By The Respondents Reporter
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has continued its tradition of giving back to the community by donating various items to two orphanage centres in Dar es Salaam, in a move aimed at appreciating taxpayers and demonstrating the social value of taxes collected by the government.
The initiative, which is conducted every December, is part of TRA’s broader strategy to link tax compliance with tangible benefits to society, particularly the care and protection of vulnerable children.
Speaking during the handover, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda said December is set aside as a month of gratitude to taxpayers, with the Authority opting to show appreciation through direct action rather than words.
He said visiting and supporting children in need reflects how taxes paid by citizens are translated into real social services.
He noted that the donations also serve to encourage voluntary tax compliance, emphasizing that revenue collected through taxes enables the government to fund key social interventions, including support for orphaned and vulnerable children.
He called on all Tanzanians to be ambassadors of voluntary tax payment, stressing that everyone has a role to play in national development.
Managers of the beneficiary centres, Hilda Mtalemwa and Winifrida Malumbo, expressed their gratitude to TRA, saying the donations had brought happiness and relief to the children under their care.
They pledged to continue supporting government efforts by sensitising the public on the importance of paying taxes voluntarily.
Elia Gondwe, a parent of one of the children supported at the Uyakonia Centre, said such assistance is made possible through voluntary tax compliance, urging citizens to actively participate in fulfilling their tax obligations for the benefit of the wider community.
The donations were received by Hisani Orphanage Centre and the Uyakonia Centre, which is jointly managed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) and the Government.