Africa-Press – Tanzania. DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has pointed finger on business persons who evade paying taxes, saying the act is tantamount to tax abuse.
Speaking during the Eid Baraza fete in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, President Samia said there were some dishonest individuals within the business sector who evade tax payments, emphasising the gravity of their actions.
“By avoiding taxes, these people break the law and deprive the government of the funds necessary to finance various development projects and crucial services,” said President Samia.
President Samia said it was concerning that some traders were undermining trust bestowed on them on tax compliance.
“I rejected oppressive taxes to adhere to the principles of justice, but it is unfortunate that some traders now engage in tax abuse, depriving the government of revenue that would be used to serve the citizens.” She emphasised that every businessperson bears the responsibility to contribute fairly to the country’s tax revenues in accordance with the laws. Under President Samia’s leadership, Tanzania has witnessed an upward trajectory in domestic revenue collection.
Notably, collections surged from 18tri/- in 2021 to 24tri/- in 2022/2023, reflecting a concerted effort to combat tax evasion and uphold fiscal integrity.
Despite these achievements, President Samia highlighted persistent challenges, including traders resorting to various tactics to evade taxes ceipts or failing to issue them altogether.
Such practices, she said, undermine the government’s ability to fulfil its obligations and impede national development. President Samia urged those involved in tax abuse to desist from such activities, emphasising the importance of fostering a culture of compliance and civic responsibility.
She pledged to continue championing fairness in tax collection, improve systems, and ensure transparent utilisation of collected taxes for the benefit of all citizens.
Furthermore, she addressed other pertinent issues, including the improvements to the education and vocational training policy aimed at instilling Tanzanian values and fostering skills development among youths. Dr Samia also used the occasion to extend her message of comfort to the people affected by floods in Rufiji District and parts of Morogoro Region, assuring them of government support in addressing the challenges they face.
The Mufti of Tanzania, Sheikh Abubakar Zuberi, lauded President Samia and her government for prioritising religious studies by introducing a special combination in high schools.
Speaking on behalf of the Tanzanian Islamic community, Sheikh Zuberi emphasised the significance of this initiative in nurturing the spiritual and moral development of youths.
“We have also been able to create a body that deals with Islamic religious education known as the Tanzania Islamic Studies Teaching Association (TISTA), which unites together all Islamic communities and their sects,” stated Sheikh Abubakar.
He highlighted the inclusivity of TISTA, emphasising its role in harmonising Islamic teachings across different regions and educational backgrounds. Reflecting on the lessons learned during Ramadan, Sheikh Zuberi underscored the importance of fostering peace and national development. He stressed the need for unity and mutual understanding to rid the nation of evils and ensure lasting peace.
“This year’s Ramadan has taught us many things, including the imperative of building peace and fostering patriotism,” he remarked.
He urged the youth to embrace patriotism and love for their country, emphasising their role in safeguarding its peace and prosperity. BAKWATA Secretary General, Nuru Jabir Mruma said due to the importance of family institution under the office of the Chief Kadhi of Tanzania they conducted research to determine the reasons for the high divorce rates in the country. This research has been conducted in six regions so far.
“The preliminary findings of the research showed that the causes of marital conflicts and divorces are attributed to the following factors: moral decay by 9 per cent, lack of integrity by 8 per cent, mental health issues by 7 per cent, lack of marriage education by 70 per cent and decreased tolerance in marriage by 6 per cent,” he said.
He emphasised, “These findings underscore the critical importance of providing couples with adequate knowledge, as it is the primary factor contributing to many marital conflicts and divorces.” Acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, Mruma announced that BAKWATA, under the office of the Chief Kadhi of Tanzania, has decided to initiate a special programme aimed at educating the public about marriage.
He said the programme will engage communities, supervisors, and marriage educators, utilising diverse educational methods and approaches. The goal is to preserve the institution of marriage, which plays a pivotal role in the well-being of our society.
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