National

Chinamasa unveils ZIMRA’s ambitious digital transformation plan

Published

7 months ago

September 23, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Zimbabwe’s tax authority is on a mission to revolutionize trade facilitation and revenue collection through digital innovation. In an exclusive interview, ZIMRA Commissioner General Regina Chinamasa shared her vision for a digital revolution in trade facilitation and revenue collection.

“We’re creating a single Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZESW) to simplify trade processes,” Chinamasa explained. “By mid-2025, we’ll have 14 agencies on board, ensuring timely interventions and reducing human interface. This initiative is part of our digitization strategy, which aims to enhance trade facilitation and promote the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.”

The ZESW system was introduced in 2022 to simplify trade processes and enhance the efficiency of legitimate traffic clearance at Zimbabwe’s ports of entry.

As the interview progressed, Chinamasa highlighted the benefits of the Tax Revenue Management System (TaRMS), saying, “TaRMS has improved our revenue collection by 60% since its deployment in December last year. We’ve deployed the system in December last year, and we’ve collected 60% of our revenue through that system. We’re happy that we’ve managed to deal with the teething issues, get feedback from our taxpayers, and train our staff members.”

Chinamasa emphasized the importance of integrations in ensuring data accessibility and validation. “We’re doing integrations to ensure that data is accessible, and we can deal with validation, modern threats like identity threats. The single source of data is good for the efficacy of the system. It’s also addressing challenges that come through human interface on issues around corruption. We’re hoping that the Zimbabwe Single Window and TaRMS will answer to the problem of internal revenue leakages.”

As ZIMRA moves forward, Chinamasa expressed optimism about the impact of these initiatives. “We’re confident that the Zimbabwe Single Window and TaRMS will help us attain our goals and make a significant difference in the lives of Zimbabweans. We’re happy with how we’ve progressed with its implementation, and we’re hoping that it will help us attain our Vision 2030 goals.”

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.