Zivanai Dhewa
People and business entities alike, have been encouraged to adhere to Statutory Instruments as they are a most common form of secondary legislations. This follows the arrest of a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for ignoring the Statutory Instrument 89 of 2021.
Speaking through its official Twitter Handle, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that it has arrested a senior member of the Civil Service for corrupt dealings and violation of the SI 89 of 2021.
“ZACC has arrested a Ministry of Industry and Commerce Licence Clerk Andrew Matevere for issuing out 350 motor vehicle Import Licenses to importers of second hand cars that did not qualify under the recently gazetted SI 89 of 2021,” read the post.
According to the Government Gazette, SI 89 of 2021 states that, “It is hereby notified that Second hand motor vehicles aged ten (10) years and above from the date of manufacture at the time of importation shall require an Import Licence from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.”
However SI 89 of 2021 requires individuals and institutions to seek prior approval for the importation of second hand vehicles above 10 years. The Government is on record saying the ban is meant to revitalise the local motor industry.
Since the coming in of the Second Republic into office in 2018, it has been on a drive to resuscitate the economy and establish an enabling environment for sustainable businesses. The introduction of SI 89 of 2021 is meant to revitalise the local motor industry that had suffered a blow from the cheap second hand imports, reduce the import bill as billions of dollars were lost in imports and cut greenhouse gas emissions produced by the old cars.
Meanwhile, business is adjusting to the new SI 127 of 2021, as it continues to regularise its system to suit the Government directives. Government seeks to instil discipline in the foreign exchange market by imposing fines on individuals and businesses who fail to adhere to Government policy on foreign exchange. The fine for contravening SI 127 has been pegged at ZW$50 000 for businesses who decide to go against the tide.
