Mokoko begins new chapter as RSL boss

Seabata Mahao

The newly-appointed Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) Commissioner General ‘Mathabo Mokoko, said one of her main duties is to ensure that RSL clients have easy access to its services conveniently while complying with the tax laws.

Mokoko, who was unveiled as the new RSL Commissioner General by Finance Minister Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane this week, succeeds former Commissioner General Thabo Khasipe, who has since joined the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

Notably, Mokoko is the first female Commissioner General to lead Lesotho’s tax authority.

“As the RSL, we are going to work with our clients so that together we reach our goals. We are going to work smart, easy, and fun as we teach you how to be compliant,” she said.

“We have now the African Continental Free Trading Agreement (AfCFTA) which is our opportunity to trade and will lead us to not only be consumers but producers.”

Remarking on Mokoko’s new role, Dr Matlanyane said she comes in at a critical time amid the gloomy global economic outlook.

“There are bridges to reconstruct, roads to rebuild, potholes to fill, healthcare facilities to upgrade, new infrastructure projects to undertake, and employment opportunities to create, and so the list is endless. For us to meet all these demands we need to mobilise revenue,” she said.

Dr Matlanyane further noted that for RSL to effectively discharge its mandate, it must do all within its powers to collect all the revenue due to the government.

She said the country is in the modern era where most economic activities take place through digital platforms.

“The modernising journey that RSL embarked on a few years ago shall continue unabated and financial support is critical in this regard. So, I urge the development partners and friends to come on board and give a helping hand when RSL comes knocking at their doors for assistance and support.

“I plead with the RSL board, management, and staff to provide the new leader with all the support she needs. On the same wavelength, I appeal to the taxpaying community to offer their support by voluntarily complying with their tax obligations. ‘Me Mathabo will not be successful in this role without the support from all relevant stakeholders. As the government, she has our full support.”

Before her appointment, Mokoko was one of the acting Commissioner Generals at RSL, having also served the organisation in various roles for many years.