Africa-Press – Eswatini. Money talks, and at the ERS Client Appreciation Dinner, it spoke the language of national growth and tax compliance.
Chairperson of the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Governing Board, David Dlamini, led the evening with a firm call to action, stating that voluntary compliance was the cornerstone of national development, and that every compliant taxpayer played a direct role in building Eswatini’s future.
“We don’t collect taxes just to meet targets,” Dlamini said. “We collect to drive development, deliver services, and build the Eswatini we all want to see.”
He highlighted the strides made by ERS in streamlining revenue collection, improving taxpayer education, and leveraging digital tools such as ERS TaxPal and TaxEase, saying these innovations were designed to make compliance easier and more accessible to every taxpayer.
“We have embraced automation to improve transparency and efficiency,” he said. “But our greatest success lies in the growing willingness of taxpayers to come forward and do the right thing.”
“WHEN YOU PAY TAX, YOU MOVE THE COUNTRY FORWARD”
Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg echoed Dlamini’s sentiments, telling attendees that compliance is not just a legal requirement, it is a patriotic act.
“A nation’s ability to grow depends on the trust between its government and its people. That trust is built when taxpayers see their money being put to work for the good of all.”
He congratulated the private sector for showing leadership in compliance and thanked the ERS team for remaining consistent in reaching and exceeding targets.
COMPLIANCE GAINS MOMENTUM
ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule revealed that the organisation had achieved a compliance rate of 66.6%, up from 61%, reflecting a growing sense of trust and accountability among taxpayers.
Net Promoter Scores had also improved, digital filings had increased, and Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts reached E13.06 billion.
Head of Strategy Edward Groening said the results show that digital transformation and strong engagement with taxpayers are delivering measurable results.
African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Executive Secretary Mary Baine added that Eswatini was becoming a regional leader in revenue administration best practices, saying:
“The Kingdom is showing what’s possible when there is alignment between revenue policy and the people it serves.”
CHAMPIONS OF COMPLIANCE RECOGNISED
The night culminated in a glitzy awards ceremony celebrating top-performing taxpayers across key sectors.
Ubombo Sugar Limited scooped the Top Taxpayer Award, with Finance Manager Philile Nxumalo receiving the honour on behalf of the company. She stated their commitment to remain compliant and collaborative with ERS.
Inyatsi Construction, Mormond Electrical Contractors, Toepfer & Sons, and Mgcabho Construction were recognised for excellence in the construction sector.
A number of other top corporates and SMEs were also awarded for consistent tax compliance.
DINNER, DIALOGUE AND DIGNITY
Entertainment included a well-received performance by male choral group Sivutsevutse, whose harmonies added class to the night. Guests also enjoyed a live set by Zamo Dlamini, who performed her hit “Tinyembeti.”
As the event closed, Nkambule assured attendees that ERS would continue improving its systems and upholding the highest standards of professionalism:
“We are committed to closing compliance gaps and simplifying the journey for all taxpayers. When we work together, everyone wins.”
The message of the night was clear: compliance is not just good for business, it’s good for the country.
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