VP Mohadi reassures business on taxes 

Source: VP Mohadi reassures business on taxes – herald

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu

Matabeleland South Bureau

VICE PRESIDENT Dr Kembo Mohadi has assured the business community that Government is working to address tax and levy burdens identified as major obstacles to growth, as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to create a more conducive investment climate.

Speaking yesterday at the Zanu PF Matabeleland South Province National People’s Conference fundraising luncheon held at the Gwanda Tshitaudze Constituency Centre, Cde Mohadi, who is the party’s Second Secretary urged the business community to be in the structures and play an active role in influencing policies and decisions that shape the country’s development.

The input of the private sector was crucial in enhancing development in the country.

The event, held to raise US$150 000 towards the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference scheduled for October 12 to 17 in Chinhoyi, brought together stakeholders across several sectors and met the target.

“Zanu PF, which is Government as well as the ruling party, was tasked to create a conducive environment for business to thrive and that’s why we have come up with a number of initiatives to ensure ease of doing business in Zimbabwe,” said VP Mohadi.

“We engaged and re-engaged, and as a result, investors came into the country.

“I have heard concerns raised by the private sector during this engagement over taxes and levies, which are high, thereby affecting business growth.

“We are seized with this matter and fortnightly the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion comes with a list of some taxes and levies that can be scrapped or reduced.

“As we speak, some have been reduced or totally removed,” he said.

VP Mohadi said the Government was also in the process of looking into the issue of high interest rates.

He said companies needed credit lines to operate, but some are being choked by high interest rates.

Government was tackling this issue through Statutory Instruments issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The Vice President said Government recognised the role of the private sector in the attainment of Vision 2030, which fulfils the mantra: “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”.

In attendance was the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, Zanu PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman Cde Mangaliso Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi, Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dingumuzi Phuti, political leaders, faith leaders, heads of Government departments and the business community.

The event coincided with a business policy engagement where members of the business community raised their concerns.

VP Mohadi said the input of the private sector was crucial to the success of the conference.

“I call upon the business community to interest itself in the politics of the day because by doing so you can influence business of the day.

“The party is supreme and what Government does comes from the party. Therefore, you have to use the Zanu PF party platform. If you contribute to the party meaningfully, you can influence decisions, which will also help you as you work,” he said.

VP Mohadi did raise concern over low corporate social responsibility activities by the business community in the province. He said roads have been heavily damaged in the province because of haulage trucks moving to mines, but little was being done by mining companies to maintain the roads.

He also raised a concern over environmental degradation caused by mining in the province.

“We appreciate the development, which comes with your investment as we see employment creation and infrastructure development but there is also need for us to work together. You can’t expect Government to rehabilitate these roads or fix other damages that you would have caused during your operations,” he said.

Cde Ndlovu said the fundraising and business policy engagement was held to ensure that views from the private sector are included in the resolutions that will be submitted at the National People’s Conference.

“Today the party is meeting the business community as we are building momentum to hold the National People’s Conference. In the past we have been going with resolutions that capture the views of the party, but we have been leaving out the business community.

“We want to develop this year’s resolutions with your input. If possible, let’s hold these engagements regularly,” he said.