Seabata Mahao
Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) recently hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of journalists in reporting on business, economics, finance, and development.
Held in Maseru, the workshop sought to equip journalists with the expertise necessary to report accurately and effectively on financial and economic matters, as well as taxation.
In his opening remarks, delivered on behalf of the RSL Commissioner General, Pheello Mphana emphasised the workshop’s purpose: to strengthen journalists’ knowledge and ability to ask the right questions when covering financial and economic issues.
Mphana noted that with the increasing demand for transparency in today’s information-rich era, the media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding of these complex matters.
“We embark on a journey that will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of tax and financial reporting,” Mphana stated. “This training is not just about understanding numbers and regulations; it is about empowering you to communicate effectively, ask the right questions, and hold institutions accountable.”
Mphana further highlighted the pivotal role journalists play as intermediaries between complicated financial data and the public.
He stressed that journalists’ ability to translate intricate financial reports into accessible stories is essential for keeping citizens informed, ensuring institutional accountability, and guiding policymakers with accurate information.
The workshop was also designed to help journalists grasp the implications of ongoing and upcoming changes in Lesotho’s economic policies.
Mphana underscored that the training would provide the tools for accurate analysis and reporting on these evolving policies.
“As we move forward, let us remember the importance of ethical reporting,” Mphana said.
“In a world where misinformation can spread like wildfire, our commitment to truth and accuracy is paramount. We must strive to be not just reporters of facts but educators who help our audiences understand the implications of those facts.”
He also mentioned that the workshop was part of RSL’s broader media relations strategy, aligned with its corporate strategy, ‘Lesokoana’. He hinted at plans to recognise and reward excellence in journalism through annual media awards, as part of RSL’s efforts to strengthen ties with the media.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho Chapter, Lekhetho Ntsukunyane, commended RSL for its proactive approach to engaging the media and enhancing their understanding of financial and economic issues.
The workshop was facilitated by experts from the Governance Institute for Sustainable Development (GISD), who brought a wealth of experience in finance, economics, and journalism.
Their insights and best practices provided invaluable learning opportunities for the participants.
This initiative marked an important step in improving the quality of financial and economic reporting in Lesotho, equipping journalists to better serve the public by delivering clear, accurate, and insightful news on critical economic developments.
Contacted for comment this week, the chairperson of MISA Lesotho, Kananelo Boloetse said: “I would like to highly commend RSL for this commendable initiative of capacitating journalists in financial, economic, and development reporting”.
Boloetse mentioned that in an age where transparency and accountability are paramount, equipping the media with the skills to report effectively on these critical areas “is a step in the right direction”.
He said the knowledge imparted during this workshop will not only enhance reporting but will also strengthen the media’s role in educating the public on key financial and economic matters that directly affect their lives.
“I am particularly excited by RSL’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence in journalism through media awards. This aligns perfectly with MISA Lesotho’s vision of celebrating the critical role played by journalists.”
Boloetse divulged that later this year, MISA Lesotho will be hosting its annual journalism awards to honour outstanding contributions in the industry.
“It would be a tremendous privilege to collaborate with RSL in these awards, joining hands to ensure that the celebration of excellence in journalism is a success. Together, we can foster a media environment that is both empowered and ethical to drive accountability and development in Lesotho,” he concluded.
