Ellen Mlambo is thrilled after successfully calculating Customs Duty and import Value Added Tax (VAT), in front of her peers at the United Nations Development Programme-supported Tax for SDGs awareness campaign for journalists. As a Managing Editor for The Mirror, an Independent News Organization, Ellen believes that educating a journalist equates to educating the nation.  She is geared up to provide tax education to the wider populace.

"I'm happy to be among the journalists trained on taxes and Sustainable Development Goals. We learned about customs clearance procedures, valuations, rebates and duty exemptions. We are now aware of how revenue-generating areas are categorized with Value Added Tax and excise duty being the major contributors," Ellen explained.

Public participation in tax for sustainable development financing is vital to national development. With sufficient and accurate public awareness of tax matters and SDGs, the public can understand their responsibilities and how they can comply. As an intermediary, the media can convey information and education.

“As media, we disseminate information. We will use the information we have learned to inform the public about their tax obligations. I can now calculate VAT and determine whether an entity has been correctly charging it accurately. I can now calculate duty as well.  I am going to write articles and educate others," she added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Lingani Nyika, a Reporter for The Chronicle Newspaper committed to educating the nation using the knowledge she received.  

"I am excited about this program for young journalists. I have learned more about tax matters. I now understand the significance of paying taxes as a citizen and why it is important for our nation. I have become familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals. As a young journalist, I have a lot to share with the world and am keen to use my writing to educate the nation," stated Lingani.  

Theresa Takafuma, a News Editor with TellZim News appreciated UNDP and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for giving her education on taxation and SDGs. She said tax education is crucial for journalists as it equips them to disseminate accurate and helpful information.  

“We gained knowledge about the various types of taxes and their use. We now better understand ZIMRA’s operations and will utilize this knowledge to communicate how taxation contributes to national development," she said.

Through the partnership between UNDP and ZIMRA, at least 60 journalists from the Masvingo and Bulawayo Provinces have benefited from the tax for SDGs financing awareness campaign. This initiative helps journalists to comprehend tax matters and their link to SDG financing. With the correct information, the media can effectively serve the public interest.  

"I am enthusiastic about this initiative that empowers media members in taxation matters. Journalists have a critical role in providing taxpayer education to citizens, which is crucial for boosting tax morale and encouraging voluntary tax compliance among individuals and businesses. This is vital for domestic resource mobilization, as tax revenues are needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Strategy 1," said Melusi Tshuma, Tax for SDGs National Coordinator for UNDP.

Gladman Njanji, Corporate Affairs Executive at ZIMRA, stated that they are training a new generation of journalists who specialize in customs and tax matters to transform the nation with their pen.

"Providing tax education to journalists is in line with Chapter 8 of the Public Entities Act, which recognizes the media as a key stakeholder to be engaged annually in demonstrating ZIMRA's transparency. Our collaboration with UNDP signifies a thrilling path towards fostering sustainable development and tax as a means of advancing development," said Gladman.

Through the UNDP’s partnership with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, at least 60 journalists from Masvingo and Bulawayo Provinces have benefitted from the tax and SDGs financing education awareness campaign. This effort aims to ensure that journalists understand tax matters and their connection to SDG financing. Equipped with the right information, the media can serve the public interest effectively.

"I am excited about this initiative that empowers members of the media in taxation matters. Journalists play a crucial role in providing taxpayer education to citizens, which is essential for enhancing tax morale and promoting voluntary tax compliance among individuals and businesses. Ultimately, this plays a pivotal role in domestic resource mobilization, as tax revenues are urgently required to facilitate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Strategy 1," said Melusi Tshuma, Tax for SDGs National Coordinator, UNDP.

Gladman Njanji, Corporate Affairs Executive, ZIMRA said the organizations are training a new generation of journalists who are specialists in the areas of customs and tax.  

“Providing tax education for journalists aligns with Chapter 8 of the Public Entities Act, which designates the media as a crucial stakeholder that should be involved annually to showcase the transparency of ZIMRA. We believe in the power of media because their pen can transform a nation. Our partnership with UNDP marks an exciting journey in promoting sustainable development and tax in terms of promoting development, said Gladman.