IN contemporary Zimbabwe, there has been a growing but worrying trend. A clique of super-rich, but controversial tenderpreneurs with known political connections are making millions of dollars from government contracts.
These few elite individuals flaunt wealth in a sea of poverty. This has exposed the yawning gap between the haves and have-nots.
However, the government’s plan to conduct lifestyle audits is commendable at face value. We have written a number of stories over the years about these lifestyle audits, but nothing much has happened to expose and punish the culprits.
Yet corruption remains a major problem in Zimbabwe.
This lifestyle audit, for a change, must be applied without fear or favour, ensuring that no one, regardless of political connections, is above the law.
For too long, a select few have amassed enormous fortunes under dubious circumstances while evading their tax obligations. This cannot continue.
As permanent secretary in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Devolution Tafadzwa Muguti said: “Gone are the times when certain people just wake up to spend money whose source you do not know. Not in this Zimbabwe.”
The economy is struggling, with the majority of its citizens grappling with high unemployment, poor service delivery, and heavy taxation. Yet, while ordinary Zimbabweans and formal businesses bear the brunt of multiple taxes, an overwhelming 51 in total, some affluent individuals continue to evade contributing to the national fiscus.
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In a functional economy, tax evasion is a serious offence, often punishable by imprisonment. Zimbabwe must adopt a similarly firm stance if it is to curb financial misconduct and restore economic stability.
The term “mbingas” has become synonymous with individuals who display immense wealth with no clear source of income. Many own luxury cars, multiple houses, and live lavish lifestyles while millions of Zimbabweans struggle to make ends meet.
It is imperative that legitimate businesses and individuals are not unfairly burdened in the process. The current tax regime is already oppressive for compliant businesses and salaried individuals, who are subjected to excessive taxation.
Instead of overtaxing the few who are already contributing, the government should focus on widening the tax base. This means ensuring that those with political connections cannot continue to hide behind their status to escape scrutiny.
Selective application of the law is one of the greatest threats to economic justice and public trust. Reports indicate that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has faced difficulties in holding certain individuals accountable, particularly those with links to the political elite.
This must change. No one should be above board when it comes to tax compliance. If ordinary citizens and businesses are expected to pay their dues, then so should the politically connected elites who have long exploited their status for personal gain.
Additionally, corruption within state institutions must also be tackled with the same level of commitment.
The government must demonstrate that it is serious about fighting corruption by ensuring that those implicated in illicit financial activities face legal consequences, regardless of their rank or affiliations.
Taxation is the backbone of any functioning state. The failure to enforce tax compliance across all sectors results in limited resources for critical services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. If 70% of Zimbabweans are not paying taxes, as reported, the government must take urgent steps to rectify this imbalance, starting with the biggest culprits, not ordinary workers, vendors and small business owners.
Authorities must implement stringent measures to ensure compliance, including seizing assets of those who fail to justify their wealth and pursuing legal action against tax dodgers.
There can be no sacred cows. All individuals, whether business tycoons, politicians, or state officials, must be held accountable. The country cannot afford to continue losing billions in potential revenue due to unchecked financial misconduct.
It is time for real action, not empty rhetoric.
