By A Correspondent
Richard Tsvangirai, the Norton Member of Parliament and son of the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai, has criticized the Zimbabwean government’s recent proposal to tax WhatsApp group administrators.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in partnership with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), has drawn widespread condemnation, with Tsvangirai labeling it as “deeply misguided.”
In a statement made on Friday, Tsvangirai voiced his concerns about the tax, emphasizing the negative impact it would have on ordinary citizens who are already struggling under the weight of economic hardship.
“The recent move by the Ministry of ICT, in collaboration with POTRAZ, to impose a tax on WhatsApp groups is both highly concerning and deeply misguided,” Tsvangirai said.
WhatsApp, he pointed out, has become an essential tool for many Zimbabweans, particularly those in lower-income groups, students, and small businesses.
“WhatsApp serves as an essential communication tool, particularly for lower-income groups, students, and small businesses, allowing them to connect, share information, and conduct transactions affordably,” Tsvangirai added.
The tax, he argued, would have far-reaching consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable. “Taxing such groups risks making this critical platform inaccessible, effectively widening the digital divide and marginalizing even more people,” Tsvangirai explained.
He warned that the policy could further exacerbate the economic divide in the country, depriving disadvantaged citizens of a vital means of communication and commerce.
Beyond the financial burden, Tsvangirai raised concerns about the broader implications for digital freedoms. The proposal, he argued, sets a dangerous precedent for government control over digital spaces.
“This policy blatantly disregards the financial constraints of ordinary citizens… it raises alarming questions about digital freedom and the right to free communication,” he stated.
Tsvangirai warned that such policies could ultimately lead to stifled communication and greater government interference in the digital realm.
“Instead of empowering citizens with affordable digital access, this policy instead prioritizes government control over open communication,” he said.
In conclusion, Tsvangirai called on the government to seek alternative methods of raising revenue that would not disproportionately harm vulnerable citizens or disrupt essential communication platforms.
“If the aim is to improve national revenue, the government should seek alternative measures that do not disproportionately harm the most vulnerable and disrupt vital channels for free communication,” he urged.
The debate over the WhatsApp tax has sparked widespread backlash across the country, with many questioning the government’s commitment to supporting affordable digital access and safeguarding the freedoms of its citizens.