Jonathan Mutukwa Second Report

WORK RELATED LEARNING SECOND REPORT
GREAT ZIMBABWE UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF COMMERCE
NAME : JONATHAN MUTUKWA

REG NUMBER : M178344
LEVEL : 3:2
MODE OF ENTRY : CONVENTIONAL
DEGREE PROGRAMME : ECONOMICS AND FINANCE
COMPANY : ZIMBABWE REVENUE AUTHORITY
PERIOD : SEPTEMBER 2019- JULY 2020
SUPERVISOR : MR B.CHAYA
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JONATHAN MUTUKWA WORK RELATED SECOND REPORT
Contents
EMPLOYER’S APPROVAL FORM..........................................................................................6
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..........................................................................................................8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...........................................................................................................9
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION........................................................................................10
1.1 Background / History of the Organisation........................................................................10
(b) Mission.................................................................................................................................10
(c) Motto....................................................................................................................................11
(d) Values..................................................................................................................................11
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION.....................................................11
Services Offered by ZIMRA are as follows..........................................................................12
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE CULTURE...........................16
Divisions in ZIMRA..............................................................................................................17
Strategy, Research and Modernisation..................................................................................19
SRM Divisional Structure...................................................................................................19
Strategy and modernisation objectives..............................................................................20
STRATEGY, RESEARCH AND MODENISATION RESPONSIBILITIES....................20
CHAPTER 2: WORK RELATED LEARNING ACTIVITIES......................................22
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Strategy, Research and Modernisation Duties........................................................................22
Report Writing.....................................................................................................................22
Revenue Collections Database............................................................................................22
Researches............................................................................................................................22
Data and Statistics Compilation.........................................................................................22
Economic Outlook...............................................................................................................23
Preparation of Weekly Media Bulletin..............................................................................23
Other duties and Responsibilities.......................................................................................23
CHAPTER 3: ORGANISATION PERFOMANCE................................................................25
Strategies..................................................................................................................................25
Staffing......................................................................................................................................25
Technological Development....................................................................................................26
CHAPTER 4 : APPLICABILITY OF THEORY TO PRACTISE.........................................27
Applied statistics......................................................................................................................27
Macroeconomics ECand EC...................................................................................................27
Microeconomics EC101 and EC201.......................................................................................28
Monetary Economics EC202..................................................................................................28
COOPERATE FINANCE 1 AND 2.......................................................................................28
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International Trade EC205.....................................................................................................29
Economics Statistics EC102....................................................................................................29
ICT............................................................................................................................................29
Communication Skills CS101.................................................................................................30
CHAPTER 5 : EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING SKILLS GAINED..................................31
Research....................................................................................................................................31
Drafting Research and Advisory Proposals..........................................................................31
Forecasting...............................................................................................................................31
Report writing..........................................................................................................................31
Database Management............................................................................................................32
Microsoft Excel........................................................................................................................32
CHAPTER 6 :INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT PROGRAMME...........................................33
Performance criteria...........................................................................................................33
Targets set.................................................................................................................................33
Internal monitoring.................................................................................................................34
External monitoring................................................................................................................34
CHAPTER 7: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION..............................................35
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(a) Recommendations to the Organisation............................................................................35
(b) Recommendations to the University...............................................................................36
Conclusion................................................................................................................................37
Reference list............................................................................................................................38
figure 1: Zimra organisational structure……………………………………………………....16

figure 2: SRM divisional structure…………………………………………………………….19
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EMPLOYER’S APPROVAL FORM
This report is approved as a true document reflecting a holistic view of the nature, objectives and
the operations of the organisation. It also identifies and highlights the activities and duties
performed by JONATHAN MUTUKWA a student at Great Zimbabwe University in partial
fulfilment of the Bachelor of Commerce Economics Honours Degree during the attachment
period from the month of September 2019 to July 2020 at Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Head
Office in Harare.
Approved by …………………………………………………………………………….
Position ………………………………………………………………………………….
Signature…………………………………. Date …………………………………….
Official Stamp
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
6th Floor ZB Centre
Corner Kwame Nkrumah Ave/First Street
Harare
Contact +2634758891-5
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ABBREVIATIONS
SRM Strategy, Research and Modenisation
ICT Information and Communication Technology
IMTT Intermediated Money Transfer Tax
GZU Great Zimbabwe University
PAYE Pay As You Earn
ZIMRA Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
TSP Transitional Stabilisation Programme
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to thank the Lord almighty for the guidance, achievements, protection and
opportunity he has given me to study my BCOM HONS Degree in Economics and Finance with
Great Zimbabwe University. I am the product of the creator and I owe it all to him. Worth
mentioning is my family for their unlimited and emotional support they gave me prior to my
academics.
Many thanks to ZIMRA management and members of staff for giving me a chance to be part of
the organization. I would like to thank Mr. J. Shumbamini the Strategy, Research and
Modenisation Director for giving me a warm welcome to the division. My remarks goes to
Research and Development for their welcome, guidance and support during the attachment
period with special mention to B. Chaya my supervisor for all supervision.
Appreciation goes to the Faculty of Commerce, the Department of Economics and Great
Zimbabwe University, with credit going to the lecturers for equipping me with work related
learning component which is really an eye opener as far as Economics and Finance degree is
concerned.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is a pre requisite in partial fulfilment of Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in
Economics and Finance by Great Zimbabwe University in conjunction with the Department of
Economics. The objective of this report is to clarify the organisation where the student worked
during the period of work related learning and clarify the background of the Zimbabwe Revenue
Authority.
The report sets out by presenting a brief history of ZIMRA entailing its vision, mission
statement, aims and objectives. In addition, this report goes on to explain the nature of the
business that ZIMRA is involved in thus its market, services and clientele. The report goes on to
clarify structure of the organisation, it also highlights the knowledge acquired by the student in
the tenure of work related. Then the tasks and duties, skills and development and the
recommendations to the organisation and institution are also encompassed in the report.
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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background / History of the Organisation
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority came into existence in 2001 after the announcement of the
Revenue Authority Act (chapter 23:11) on February 11, 2000. The revenue authority was
established after the merging of the Department of Taxes and Customs and Excise Department.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority is a quasi -government subsidiary which is responsible for the
collection of state revenue in form of taxes, duties and levies. In addition, ZIMRA also facilitates
trade and travel, offers fiscal advice to the government as well as civil protection to the public.
The Revenue Authority stems its mandate from the Revenue Authority act (chapter 23:11) and
various subsidiary legislation. It reports to the ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
The headquarters of the revenue collector is based in Harare whilst various ZIMRA branches are
well established nationwide. The roles of ZIMRA are as follows:
 Collection of revenue
 Facilitating trade and travel
 Advise government on fiscal and economic matters
 Protecting civil society
1.2 (a) Vision
“To be a beacon of excellence in the provision of fiscal services and facilitation of trade and
trade and travel.”
(b) Mission
To promote economic development through efficient revenue generation and trade facilitation.
This may be achieved by;
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 Developing competent and motivated staff.

 Using environmentally sustainable processes.
 Engaging with global community in a socially responsible way.
(c) Motto
“We are here to serve”
(d) Values
ZIMRA is driven and guided by core values that are premised on zero tolerance to corruption.
The relationship between employees as they interact between themselves and with external
stakeholders is governed by:
 Integrity
 Transparency
 Fairness
 Innovativeness
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION.

The organisation was established for a purpose. And the organisation’s efficiency and relevance
can be easily measured through evaluating the performance against the aims and objectives.
Some of the aims and objectives include:
 Accurately and timely account for proceeds collected by ZIMRA to the appropriate
authority
 Counsel government on the matters relating to the revenue generation legislation,
statutory controls and the facilitation of trade
 Enforce, assess and collect payments of all revenues
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 Develop and maintain professional staff that offers competent services all stakeholders
whilst minimizing costs
 Facilitate domestic economic activity, development and international trade and travel
 Tutor and apprise the public of their constitutional rights and requirements via the
legislation and regulations
 Improve and simplify the relevant legislation through research and interaction with local
and international organisation
 Come up with ways to enhance the quality of service delivery through automation
 Maintain public confidence in the integrity of all the systems administered by ZIMRA in
a professional, fair impartial, consistent and efficient manner.
 Perform any other functions that may be conferred or imposed on the Authority on terms
of the Revenue Authority Act (chapter 23:11) or any other enactment.
 Enforce and encourage voluntary compliance with tax, customs and ancillary laws and
regulations.
 Produce accurate and timely trade statistics for use in the formulation of economic policy
 Regulate the importation and exportation of goods or substances affecting public health,
safety and morality
Services Offered by ZIMRA are as follows
Revenue Collection
 The Authority collects revenue under the following revenue heads:
 Customs duty -levied on imported goods in terms of Customs and Exercise Act (Chapter
23:02)
 Value Added Tax (VAT) levied on consumption of goods and services.
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 Exercise Duty levied on specified locally manufactured goods as well as on their
imported equivalents.
 Pay as You Earn (PAYE)- levied on income accruing to an individual person from
employment and is charged using progressive rates.
 Corporate Tax levied on profits made by companies.
 Presumptive Taxes– an average based tax charged on informal traders to encourage them
to participate in the economy.
 Capital Gains Tax- levied on sale of immovable properties and marketable securities.
 Carbon Tax- is an environmental tax meant to promote sustainable use of the
environment and is chargeable on fuel importers at ports of entry.
 Mining royalties -ZIMRA is empowered to collect mining royalties.
 Surtax-levied on imported vehicles older than five years in addition to Customs Duty and
VAT.
 Intermediated Money Transfer Tax(IMTT)- is a tax collected in terms of Section 36G as
read with the Thirtieth Schedule of the Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06].
Facilitation of trade and travel
 ZIMRA acts as a go between for Zimbabwean exports and imports hence providing both
local and international producers with a picture of both the local and foreign market. It
seeks to ensure harmless transportation of goods and the public. ZIMRA joins hands with
other revenue authorities in the facilitation of lawful trade and travel, also facilitates safe
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transit of goods from one country to another, passing through Zimbabwe. It also ensures
that exports follow the correct classification and other canons that would expedite their
entry into the foreign markets.
Advise government on fiscal and economic matters
 ZIMRA advises government on legislating new revenue streams through the research and
development section that will increase the amount of revenue to be collected. Through
the research and development section, ZIMRA spearheaded the introduction of fiscal
reforms such as presumptive tax in 2006 and the VAT system in 2004. The organisation
also takes part in the formation of the national budget process by the Ministry of Finance
and Economic Development, it does revenue forecasting and revision of acts.
Protect civil society and enforcement of controls
 The organization’s tasks also make sure that the goods that are brought into the country
are not smuggled in and are not illegal or harmful to the nation. It also facilitates imports,
exports and exchange controls.
ZIMRA’s clientele
 Corporates- they remit taxes on profits they achieve every month and only profit making
businesses pay tax whilst non-profit making organisations are exempted.
 Employees- form up a major base for ZIMRA clientele because they contribute most of
the revenue collected through PAYE tax thus employees pay income tax on
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remuneration. Through the Income Tax Act, the employer is responsible for the
calculation of employees’ PAYE due from all taxable income awarded to the employee.
 Shareholders- these are clients which contribute to ZIMRA revenue through tax and
Capital Gains Tax. Dividends declared are charged a certain percentage as tax every time
shareholders receive dividends and also income received from interest on their financial
assets such as treasury bills, bonds as examples.
 Consumers- form up a large base for ZIMRA clientele as they contribute to revenue
collected through Value Added Tax (VAT) charged on local sales or imports. VAT rates
are from 0%-15% on all taxable goods. However basic commodities are zero rated they
do not attract VAT.
 Tobacco Farmers engage with ZIMRA during the tobacco selling season through
auctioneers as they withhold a certain percentage of the sale proceeds which they in turn
remit to ZIMRA as Tobacco levy.
 Informal business operators their interaction with ZIMRA is through Presumptive Tax.
This group which is charged with presumptive tax includes hairdressing salons,
restaurants, and informal traders, taxicabs operators, driving schools, informal traders and
omnibuses among others.
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE
CULTURE
Organizational Structure
At the highest hierarchical level of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority is the Revenue Board
which is currently chaired by Mr Calisto Jokonya and this board reports to the Minister of
Finance and Economic Development. Following the Revenue board is the Executive
Management board which is chaired by a Commissioner General Ms Faith Mazanhi and
comprised of all divisional Commissioners, directors, and sectional Heads. The Commissioner
General reports to the Revenue Board.
Currently there are three Divisional Commissioners and five Directors and they all report
directly to the Commissioner General. Below the directors there are then sectional managers then
officers. ZIMRA’s vertical organizational chart helps to clearly demarcate that supremacy flows
downwards whilst accountability starts from the lower level going up.
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Below is the organogram that shows the hierarchy of leadership showing the executive level of
the organisation.
Divisions in ZIMRA
The table below summarises the wholesome divisions in ZIMRA and their respective executive
managements. From the table below, we can clearly see that the Operational Divisions are
headed by the Commissioners, whilst the other supportive divisions are headed by the Directors.
With specifically the Board Affairs being headed by the Board Secretary whilst the Loss Control
Division is headed by the Chief Loss Control Manager.
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DIVISION MANAGEMENT
Domestic Taxes Commissioner
Customs and Excise Commissioner
Revenue Assurance & Special Projects Commissioner
Human Capital Development Director
Legal Services Director
Strategy, Research and Modernization Director
Board Affairs Board Secretary
Internal Audit Director
Information Communication Technology Director
Finance, Administration & Infrastructure Director
Loss Control Chief Loss Control Manager
Office of the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner General Executive Assistant
 Finance and Administration Division: This division is responsible of managing organisations

funds and drawing up the Authority’s financial statements.
 Human Resource and Human Capital Development: one important division in ZIMRA which
is responsible for Job evaluation, health and safety for its employees, Recruitment and
selection of new employees, training and development, Administration, compensations and
Employee relations.
 Domestic Taxes: A division which is hands on in revenue collection thus they are responsible
for some Tax Heads including Corporate Tax and VAT.
 Customs and Excise: A major division in the Authority which is responsible for revenue
collection from import duty, export duty and excise duty also responsible for facilitation of
trade and ensure the smooth movement of goods cross border.
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 Internal Audit: This division provides independent assurance that the organisations’ Risk
Management, Governance and Internal Control processes are functioning efficiently and
effectively.
 Revenue Assurance and ECTS: This division is responsible for the recovery of lost Revenues
from clients.
 Legal: This division carries the legal aspects of the Authority thus it does legal researches,
represents the Authority in court cases when the parastatal is sued or suing a client and lastly
provides an advisory role to ensure legitimacy in some activities done by the Authority.
 Infrastructure and ICT Development Division: This is the backbone of ZIMRA as the
division is responsible for managing the Authority’s infrastructure, systems, fixing software
and hardware technicalities and also maintaining and upgrading systems in line with required
technological zest.
Strategy, Research and Modernisation.
The student is specifically attached to the division of Strategy, Research and Modernisation
whose director is Joey Shumbamini. This is a wholesome and complete supportive division
within ZIMRA that plays key supportive and advisory roles as far as the organisation’s
continuity of existence and competitiveness is concerned. The Division is also responsible for
Change Management which is amongst the Organisation’s five year strategic goals among other
responsibilities. The division comprises of two sections namely Research & Development and
Strategy and Modernisation. It is headed by the Director flanked by two Heads from each
section.
SRM Divisional Structure.
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Strategy and modernisation objectives
 To perform research on economic matters and give proposed resolutions which are in line
with ZIMRA’s mandate.
 To research and advise the organization on any assigned issues and to make sure the
authority’s practises are in line with international practices.
 To equip the Authority with sound information to fulfil its advisory mandate on fiscal matters
to the government.
 To develop an experienced, motivated and professional Research and development team.
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STRATEGY, RESEARCH AND MODENISATION
RESPONSIBILITIES
From the organisational vision and mission statements, the SRM Unit has also drawn up its
mandate as follows:
 Revenue planning, forecasting and analysis for specific periods for the Commissioner
General’s use in advising the Ministry of Finance on anticipated future revenue inflows.
 Review revenue targets according to performance and economic outlook on a quarterly basis
and advise Executive Management and the Commissioner General for decision making who
in turn advise the MOF.
 Attend and make contribution on behalf of the Authority to pre-budget and fiscal policy
committee meetings.
 Assess impact of policies and make recommendations on revenue collection policies.
 Conduct research and make recommendations for tax reforms.
 Monitor and evaluate implementation of tax reform projects.
 Collect, analyse and disseminate Taxes, Customs and Excise statistics as requested by
Executive Management, The Commissioner General and other National, Regional and
International Bodies.
 Attend and contribute to Cash Budgeting Committee meetings weekly and update Executive
Management on state of Government cash flows, expenditure and financing.
 Analyse and submit monthly, quarterly and annual revenue performance reports (Revenue
Head Analysis/revenue outturn report/Interim) to the Commissioner General’s office or
ZIMRA Board or MoFED.
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 Draft and submit the Commissioner General’s quarterly reports for presentation to the Board.
 Revise PAYE tax tables in line with changes in legislation.
 Produce advisory papers as requested by the CG, Board or MoFED or initiated by R&D.
 Coordination and implementation of the Authority’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM);

maintain and monitor the Authority’s Risk Registers as well as Business Continuity Plans.
 Produce weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual sectional performance reports.
 Representing the Authority at various high level meetings/workshops such as IMF, WCO and
Ministry of Finance meetings.
 Develop an experienced, motivated and professional R& D team.
CHAPTER 2: WORK RELATED LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
Strategy, Research and Modernisation Duties
Report Writing
This is one of the major tasks that the student carried out every time. The student report writing
skills were sharpened as he prepared the unit’s weekly performance reports, monthly
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performance reports and quarterly reports. Reporting writing helped the student to consolidate
several reports to make it a single report and he attained more experience in doing these reports.
Revenue Collections Database
The student is responsible for maintaining and filling the data base with figures every month
after all revenue collections were done. The task improved the student skills on excel particularly
creating formulas that efficiently helped in maintaining the database.
Researches
Researches was done regularly throughout the internship period and it was the thrust of the
research unit. The student gathered information, cleaned data and sometimes even assisted in
writing research and advisory papers for the Organisation together with the senior officers in the
unit. Both qualitative and quantitative researches were done and helped the student to appreciate
how a research paper is conducted from the proposal up to when the paper is finished and
waiting for publication. Valuable skills were gained in doing research.
Data and Statistics Compilation
The student was able to compile statistics requested either by internal or external clients as part
of his tasks in the unit. Data and statistics compilation helped the student to compile data on
Microsoft Excel and to draw meaning from the requested data by analysing it.
Economic Outlook
This task was done on a monthly and quarterly basis for the production of Commissioner
General ‘s report and the Board Chair’s report. The student had to do research on the micro and
macro-economic environment looking at all variables or events that would have taken place and
their impact on revenue collection and then submit it to the responsible officer in charge of the
report that needed the economic outlook.
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Preparation of Weekly Media Bulletin
The student gathered different articles from newspaper articles daily and analysed them showing
their effect on the Authority specifically the revenue collection aspect and how the economy is
affected. These stories were then consolidated in a Media Intelligence Bulletin which then are
used as an advisory paper to the Operations division.
Revenue Head Analysis
The student usually assisted in the production of the Revenue Head Analysis which is a report
which summarizes monthly performance of individual tax heads against the targets set by the
ministry of finance. The student gained much needed expertise as he compared the actual
collections versus the targets set and calculated the variance between them on excel.
Other duties and Responsibilities.
Meetings attendance and Minute Taking
The student attended a lot of meetings during his internship program. Meetings attended
comprised of unit meetings, section meetings, awareness meetings and presentations. The student
wrote minutes for each meeting attended and that gave him a chance to perfect note taking,
minute taking and consolidating skills for every meeting encountered.
Foreign Currency Database
The section assigned the student to create a database that capture different exchange rates as
compared to the United States Dollar. The student kept and maintained the database comparing
RTGS $ to US$, Eco Cash to US$, and lastly ZAR to US$ as they are the main currencies used
in collecting revenue.
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CHAPTER 3: ORGANISATION PERFOMANCE

Revenue collection is ZIMRA`s on-going recurring activity for the purpose of producing value in
the collection Zimbabwe `s revenue. The outcome of business operations is the harvesting of
value from assets owned by a business projects, Adekola A and Sergi S B (2007). Therefore, the
net revenue collections are the indicator of ZIMRA ` performance and its client satisfaction.
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Strategies
According to Adekola A and Sergi S B (2007) a strategy is the determination of the basic long
term goals of the institution, and the adoption of courses of action and the allocation of resources
necessary or carrying out these objectives. Strategic formulation at ZIMRA is done by the SRM
division, executive management composed of directors, general managers and departmental
managers. The institution operates under robust of Ministry of Finance which is the agent to the
government of Zimbabwe. Through the disciplined implementation of different strategies, the
organization try by all means to ensure maximum revenue collection. Recently ZIMRA have
come up with five-year strategy which move in line with TSP and other several projects to
strengthen the five-year plan for example the Change Management Project.
Staffing
It is the process of acquiring, deploying, and retaining workforce of sufficient quantity and
quality to create positive impacts on the organization’s effectiveness, Heneman J and Gladys J
(2005) propounds. The Human Resources department of ZIMRA is responsible for the
recruitment of stuff with the necessary skills needed during a particular time. The organisation
advertise usually through the press in case of external recruitment while internally adverts are
made through emails. The department is responsible for job analyses, job description, sourcing,
recruitment, screening and selection to employ the right employees which are capable to work
towards the achievement of declared objectives.
Financing
It is the act of providing funds for business activities, making purchases or financial activities.
The Finance department handles all finance issues for ZIMRA including acquisitions of assets,
purchase of fuel coupons for company pool cars, all financial claims for meals or transport
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expenses incurred by staff. Therefore, ZIMRA as the agent of the government its operational
requested to the Ministry of Finance for the budget.
Technological Development
ZIMRA is greatly into the modern dynamic technological systems, with the vison of the
government of transforming Zimbabwe into upper middle income by 2030. State of the art
hardware equipment and software are used to computerise its operations for economic value
addition to its operation. Computers with password-protected user accounts, scanners,
telephones, fax machines are used. Some of the software used include pastel, Microsoft excel
and Microsoft database. These are of cardinal vitality as they enable easy mathematical
calculations, cash tracing and data presentation hence the management can easily analysis the
data for decision making to enhance the going concern of the institution.
CHAPTER 4: APPLICABILITY OF THEORY TO
PRACTISE
The student was well taught during the attachment period, learned and was provided for the
opportunity to appreciate what an economist does in the field of research. Being in the Research
and Development the student was well-informed with the economic environment as both
microeconomic and macroeconomic issues were covered backed by the theoretical knowledge
the student learned from the university. Most of the modules were covered during the attachment
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and their relevance was seen as he was using almost every concept learned from those modules
in research issues. Below is a list of modules that were relevant to the research and development
section during the attachment period at ZIMRA.
Applied statistics
This was a major and a very relevant module during this period as the student applied vast
knowledge and gained infinite knowledge from the section together with his mentor’s tasks that
improved and sharpened the student skills. The student was mentored on developing revenue
forecasting models and used the econometric approach in determining the suitable model that
gave realistic results in determining the revenues collected in the future.
With these exercises the student got a chance to analyse data, create forecasting graphs and
commenting of rigorous amounts of data using the regression technique for simple univariate,
bivariate models.
Macroeconomics EC and EC
With the Authority mostly concerned with the Fiscal aspect of the economy thus Taxes (Revenue
Collection) and Government Spending the student was well on course with these modules as they
were utmost relevant. Some of the student’s tasks required the student to analyse the effects of
macroeconomic variables for example investment, exports and aggregate consumption on
revenue collections. The student also did monthly and quarterly economic outlooks for the
production of essential reports and this equipped the student with necessary skills of preparing
these economic outlooks.
In addition, advisory and research papers were done where the student participated in their
preparation the Domestic Resource mobilization advisory paper.
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Microeconomics EC101 and EC201
Aspects from microeconomics were often used during the attachment period as most of
ZIMRA’s clients are small to medium enterprises. The student got the chance to study
companies at micro level looking at the individual contribution of companies in terms of revenue
collected as this was important for the production of the revenue head analysis. Also looking
companies at micro level taught the student on how different types of businesses contributes
towards tax in terms of VAT, Presumptive Tax and Withholding. Relevant theoretical knowledge
was used on tasks that were allocated to him.
Monetary Economics EC202
Monetary economics was extensively applied during the work related learning period. The
student had the chance to apply theory in the field on tasks that were allocated to him. The
student assisted in the preparation of the monetary policy summary for the section after it was
released. In addition, preparation of the economic outlook helped the student to collect monthly
inflation figures for the month and also exchange rate data on US dollar and Rand were collected
for the maintaining of the foreign currency database.
COOPERATE FINANCE 1 AND 2
Investment analysis aided the student with vast knowledge of analysing data on the stock
exchange, risk return and efficiency of capital markets on tasks that were allocated to him during
the industrial attachment period. In addition, through ZIMRA revenue head called Capital Gains
Tax which collects revenue from dividends, interest on securities and investments the student
had the chance to analyse the tax head, to calculate the variance of actual collections from the
MOFED target and calculation of the tax head to total revenue contribution in percentage form.
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International Trade EC205
Trade facilitation and travel is one of ZIMRA’s mandate therefore International Trade was fully
utilised. The student participated in research and advisory papers pertaining trade. In addition,
the student learned how customs duty is charged for imports and which type of goods are exempt
from taxation, also on how the travellers rebate works for all individuals on a monthly basis.
Lastly the student extensively studied countries which are involved in trade with Zimbabwe and
which goods are heavily traded between them.
Economics Statistics EC102
The student had a chance to apply economic statistics knowledge in the research field during his
time at ZIMRA. As a research associate the student gathered data for research for some research
and advisory papers. The student learned to extract, compile and clean data from customs
database so as to keep and maintain fuel database.
More so the student would calculate averages, create graphs and tables to present data collected
on Microsoft excel and therefore he gained important statistical aspects involved in a research
department.
ICT
Knowledge leant from Information Technology was essential at ZIMRA. Basic computer skills
enabled the student to operate computer software’s including MS Word, Excel, Power Point and
Microsoft Exchange (Outlook) as they were the most used in the organisation. In addition, the
student learned more from Microsoft excel as it was used for data analysis, pivot analysis for
cleaning data and exponential triple smoothing for forecasting.
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Communication Skills CS101
Communication skills proved to be useful as the student was able to apply knowledge learnt
from the module. The student was able to do report writing, note taking and minute taking as
they were some of the tasks that were given to the student. In addition, the student improved his
communication skills as he was able to communicate through electronic mail, face to face and
over the telephone communication taking tasks from his superiors.
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CHAPTER 5 : EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING
SKILLS GAINED
The student gained prominent skills during his time at ZIMRA in research and
development section these are as follows
Research
The student was aided with sufficient research skills from his mentor and the research section as
a whole. Of particular mention the student learnt quantitative research which involved analysis
using statistical techniques with numerical data, while qualitative research involved analysis of
more word-based, subjective data.
Drafting Research and Advisory Proposals

The student learnt how to draft a research paper and an advisory paper with the guidance from
his supervisor. The key skills from determining the research topic, setting research questions,
literature review, methodology, and how to carry the study.
Forecasting
The student was provided with the platform to learn and perfect his forecasting skills. The
student learnt how to develop a forecasting model for refunds and it was updated monthly. The
student assisted in the forecasting of monthly refunds to the tax payer through those tasks.
Report writing
The student was able to report work done through the preparation of sectional reports which
included weekly performance report, monthly performance report and quarterly performance
Page 32 |
reports also the consolidation of these reports. Basic report writing was learnt and perfected in
the process.
Database Management
The student database management skills were developed at ZIMRA as he managed several
databases which were foreign currency database, revenue collections database and refunds
database. During these tasks the student updated these databases monthly and shared the work
done to the superiors this helped the student to appreciate and manage these databases
effectively.
Microsoft Excel
The student’s use of Microsoft word immensely improved as it was mostly used together with
other statistical packages in data analysis. The student was now able to clean large sums of data
from revenue collections, and analyse it through Microsoft Excel.
Data Analysis
The student was imparted with data analysis skills from the research section. With data analysis
skill acquired the student systematically applied statistical and/or logical techniques to describe
and illustrate, condense and recap, and evaluate data from the tasks he did. The tasks included
revenue head analysis
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CHAPTER 6: INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT
PROGRAMME
Performance criteria
The performance criterion used during attachment programme was monitoring and
supervision on how the student achieved target set. Log book and student reports were
also used as tools for monitoring. During the period supervisors checked both work
activities done and log book presentation to ensure that the student was meeting the
targets
Targets set
The student’s targets set involve putting the best effort to acquire extensive knowledge and skills
to achieve the required standard of training. The student should conform to the company’s
regulations, time and discipline, fulfill the mentor’s instructions concerning the training process
and to keep good relations with all staff of the company. In addition, student should also take
part in legal company activities and at large promote the image of GZU.
Other targets include initiative and creativity in identifying and addressing issues and ingenuity
and perseverance in gathering and analyzing data. In addition, student’s targets include acquiring
necessary skills and have ability to handle different task which enables her to work in multi
operational organization.
Internal monitoring
Within the organisation, the student has set duties to complete. These duties work as a
monitoring tool. The supervisor assigns tasks which should be completed so as to assess the
Page 34 |
performance. There is also use of work plans for the week and sometimes monthly so as
guidelines of activities to be done. All activities undertaken by the student were checked for
accuracy and completeness. The mentor also assisted the student if he needed help and
corrections. The supervisor also checked student’s log book and reports.
The student’s performance was monitored through carrying out day to day activities successfully
with or without supervision of the mentor. It was also monitored through multi-tasking such as
assigning of daily activities namely filing, printing of daily reports, preparing of weekly report,
carrying out different research and to ensure if the student is able to plan and work under
pressure.
The supervisors checked activities carried on preparing of report. The student was also given
task to write reports concerning various factors which affects ZIMRA business. The supervisor
assisted the student in preparing these reports. The student was also allowed to participating in
the monthly and weekly meetings.
Monitoring and supervision provided internally in the organisation improved the student’s skills
and assistance offered created a comfortable working and learning environment. It also helped
the student to attain practical knowledge of studied theories.
External monitoring
During the attachment period, performance was also monitored by external supervision. There
were two assessments done by Great Zimbabwe University which are first and second reports
followed by log book.to assess and monitor the performance.
Page 35 |
CHAPTER 7: RECOMMENDATIONS AND
CONCLUSION
(a) Recommendations to the Organisation
(i) Firstly, I recommend that ZIMRA should consider maximum utilisation of the outlook
system by incorporating the directory (i.e. the contact details, division, station and the
responsibilities of every individual who is in ZIMRA) to deter congestion of internal
employees calling to the switchboard for extensions and or station contact details. This will
reduce the arrival rate of calls at the switchboard, thereby increasing the probability of
external customers being saved timely.
(ii) Secondly, I recommend that ZIMRA in particular R&D should consider benchmarking
where they will be focussing more on field researches than desk researches. Field researches
will enable the research unit to obtain and rely on primary data that they will collect (gather)
themselves primarily. This will enhance a better understanding of the areas under study and
hence come up with more informed conclusions and recommendations that relate well to the
environment. This is unlike where we are using mainly secondary data which might be
somehow distorted in most cases, and from other countries that are not necessarily
Zimbabwe. The resulting recommendations will be based on either South African or
Namibian situations.
(iii) Thirdly, ZIMRA should consider investing in modern statistical packages for data
analysis besides excel that can effectively combat modern data complexity which should be
availed to all sections. Efficient data analysis by the research team from various researches
Page 36 |
will ensure efficient revenue collection strategies and allow for building more effective
revenue collection models.
(iv) More so, ZIMRA should consider cross-sectional and cross-divisional training of
attaches so as to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the organisation, its divisions and
all its operations. This is whereby the interns are rotated and moved from one division to
another and have a full appreciation of the organisation and help them identify their areas of
strength and weaknesses.
(b) Recommendations to the University
 Great Zimbabwe University in particular the department of Economics should consider

increasing depth in the use of statistical computer packages to enhance increased
student’s effectiveness as they enter into the industrial world, given that the world is
digitalising and so should the university graduates be.
 The Institution should annually hold seminars where they invite industry specialists to
share and integrate skills and techniques which will enable the institution to tailor-design
the programmes and courses in line with what the industry expects from the graduating
students. This will increase relevance and competitiveness of the programmes and
courses that are being offered by the university and ultimately the graduates.
 Great Zimbabwe University must prioritise the modules that link the students with more
base of what is happening in economy since it’s a prerequisite for entering into the
industry.
 The student encourages the department of Economics Department to carry out more
awareness seminars about the programme to the prospective candidates by engaging high
schools in Zimbabwe so that they become aware of the programme and its importance in
this dynamic environment because many students are scared of the program.
Page 37 |
 Great Zimbabwe University should consider participating in workshops and conferences

together with their students so that their students can compete with internationally
recognised Institutions together with other graduates.
Conclusion
Having stated the roles and duties of Strategy, Research and Modernisation in ZIMRA it is
undeniable that the existence of this unit is the linchpin towards the success of the organization
almost every report submitted to the public, research papers presented at conferences and
researches done on behalf of the Ministry of finance are done. To have done work related
learning at ZIMRA is an invaluable experience and the authority is giving me work experience to
work as an economist and also apply theoretical knowledge learnt to real world situations.
In essence, being attached at Zimbabwe Revenue Authority is magnificently a positive

experience. The experienced will help me as a student to gain a positive insight of what the
industry look like, blending the expectations along with the practical reality to enhance a full
appreciation of what career opportunities my degree program is capable of opening.
With this short time period I have gained additional practical knowledge, expertise, skills and
managed to achieve some of his learning goals. However, for some the conditions did not permit.
Also the student learnt the different facets of working within a highly esteemed organisation like
ZIMRA. In addition, student is managing to acquire both academic and social lessons from
different people he is working with during this learning period.
The attachment phase is also very instrumental in helping define the student Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Efficient communication skills and teamwork were very
necessary for meaningful contributions to assignments and tasks embarked on. In general, the
internship will give further insights and foresights through professional mentorship.
Page 38 |
Reference list
http//www.ZIMRA.co.zw
ZIMRA Corporate Communications Rev news ZIMRA’s Research and Development manual
HRA-Structure 002, H. (2018, May 30). zimra intranet. Retrieved from intranet.zimra.co.zw:
http://intranet.zimra.co.zw/Zimra%20Organogram/ZIMRA%20Organogram%20-%20May
%202018.pdf
R&D, R. (2019). Revenue Head Analysis Report. Harare: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
(ZIMRA).
Reporter, S. (2019, August 22). Pindula. Retrieved from https://pindula.co.zw:

https://pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
zimra. (n.d.). Zimra. Retrieved from www.zimra.co.zw: http://www.zimra.co.zw
Page 39 |
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Jonathan Mutukwa Second Report

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Jonathan Mutukwa Second Report

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WORK RELATED LEARNING SECOND REPORT

GREAT ZIMBABWE UNIVERSITY

NAME : JONATHAN MUTUKWA

EMPLOYER’S APPROVAL FORM..........................................................................................6

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION........................................................................................10

1.1 Background / History of the Organisation........................................................................10

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION.....................................................11

Services Offered by ZIMRA are as follows..........................................................................12

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE CULTURE...........................16

Strategy, Research and Modernisation..................................................................................19

SRM Divisional Structure...................................................................................................19

Strategy and modernisation objectives..............................................................................20

STRATEGY, RESEARCH AND MODENISATION RESPONSIBILITIES....................20

CHAPTER 2: WORK RELATED LEARNING ACTIVITIES......................................22

Strategy, Research and Modernisation Duties........................................................................22

Revenue Collections Database............................................................................................22

Data and Statistics Compilation.........................................................................................22

Preparation of Weekly Media Bulletin..............................................................................23

Other duties and Responsibilities.......................................................................................23

CHAPTER 3: ORGANISATION PERFOMANCE................................................................25

CHAPTER 4 : APPLICABILITY OF THEORY TO PRACTISE.........................................27

Macroeconomics ECand EC...................................................................................................27

Microeconomics EC101 and EC201.......................................................................................28

Monetary Economics EC202..................................................................................................28

COOPERATE FINANCE 1 AND 2.......................................................................................28

International Trade EC205.....................................................................................................29

Economics Statistics EC102....................................................................................................29

Communication Skills CS101.................................................................................................30

CHAPTER 5 : EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING SKILLS GAINED..................................31

Drafting Research and Advisory Proposals..........................................................................31

CHAPTER 6 :INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT PROGRAMME...........................................33

CHAPTER 7: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION..............................................35

(a) Recommendations to the Organisation............................................................................35

(b) Recommendations to the University...............................................................................36

figure 1: Zimra organisational structure……………………………………………………....16

EMPLOYER’S APPROVAL FORM

Signature…………………………………. Date …………………………………….

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority

6th Floor ZB Centre

Corner Kwame Nkrumah Ave/First Street

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background / History of the Organisation

1.2 (a) Vision

 Developing competent and motivated staff.

“We are here to serve”

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION.

Some of the aims and objectives include:

Services Offered by ZIMRA are as follows

 The Authority collects revenue under the following revenue heads:

 Value Added Tax (VAT) levied on consumption of goods and services.

 Exercise Duty levied on specified locally manufactured goods as well as on their

employment and is charged using progressive rates.

 Corporate Tax levied on profits made by companies.

to participate in the economy.

 Carbon Tax- is an environmental tax meant to promote sustainable use of the

environment and is chargeable on fuel importers at ports of entry.

 Mining royalties -ZIMRA is empowered to collect mining royalties.

 Intermediated Money Transfer Tax(IMTT)- is a tax collected in terms of Section 36G as

Facilitation of trade and travel

entry into the foreign markets.

Advise government on fiscal and economic matters

and Economic Development, it does revenue forecasting and revision of acts.

Protect civil society and enforcement of controls