adminTHE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) says legislation that allows importation of equipment duty free exists but artistes are not taking advantage of this provision.
This follows an outcry from artistes that they were being made to pay duty for imported equipment.
One of the country’s top recording companies (Diamond Studios) had to undergo renovation early this year after veteran music producer Bothwell ‘‘Africa’’ Nyamhondera condemned their facility as being sub-standard.
Most of the equipment that was used during the renovation process came from the United Kingdom (UK) and the company had to pay huge duty fees.
“Only the equipment that came from Botswana was imported into the country duty free.
“But all the equipment that we brought from the UK during our renovation exercise paid duty.
“We assumed the gazetted statutory instrument for duty-free importation of equipment only applies once,” said a Diamond Studios official John Muroyi.
However, NACZ deputy director Nicholas Moyo said Government had made necessary provisions for artistes to improve the quality of their work. He said players in the arts industry that were following proper procedures were not facing any challenges with regards to importing equipment for use in their trades.
“Statutory instrument 136 of 2003 has clear provisions for duty-free importation of arts equipment by any registered players in the sector. It’s very unfortunate, though, that a number of artistes are not aware of procedures that need to be followed and end up suffering,” he said.
The Customs and Excise (General) Regulations provide for a rebate of duty on equipment that is imported by arts organisations registered under the NACZ Act for use in their performances.
“This implies that the equipment will not pay any duty or Value Added Tax on importation.
“The goods that qualify for this rebate are imported recording and broadcasting equipment, music instruments and public address systems but exclude spare parts and consumables. Conversely, various artistes have had their equipment used in arts production auctioned after failing to pay the required duty.
One such case is that of John Muyambo or simply Chibhodhoro who had to be rescued by his sister after he failed to pay US$130 duty for a mixer that he had purchased from South Africa.
“The problem is that most of these people are not members of any association and just travel outside the country to make these purchases but soon find themselves stuck at the border. The NACZ holds a number of meetings with managers, promoters, artistes and producers in which some of these issues are raised,” said Moyo.
“Those that attend rarely have such challenges.
“They know the procedures to follow everytime.
However, I would like to point out that each and every member of the arts industry should feel free to approach our office for advice.
“We are here to explain how these regulations work,” added the NACZ deputy director.
Pundits, nonetheless, opine artistes particularly musicians that do not pay tax for the revenue they generate during their live shows held weekly should not benefit from this legislation.
Online Reporter