KAROI, June 3 (NewsDay Live) – The government and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) have launched a tax education outreach programme in Hurungwe, with officials warning that poor understanding of tax laws has hindered business operations and compliance.
Speaking at the launch, Gwendolyn Chikaka from the District Development Coordinator’s office described the initiative as a positive step towards addressing tax-related challenges. She said inadequate interpretation of tax regulations had affected many operations and urged stakeholders to use the platform to seek clarity.
Kudakwashe Venge of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion told farmers, miners and small business operators that taxation is central to national development.
“Tax is a social contract between citizens and the nation,” he said, adding that tax revenue funds infrastructure, healthcare, electricity and broader economic growth.
Benson Katemazondo from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development said agriculture remains the backbone of Hurungwe’s economy. He noted that the district hosts more than 21 tobacco auction floors and is pursuing the establishment of a local tobacco processing plant.
Katemazondo also highlighted the contribution of Karoi Teachers’ College, sponsored by the Catholic Church, to local economic development. However, he expressed concern over low uptake of financial services, saying limited access and utilisation were constraining SME growth.
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Officials said the outreach programme targets artisanal miners, farmers and SMEs, with the aim of improving tax compliance, formalisation and access to financial support.