Gender-blind tax system criticised amid ongoing saloons tax debate

Providence Moyo

Women bemoan non-gender lensing taxation system as the saloons tax debates continue in Zimbabwe.

This came out during a virtual discussion hosted by Amakhosikazi Media where the Founding and Editing Director, Sibusisiwe Bhebhe, highlighted that the pending presumptive tax with non gender lensing of the taxation system in the country continues to lay a yolk in the arms of women even in the newly proposed saloons tax.

“Women budget their hairdressing on a monthly basis and that monthly charge might be lower than the money paid by men to do their cuts in barbershops as men frequently attend to their hair than women . Very few women can afford to do their hair twice a month”, she said.

A hairdresser Kelly, who is part of the virtual community said it is difficult to make ends meet in the industry where they have even resorted to touting for customers.

Another participant, Thembelani Dube said there are several factors that need to be considered for the saloons tax debates like the availability of clippers because it is likely to fuel a more increase in the saloons tax, adding that “Clippers are very affordable in China shops which has led to a surge in under the tree saloons”.

The guest, Emakhandeni-Luveve constituency Member of Parliament, Discent Bajila, said the tax was proposed at $300 but it has gone to $5 per chair and plans are that the saloons owners collect the tax and pay the taxes to Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

Zimbabwe’s economy has faced significant challenges, including high inflation, foreign currency shortages, and a struggling formal sector. To boost revenue and address fiscal deficits, the government has explored various tax measures, including the saloon tax.