THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), conducted Tax and Customs Education for Journalists workshop recently.
The Tax and Customs Education for Journalists event included workshops and training sessions designed to educate media professionals on the complexities of tax and customs regulations. Participants gained hands-on experience through a visit to the Beitbridge Border Post, providing valuable insights into customs operations and procedures.
The primary objective of this campaign is to enhance the media’s ability to disseminate accurate and comprehensive information regarding tax laws and compliance. By equipping editors and journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills, the campaign aims to improve public understanding of tax obligations, reduce tax evasion, and ultimately increase government revenue to fund essential public services and infrastructure projects.
Key Activities
- Editors’ Forum: Held on May 28, 2024, at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, this forum brought together editors from Bulawayo and surrounding regions, such as Gwanda and Gweru. The event facilitated in-depth discussions on tax matters and media engagement through a breakfast meeting, informal dinner, and cocktails.
- Tax and Customs Education for Journalists: This event in Masvingo featured comprehensive workshops and training sessions for journalists, culminating in a tour of the Beitbridge Border Post to observe customs operations firsthand.
Expected Outcomes
This initiative:
- Equips media professionals with comprehensive knowledge and skills to report accurately on tax and customs issues.
- Enhances media coverage of tax matters, thereby improving public understanding and compliance.
- Fosters a collaborative relationship between ZIMRA and the media, ensuring consistent and accurate information dissemination.
- Encourages a culture of voluntary tax compliance among the public, reducing reliance on enforcement measures.
Supporting Zimbabwe’s Development Goals
The Taxpayer Education Campaign aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions. By improving tax compliance, the campaign supports the creation of a transparent and accountable tax system essential for sustainable economic growth and development.
Call to Action
Working together, media professionals and policymakers can ensure a well-informed society that understands the importance of tax compliance and its role in achieving our national and global development goals.
“I am excited about this initiative that empowers members of the media in taxation matters. Journalists play a crucial role in providing taxpayer education to citizens, which is essential for enhancing tax morale and promoting voluntary tax compliance among individuals and businesses. Ultimately, this plays a pivotal role in domestic resource mobilization, as tax revenues are urgently required to facilitate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Strategy 1,” said Melusi Tshuma, Tax for SDGs National Coordinator, UNDP
“We are training a new generation of journalists who are specialists in the areas of customs and tax. Providing tax education for journalists aligns with Chapter 8 of the Public Entities Act, which designates the media as a crucial stakeholder that should be involved annually to showcase the transparency of ZIMRA. We believe in the power of media because their pen can transform a nation. Our partnership with UNDP marks an exciting journey in promoting sustainable development and tax in terms of promoting development,” said Gladman Njanji, Corporate Affairs Executive, ZIMRA.
