By Sharon Tawuya
Harare, (New Ziana )- Goromonzi West Member of Parliament, Biatah Karimatsenga Nyamupinga has called on Government to introduce tax incentives for businesses and individuals who invest in sports, recreation, arts and cultural infrastructure.
Contributing a point of national interest in the National Assembly, Nyamupinga said the recent restoration and homologation of the National Sports Stadium should be followed by enabling policies to sustain momentum.
“I call upon the Hon. Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to bring before this House a comprehensive framework of tax incentives for businesses and individuals who contribute to sport, recreation, arts and culture development. Such incentives, tax deductions, rebates or credits would encourage investment and ensure proper maintenance of our assets,” she said.
“When patriotic Zimbabweans in business invest in national development, we must recognise and support them through enabling policies and not just celebrate after the fact.”
Nyamupinga expressed appreciation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for fulfilling his commitment to return football to the National Sports Stadium.
She also commended the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe for his leadership, Finance Minister Prof. Mthuli Ncube for financial support, and Sakunda Holdings Chairman Senator Kudakwashe Tagwirei for contributing to the rehabilitation works.
“This is not simply the opening of a stadium. It is the fulfilment of a promise and a demonstration of Government’s commitment to sports development,” she said.
“This is a commendable example of the private sector responding to a national call,” she added.
Zimbabwe was banned by FIFA from hosting international matches in 2020 after the National Sports Stadium and other stadia failed to meet required standards. The ban meant national sports teams were forced to play home games outside the country, mainly in South Africa, Malawi and Rwanda.
The stadium underwent major renovations to meet FIFA and CAF requirements, including installation of bucket seats, upgrading of changing rooms, floodlights, VAR facilities, and improvements to the pitch and ablution facilities.
Following an inspection, CAF granted the National Sports Stadium provisional homologation, clearing it to host international football matches again. This paved the way for the resumption of World Cup and AFCON qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
Nyamupinga said the restoration must mark a new beginning. “Let us restore our infrastructure, revive our football, empower our youths, promote our arts and preserve our cultural heritage,” she said.
New Ziana
