate that vehicle ownership is not necessarily a luxury. For many Zimbabweans, a vehicle is an economic asset. It facilitates business, creates opportunities, improves access to employment and supports family responsibilities.

2027 presents an opportunity for Government to demonstrate that economic recovery must benefit everyone, not just those holding positions of privilege.

If Government can extend duty-free vehicle import facilities to selected groups, it should seriously consider extending a similar opportunity to the wider population.

Those who stayed, those who worked, those who sacrificed and those who continued believing in Zimbabwe must also have something to look forward to.

The ordinary Zimbabwean must not always be expected to carry the burden of economic recovery while watching others enjoy privileges.

Let 2027 be the year of economic inclusion. Let Government put the masses first.

Zimbabwe belongs to all of us and the benefits of building Zimbabwe should be shared by all.

Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi