Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) is expanding its taxpayer recognition programme to cover more industries, with approximately 50 taxpayers expected to be honoured under the broader framework.
The announcement was made at the third Taxpayer Appreciation Day and Awards Ceremony, held at Avani Maseru Hotel on 31 October 2026, where outstanding taxpayers were recognised for their contribution to the country’s economic development.
Acting RSL Commissioner General Rakokoana Makoa said the new framework is meant to ensure that businesses from all industries are recognised for their commitment to tax compliance.
“Our intention is not simply to increase the number of awards presented, but rather it is to ensure that our recognition programme more accurately reflects the diversity of our economy and provides a platform for acknowledging excellence in tax compliance across a broad range of businesses,” Makoa said.
He explained that the previous programme recognised taxpayers in only three broad sectors: primary, secondary and tertiary. This year’s approach adds subcategories covering agriculture, manufacturing, retail and trade, mining, financial services, tourism, construction, transport and technology.
As a result, the number of recipients could rise to about 50, from the relatively small number honoured in previous years. Makoa also highlighted RSL’s efforts to modernise tax administration through digital platforms that make compliance easier and more efficient.
“We have one clear objective, to create an environment in which taxpayers can meet their obligations with greater ease, certainty and confidence,” he said.
Among the initiatives was a new electronic platform for VAT administration, which has completed its pilot phase and is due to be rolled out to VAT registrants from 1 November 2026. Makoa said the platform followed stakeholder engagements that began in March 2025 with business associations, companies and other stakeholders.
“We are aware that we are facing some challenges, but we can promise you that we are fully working with you to make sure that it is a smooth transition for everyone,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara said paying taxes should be seen as a contribution to national development and not merely a legal obligation.
“Taxpayers are not merely financing government but are contributing to the development and the future of our economy and our country,” Majara said.
She said tax revenue supports essential services and national priorities, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, food security and social protection.
Majara also stressed accountability in managing public resources, saying government must ensure that taxpayers’ contributions translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
“Taxpayers provide the resources, governments are entrusted to manage them and the people must ultimately benefit,” she said.
She called for stronger cooperation between government, RSL and taxpayers, adding that compliance should go hand in hand with fairness, transparency and efficient service delivery. She urged RSL to keep improving its services and make compliance easier for businesses and individuals.
“The easier the systems make it easy for taxpayers the more revenue we will be able to collect,” Majara said.
Speaking for the business community, Katleho Lefure said companies should appreciate the opportunity to operate in Lesotho and recognise that it comes with responsibilities.
“For us as a foreign-owned company, it means a lot to us that each time when we do business here, we should not feel that it is our right to do business in this country, but it is a privilege that the government can take away any time if we don’t comply,” Lefure said.
He said his organisation’s commitment extends beyond tax to supporting communities through corporate social responsibility programmes and sponsorships.
“Our compliance does not stop at paying tax, all denominations of tax, yes we pay them regularly on time and we don’t miss a cent, and we continue to do so,” he said.
Lefure encouraged other businesses to comply with the country’s laws and regulations, noting that taxpayers play an important role in supporting growth.
“The economy of the country can only grow if it is supported by us, the taxpayers,” he said.
The third edition of the Taxpayer Appreciation Day was held under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Recognising Compliance, Building Lesotho Together,” with RSL’s slogan, “Re Tjena Ka Uena.”
It brought together representatives from government, the business community and international and regional institutions, including the World Customs Organization, the South African Revenue Service and Eswatini Revenue Services.
Summary
- “Our intention is not simply to increase the number of awards presented, but rather it is to ensure that our recognition programme more accurately reflects the diversity of our economy and provides a platform for acknowledging excellence in tax compliance across a broad range of businesses,” Makoa said.
- “For us as a foreign-owned company, it means a lot to us that each time when we do business here, we should not feel that it is our right to do business in this country, but it is a privilege that the government can take away any time if we don’t comply,” Lefure said.
- “Our compliance does not stop at paying tax, all denominations of tax, yes we pay them regularly on time and we don’t miss a cent, and we continue to do so,” he said.
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