The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority hosted a high profile workshop on 16 June 2014, whose main aim was to appraise Heads of Parastatals on the operations of ZIMRA. This was the second such high profile workshop following the one which the Authority hosted for Parliamentarians in January this year.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner General (CG), Mr Gershem Pasi, said the workshop was meant to strengthen and foster a better understanding between parastatals and ZIMRA for the success of the ZimAsset economic blueprint.
“The ZimAsset economic blueprint spells out what needs to be done. For us as ZIMRA, it is a loud statement that says ‘…ZIMRA go to work.’ But what we need to realise is that, through ZimAsset, the foundation has been laid. Now it is up to every one of us to contribute to the success of the economic policy.
“Let us do the right thing from the word go. Pay your taxes on time and in full in support of the ZimAsset economic blueprint,” said the Commissioner General to a loud applause from the gallery.
The CG also delved into the issue of corruption – an ill which has eaten hollow the moral fabric of our society – saying it was up to every citizen to play his/her part in ensuring that there was zero corruption in society.
“If all of us stop offering bribes; if all of us would stop offering mari yeCoke (money for a drink); if we start to rebuke all those who engage in such types of acts, then we will have zero corruption,” said Commissioner Pasi.
The Guest of Honour at the workshop, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda praised ZIMRA for coming up with such workshops, which he said had the potential to refocus energies towards reviving the economy.
“These are important knowledge sharing forums which have a potential to work for the mutual benefits of us all.”
Dr Sibanda added: “Cabinet is looking at each parastatal on a case by case basis with a view to reform and refocus them so that they positively contribute towards the success of the ZimAsset economic blueprint.”
One issue which stood out during the workshop was that of voluntary compliance, with most of the presenters calling on all citizens to practice voluntary compliance. The workshop also afforded Heads of Parastatals an opportunity to ask burning questions about issues relating to Customs and Taxes. The question and answer sessions often generated exciting debate which made the workshop as exciting as it was informative and interactive.