By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – Chiredzi residents have criticized Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube over the 2025 budget, particularly the introduction of taxes on paper bags, betting, and fast food.
They argued that the government is unfairly targeting ordinary citizens while letting the mining sector and Chinese investors off lightly, despite the latter amassing wealth from the country’s resources.
The concerns were raised during a 2025 national budget feedback meeting held at Chitsanga Hall organised by Chiredzi Central Constituency Member of Parliament, Ropafadzo Makumire, who sought citizens’ opinions on the budget.
Esnath Gachiti, one of the attendees, pointed out that the mining sector was undertaxed while Chinese companies continued to export raw materials without sufficient value addition or beneficiation.
“Our country is rich in mineral deposits, yet these resources are exported as raw materials. I believe taxes should be collected from the mining sector, not from fast food, plastic bags, or betting.
“The government must also implement measures to ensure value addition and beneficiation, as raw materials are being exported cheaply and later re-imported as finished products at higher prices,” said Gachiti.
United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (UCHIRRA) Chairperson, Josphat Tizirai, expressed concerns over the fast food tax, saying it would hurt businesses and lead to job losses.
“The fast food tax will cause prices to rise, leading to reduced customer demand and, eventually, the closure of some businesses. Meanwhile, the Chinese, who are profiting immensely from our mineral resources, continue to be undertaxed,” said Tizirai.
Shadreck Madzinga, a local youth, highlighted the lack of empowerment schemes for young people, which has forced many to turn to gambling as a means of survival.
“Youths don’t have empowerment schemes, which is why many of us are resorting to drug abuse. Some are surviving through gambling, trying to make ends meet, and instead of helping us, the government wants to tax our hard-earned winnings,” said Madzinga.
Strategic Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association Secretary General, Munyaradzi Chindowe, raised a separate concern about the Chilonga Bridge. He questioned whether the government had included its construction in the 2025 budget and urged the MP to follow up with the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
The feedback session exposed growing frustrations among residents, who feel that the budget priorities were twisted toward burdening ordinary citizens instead of addressing structural economic issues and fostering empowerment.
