Authentic Advocates for Justice and Democracy (AAJD) says The Post should not blame President Lungu for failing to meet its tax obligations when the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) demands payments.
AAJD executive director John Mulenga said it is criminal for any organisation operating in the country to knowingly evade tax because it feels it is ‘untouchable’.
Mr Mulenga said in an interview yesterday that those who are not paying tax knowingly are robbing Zambians of the economic benefits that they are supposed to enjoy.
He wondered how The Post expects Government to operate when it is failing to meet its tax obligations.
Mr Mulenga said failure to pay taxes sends wrong signals to foreign investors who might think it is the right thing to do in Zambia.
“If we do not pay tax, then what kind of picture are we painting to those that are coming to invest in Zambia,” Mr Mulenga said.
He said Government depends on the revenue it collects through ZRA and if certain companies or individuals opt not to pay tax, then what they are doing is a disservice to the country.
Mr Mulenga urged individuals supporting erring companies in terms of tax compliance to be sincere with themselves and the country.
He said some individuals, especially some politicians, should be principled not to talk ill of some policies simply because they don’t suit them at any given time.
On Sunday, State House said it is unreasonable, preposterous and outrageous in the extreme for the Post Newspaper to claim that demands for full settlement of tax obligations is a move to close it down.
It’s not about failing to pay their taxes. What The Post want is equality before the law. They want Zambia Daily Mail, Times of Zambia and Daily Nation to equally be raided by the same agents. Can’t you read between the lines? Moron!
…and Suntwe is supporting the tax avoidance! Do you love your country iwe mune! I guess you love your country? Naba UPND banobe balekusekafye …naukasa mune!
Ba Suntwe, let the post fight it’s battles. The other media houses you have referred to will have their day as well. I am sure you and I pay tax and it’s only fair for big organization like the Post to also meet their obligation. It is childish and also a sign of cowardice for a Person of Mr Mmembe’s caliber who portrays himself as a super hero to quickly grow cold feet whenever he is subjected to some scary situation. He cries out to his mother for help or lobby the general citizenly to come to his rescue.