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CSOs voice strong opposition to the Zimbabwe tax
20 hrs ago | Views
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have voiced strong opposition to the Zimbabwean government's 2025 national budget, criticizing new taxes as oppressive and harmful to citizens already struggling with economic hardships.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube unveiled a ZiG276.4 billion budget, which includes new taxes on fast foods, plastic bags, betting, and rental income, set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
The Coalition for Market and Liberal Solutions (Comaliso) sharply criticized the proposed taxes, arguing that overburdening citizens with taxes is both "unconstitutional" and "criminally heartless."
"Intelligent finance ministers focus on widening the tax base by formulating free-market policies that trigger rapid industrialisation and job creation. The government must revisit its expenditure priorities to lessen fiscal responsibility on ordinary citizens," said Comaliso in its analysis.
The think-tank further accused the government of misallocating national resources, claiming political branding has been prioritized over genuine economic growth initiatives.
"What is going to be taxed next, roast maize? Millions of US dollars are haemorrhaged through corruption," Comaliso added.
The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (Zimcodd) also condemned the taxes, describing them as a form of social and economic injustice.
"Taxing and overtaxing an unemployed population is an affront to justice. Similarly, overburdening the few taxable groups is unsustainable," said Zimcodd in its budget analysis.
The watchdog called for domestic resource mobilisation strategies that go beyond taxing citizens and emphasized the need to allocate more resources to social sectors to cushion vulnerable groups.
"Industrialisation and employment creation must be at the centre of the national development agenda, and the national budget must reflect this as a priority," Zimcodd said.
The proposed tax measures have sparked widespread public discontent, with many citizens expressing concerns over the rising cost of living. Critics argue that instead of introducing additional taxes, the government should focus on curbing corruption, streamlining expenditure, and implementing policies that stimulate economic growth.
As the debate continues, pressure is mounting on the government to revise its fiscal strategies and adopt a more inclusive approach to economic development ahead of the 2025 implementation of these taxes.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube unveiled a ZiG276.4 billion budget, which includes new taxes on fast foods, plastic bags, betting, and rental income, set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
The Coalition for Market and Liberal Solutions (Comaliso) sharply criticized the proposed taxes, arguing that overburdening citizens with taxes is both "unconstitutional" and "criminally heartless."
"Intelligent finance ministers focus on widening the tax base by formulating free-market policies that trigger rapid industrialisation and job creation. The government must revisit its expenditure priorities to lessen fiscal responsibility on ordinary citizens," said Comaliso in its analysis.
The think-tank further accused the government of misallocating national resources, claiming political branding has been prioritized over genuine economic growth initiatives.
"What is going to be taxed next, roast maize? Millions of US dollars are haemorrhaged through corruption," Comaliso added.
"Taxing and overtaxing an unemployed population is an affront to justice. Similarly, overburdening the few taxable groups is unsustainable," said Zimcodd in its budget analysis.
The watchdog called for domestic resource mobilisation strategies that go beyond taxing citizens and emphasized the need to allocate more resources to social sectors to cushion vulnerable groups.
"Industrialisation and employment creation must be at the centre of the national development agenda, and the national budget must reflect this as a priority," Zimcodd said.
The proposed tax measures have sparked widespread public discontent, with many citizens expressing concerns over the rising cost of living. Critics argue that instead of introducing additional taxes, the government should focus on curbing corruption, streamlining expenditure, and implementing policies that stimulate economic growth.
As the debate continues, pressure is mounting on the government to revise its fiscal strategies and adopt a more inclusive approach to economic development ahead of the 2025 implementation of these taxes.
Source - newsday
