The Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) recently hosted the 2025 Taxpayer Appreciation Day, celebrating individuals and institutions that have consistently met their tax obligations and contributed to the country’s socio-economic development.
Held under the theme “Partnership and Progress,” the event reflected a shift in RSL’s image, from a tax enforcer to a trusted partner in nation-building.
Opening the ceremony, RSL’s Commissioner General ‘Mathabo Mokoko highlighted the crucial role taxpayers play in financing national development.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, is a brick in the foundation of Lesotho’s development,” she said.
“We want taxpayers to feel that paying taxes is not a punishment, but a partnership.”
Mokoko emphasised that improving the taxpayer experience is key to compliance. She outlined RSL’s ongoing digital transformation, aimed at making filing simpler, faster, and more transparent.
“We are investing heavily in modern IT systems that simplify filing, payments, and access to information. Our goal is auto-compliance a future where tax obligations are met seamlessly without bureaucratic delays,” she added.
Stephen Mputi, the Minister of Public Service praised taxpayers for their role in financing essential services.
“The taxes that you pay are the lifeblood of our nation. It is through such taxes that Government is able to invest in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and public safety,” he said.
Mputi stressed that voluntary compliance is only achievable through efficient systems and partnerships.
“Systems integration and strategic partnerships are no longer optional; they are a prerequisite for building a compliant and modern tax administration,” he added, calling on the private sector and development partners to collaborate with RSL to keep pace with global best practices.
Eleven companies and individuals were honoured for outstanding compliance over the past three years. The top award went to small business operator Teboho Ralikhomo in the Simplified Business Taxation category.
According to Market Insider, Ralikhomo had imported goods worth over US$43,000 (approximately M740, 000) by the end of 2022, signaling growing formalisation among small businesses.
Other notable awardees included Industrial and Mining Solution (Pty) Ltd in the agriculture and mining sector; BME Lesotho (Pty) Ltd in manufacturing and energy; Zutary Lesotho (Pty) Ltd and Goldrush Lesotho (Pty) Ltd in services; and Moores Roland (Pty) Ltd alongside Mascon Freight (Pty) Ltd for consistent revenue growth.
RSL leadership acknowledged that tax reform requires broad collaboration. Mokoko highlighted partnerships with ministries, financial institutions, law enforcement, civil society, and international bodies to streamline processes, share data, and enhance enforcement.
Among these initiatives is the RSL Cadet Programme, designed to instill ethics and professionalism among future tax professionals.
“Through these partnerships, we are able to build trust, strengthen compliance, and safeguard the revenue that finances our nation’s future,” Mokoko said.
Looking ahead, RSL aims to achieve auto-compliance supported by continued digital innovation, staff development, and a focus on fair treatment of taxpayers.
“We want compliance to be the default option simple, automatic, and beneficial,” Mokoko concluded.
Summary
- The Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) recently hosted the 2025 Taxpayer Appreciation Day, celebrating individuals and institutions that have consistently met their tax obligations and contributed to the country’s socio-economic development.
- Held under the theme “Partnership and Progress,” the event reflected a shift in RSL’s image, from a tax enforcer to a trusted partner in nation-building.
- They are a prerequisite for building a compliant and modern tax administration,” he added, calling on the private sector and development partners to collaborate with RSL to keep pace with global best practices.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
