Published: 8 hours ago

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has clarified that statutory fees, levies, and charges remain in force until Parliament formally amends or repeals the laws governing them.

In a statement, Minister Ziyambi said his ministry has received numerous queries following Government announcements on reducing charges across various sectors.

"All fees, levies, and charges prescribed in existing laws in the form of primary and subsidiary legislation shall continue in force and effect until such a time when the statutory provisions providing for the same have been amended or repealed in accordance with set procedures," he explained.

While the Government has adopted a policy to lower costs, Minister Ziyambi emphasised that such measures only take effect once they are legally enacted. "The ministry, together with the Office of the Attorney-General, is working with all relevant ministries to ensure that the policy position adopted by Government to reduce the various fees, levies, and charges is translated into legally binding legal instruments," he said.

The minister added that these reforms form part of Zimbabwe's broader development agenda. "We have a positive obligation, as aptly enunciated in Section 114 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, to ensure that statutes are drafted to eliminate any gaps in the law," he noted.

"It is in the public interest that we must draft and enact laws that enhance the investment climate and facilitate the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe."

Minister Ziyambi highlighted that aligning statutes with Government policy is critical in promoting national development in line with Vision 2030. The clarification comes in the wake of recent reviews of charges in sectors including transport and agriculture. Until amendments are formally enacted, existing fees remain legally enforceable.
- The Herald

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