When Mr Givemore Zulu speaks about his business, he carries the calm confidence of someone who has weathered challenges and emerged stronger.
Based in Masvingo, he began his freight transport business in 2017, “a learning journey,” he recalls, shaped by obstacles such as limited capital, fierce competition, and the unexpected disruption of Covid-19.
“However, determination, endurance, and commitment have carried me through,” he says, reflecting on the resilience that kept his business alive. That resilience was recognised on November 13 2025, when Zulu received the Youth Award at the ZIMRA Taxpayer Appreciation Awards.
“I was happy and I feel appreciated and recognised for my contribution to the national revenue,” he says. “It is an achievement which I will forever appreciate.”
For him, the award validated the effort he has put into building a compliant and responsible enterprise.
Mr Zulu describes tax compliance simply: “having your tax affairs correct and up to date.” This means submitting returns on time, making timely payments, and, most importantly, maintaining proper records.
“Record-keeping has mainly been my greatest tool,” he explains. It has helped him track income and expenses accurately and provided assurance in the event of audits or reviews. Compliance, he believes, is not a burden but a professional duty that strengthens business credibility.
To fellow young entrepreneurs, his advice is clear: “Be tax compliant. To avoid penalties and other challenges, submit your returns and payments on time. Being a formal, registered, and compliant taxpayer gives you a fair playing field in the business arena.”
Mr Zulu also appreciates the progress ZIMRA has made to simplify compliance. “The introduction and development of TaRMS has made compliance a whole lot easier,” he says.
He now uploads returns, checks his status, and manages his affairs online.
“The sending of reminders for tax compliance has been quite helpful,” he adds. “The email reminders and calls when returns and payments are due have helped us stay compliant.”
Looking ahead, Mr Zulu hopes for more education on tax matters and incentives for compliant young entrepreneurs. “To continue educating us business operators… and to provide tax incentives for the youths who are in business and are complying,” he recommends.
Mr Zulu’s story is a testament to the power of formalisation and resilience. From humble beginnings, he has built a business that supports his livelihood and contributes to national development—proving that compliance is a pathway to stability, growth, and opportunity.-herald
