By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) recently awarded certificates to journalists who successfully completed specialized training on business and taxation reporting at the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) headquarters in Maseru.
This initiative is aimed at strengthening business journalism in Lesotho and, promoting accurate financial reporting that fosters transparency, accountability, and public trust.
At the same event, RSL officially launched its 2024 Media Awards to recognize excellence in local journalism.
It highlighted the critical role of the media in advancing financial literacy, promoting voluntary tax compliance, and closing information gaps between the tax authority and the public.
The two-day intensive workshop equipped journalists with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to effectively report on financial and tax-related matters. The sessions offered in-depth lessons on business reporting fundamentals, tax policies, compliance issues, and Lesotho’s economic landscape.
Facilitators included RSL experts and financial specialists from the private sector[U1] , providing participants with practical insights into taxation laws and business operations.
The training also emphasized investigative journalism techniques, ethics in financial reporting, and data journalism. Through these modules, participants learned how to interpret complex economic data, break down tax regulations for the public, and create compelling stories that enhance public understanding of government policies.
In his address, RSL Public Relations Manager Mr. Pheello Mphana, commended media practioners for their dedication to developing expertise in financial reporting. He emphasized the importance of the media in fostering an informed citizenry that understands tax obligations and the benefits of compliance.[U2]
“We believe that well-informed reporting can drive positive change by ensuring that the public and businesses understand their tax obligations and appreciate the benefits of compliance. This is crucial in building trust and transparency,” Mphana remarked.
He further underscored RSL’s commitment to maintaining close collaboration with journalists, pledging to provide the necessary information for accurate and timely reporting on taxation and financial matters.
“The media plays a vital role in shaping public discourse, and we are determined to empower journalists to report with accuracy and integrity,” he added.
Mr. Kananelo Boloetse, Chairperson of MISA Lesotho, praised RSL for hosting the training, noting that it would improve the quality of journalism in Lesotho by ensuring accurate and reliable financial reporting.
“This training is essential for improving the standards of business journalism and curbing misinformation and disinformation about tax matters,” Boloetse said. He added that journalists, armed with this knowledge, will now be able to correct misreporting about the RSL [U3] on social media and other platforms.
Boloetse also reminded certified journalists to update their CVs with their newly acquired qualification. “This certificate can open doors for career advancement and adds valuable skills to your professional portfolio,” he noted.
The collaboration between RSL and the media addresses challenges in public finance management by promoting accountability in tax collection and expenditure. Equipped with enhanced skills, journalists are now better positioned to scrutinize tax policies, monitor government spending, and keep citizens informed about how public funds are allocated.
This partnership aligns with Lesotho’s broader economic goals, which include fostering financial inclusion and economic growth through sound tax policies. By bridging the information gap between the government and the public, the initiative necessitates knowledgable citizenry that actively supports economic reforms and sustainable development.
The event concluded with journalists expressing enthusiasm for applying their newly acquired knowledge. Several participants shared their commitment to producing articles that unpack complex economic trends, demystify tax laws, and encourage tax compliance.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Bokang remarked, “The training has given us the tools to report more effectively on issues that matter to businesses and taxpayers. We are eager to contribute meaningfully to the national conversation on economic development.”
In closing, Mphana stated that RSL’s intention is to continue supporting the media through future collaborations, workshops, and media awards. He encouraged journalists to use their new skills to foster public understanding of tax-related matters and drive conversations around business growth and fair taxation.
“We count on the media to educate the public and foster trust between taxpayers and the government. Through this initiative, we aim to create a knowledgeable citizenry that appreciates the role of taxes in nation-building,” Mphana said.
The launch of the 2024 Media Awards marks a significant milestone in RSL’s engagement with the media. The awards recognize journalists who excel in reporting on financial and economic issues, and other categories with the goal of encouraging more media practitioners to specialize in business and taxation journalism[U4] .
[U1]kae
[U2]which are?
[U3]So the training was about reporting for RSL specifically not general business?
[U4]Feedback quotes from other sources?