Masvingo, Zimbabwe – June 26, 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), is excited to announce the Tax and Customs Education for Journalists event, took place from June 10-12, 2024, in Masvingo. This initiative is a critical component of the broader Taxpayer Education Campaign aimed at fostering a well-informed public and enhancing tax compliance across the nation.

Event Overview

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.

Objective and Significance

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

1.    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.
2.    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 tax and customs issues accurately.
•    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.

For More Information, Please Contact:
Communications, UNDP Zimbabwe
communications.zw@undp.org
UNDP Zimbabwe: @UNDPZimbabwe

Let’s build a prosperous future for Zimbabwe through an informed and engaged citizenry!
#Tax4SDGs #Vision2030 #TaxCompliance #UNDPZimbabwe #ZIMRA

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and resilience to sustain development results.

About ZIMRA

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is a statutory body established under the Revenue Authority Act (Chapter 23:11). Its mandate includes revenue collection, facilitating trade and travel, advising the government on fiscal and economic matters, and protecting civil society.

Quotes

"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."
Melusi Tshuma, Tax for SDGs National Coordinator, UNDP

“I'm feeling excited about this program for young journalists. I've gained more knowledge about tax matters and now understand the importance of paying taxes as a citizen and for our nation. I've also learned about the Sustainable Development Goals. As a young journalist, I have much to share with the world and am eager to use my writing to educate the nation.” 
Lingani Nyika, Reporter, The Chronicle

"The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority provided us with education on taxation. Tax education is crucial for journalists as it equips us to disseminate accurate and helpful information. We gained knowledge about the various types of taxes and their use. We now better understand ZIMRA’s operations and will utilize this knowledge to communicate how taxation contributes to national development."
Theresa Takafuma, News Editor, TellZim News

“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. Gladman Njanji, Corporate Affairs Executive, ZIMRA