By Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) hosted the inaugural Taxpayer Appreciation Award Ceremony to celebrate and acknowledge the crucial role taxpayers play in sustaining Lesotho’s economy.
The event, which brought together a diverse audience of business representatives, government officials, and individual taxpayers, was marked by a sense of pride and gratitude, highlighting the value of civic duty and commitment to the nation.
Opening the ceremony, the Commissioner General of RSL, Mathabo Mokoko, expressed profound appreciation for Lesotho’s taxpayers. “Our entire ecosystem is built primarily from the efforts of all our valued taxpayers,” she stated, emphasizing that the gathering aimed not only to recognize taxpayer contributions but to show deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment shown in fulfilling tax obligations.
Mokoko spoke passionately about the taxpayers’ role as the “backbone” of Lesotho’s economy, enabling the government to finance essential services and projects that benefit citizens across the country.
She highlighted the tangible impact taxes have on Lesotho’s progress, linking them directly to the nation’s infrastructure development, health services, education, and social security. “Your contributions help to build our nation, our pride, our legacy,” she noted, underscoring that tax revenue has facilitated critical projects, from new roads and schools to expanded healthcare facilities.
These investments, she explained, enhance the quality of life for Basotho and enable the government to address both immediate and long-term needs.
RSL is committed to creating an environment where taxpayers understand and appreciate the impact of their financial contributions, reinforcing a culture of compliance and civic responsibility. This ceremony, the first of its kind in Lesotho, is a significant step towards fostering mutual respect and partnership between RSL and the taxpayers it serves.
Mokoko emphasized that taxpayers are, in essence, investing in the future of the nation and enabling its march toward sustainable growth and prosperity. “As we look forward to the next 200 years, we envision a stronger, more resilient Lesotho,” she said.
The Commissioner General’s remarks also acknowledged the collective responsibility in building a brighter future, with each tax contribution directly influencing the nation’s legacy.
The ceremony not only celebrated large corporations but also recognized small businesses and individual taxpayers, illustrating that every contribution, no matter the size, is instrumental in nation-building. Awards were presented in various categories to honor the exemplary dedication of businesses and individuals who have consistently fulfilled their tax obligations.
In her speech, Honourable Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane expressed how she is particularly impressed to be part of the inaugural event that is intended to publicly express appreciation to all taxpayers.
She highlighted that the taxes they pay are not just numbers on the balance sheet, “they are the livelihood of the nation. They fund schools, hospitals, infrastructure and social programs,” said Dr. Matlanyane. Adding that they are the foundation upon which they build a prosperous and equitable society.
Dr. Matlanyane further shared that it is through taxes paid that the government is able to provide clean portable water, electricity, construct and maintain roads, provide health care services, provide pension for the elderly, fight crime, provide education, enhance food production and create jobs for the youth.
This event is a starting point for an ongoing relationship between RSL and taxpayers, where recognition, appreciation, and communication are prioritized. RSL also announced plans to continue these awards annually, celebrating the vital role taxpayers play in sustaining and developing the country.
The awarded businesses are, Standard Lesotho Bank, Found Construction Engineering PTY LTD, Tank Investment PTY LTD, Sasai Econet Financial Service PTY LTD, Lesotho Mounted Police Services, Directorate on Corruption and economic offences, Eswatini Revenue Services for their partnership and collaboration, Minopox PTY LTD, Main North 1 PTY LTD, Maluti Mountain Brewery PTY LTD and Polihali Village JV.
The Commissioner General concluded her address by inviting all citizens and businesses to see their taxes as investments in the nation’s well-being. “When you contribute, you’re not just paying a tax. You’re funding schools, hospitals, roads, and social security. You’re investing in our shared future,” she affirmed.
The event closed on a hopeful note, with RSL officials, award recipients, and attendees all united in their commitment to creating a prosperous future for Lesotho.