Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Acting Commissioner General Mr Misheck Govha has issued a stern warning to tax defaulters, declaring that the era of complacency is over and calling for an uncompromising culture of compliance across all sectors of the economy.Zimpapers Media Kit
Addressing a stakeholders breakfast meeting on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) yesterday in Bulawayo, Mr Govha said the business community and the general populace must urgently align with tax laws to safeguard national development.
“What is now required is for the business community — and indeed the entire population of this great nation — to cultivate, nurture, and sustain a culture of complying with tax laws. This is essential to facilitate national development.Zimbabwe Business Directory
“If you have not been tax compliant, I urge you to do so. We have a team of professional staff ready to assist you.
“Compliance is actually beneficial for your business in the long run.
“It is also high time we reignited tax morale across all sectors of the economy so that we benefit current and future generations of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Govha made it clear that Zimra will not tolerate corruption within its ranks, warning that the authority is tightening internal controls to root out malpractice.
“We are building a team of tax officers who put integrity first, and we appeal to you to be tax compliant and desist from evasion. We will, from our end, continue to remove bad apples from our institution so that we move towards a corruption-free customer experience.
“Moral decadence in order to beat the system should not be tolerated under any circumstances. A healthy relationship between taxpayers and the tax administrator depends on integrity, fairness, and mutual respect,” he said.
He said Zimra is adopting a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, smuggling, tax evasion and any conduct that undermines revenue collection.
“Vices such as corruption, smuggling, tax evasion, and an indifferent attitude towards work must be dealt with through a zero-tolerance approach,” he said.
Mr Govha challenged businesses to fully utilise engagement platforms with the authority to strengthen compliance and unlock growth opportunities.
“I strongly believe this platform offers a wonderful opportunity for businesses to forge meaningful synergies with the Authority and to give us feedback on the areas we need to improve.
“As we share breakfast and discuss matters of national importance, far beyond the realm of tax audits and compliance checks, I am confident that we will strengthen relationships and unlock practical business opportunities,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and actively partner with Zimra in driving economic development.
“The new thrust should therefore be on building synergies and treating each other as partners for our mutual benefit,” he continued.
While commending compliant taxpayers, Mr Govha warned that national progress cannot be sustained without full participation in revenue obligations.
“As ZIMRA, we commend businesses for the hard work and the tremendous contribution you have made towards revenue collection, in support of the country’s economic revival efforts.
“ZIMRA has always invested in initiatives that make it increasingly convenient for taxpayers to conduct business and meet their obligations.
“We have witnessed a major shift with the Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS). We continue to have client engagements and revamp our systems.
“We have become client-centric and continue to improve our client relationships through our tax awareness and education drive,” he said.
He stressed that Zimra’s mandate goes beyond enforcement to actively supporting industry and trade as a foundation for sustainable revenue generation.
“As ZIMRA we are mandated to support industry and trade. This support should ultimately encourage growth and stability in the economy, and strengthen revenue collection through the effective conduct of business and business enterprises.
“In order to fully support business, ZIMRA has taken the deliberate step to ensure our strategic thrust is towards innovation, automation and digitalisation.
“This will ensure efficiency not only in terms of revenue collection but also for you as businesses when you are filing, trading and paying your dues,” he said.
Mr Govha said the authority’s strategy is aligned with the ZITF 2026 theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” while Zimra is guided by “Connecting Economies, Strengthening Compliance, Driving Competitive Industries.”
He noted that Zimbabwe’s economic future hinges on discipline, accountability and a united front between the tax authority and the business sector.Zimbabwe Business Directory
“The future for our nation is intricately interwoven and rests squarely on our connectedness and collective drive to forge strong and durable alliances — between business and ZIMRA,” he said.-herald
