By: Mpho Shelile
MASERU
To address critical issues such as taxation reforms and economic development, the Revenue Services of Lesotho (RSL) and the National University of Lesotho (NUL) have joined forces by signing a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic collaboration is set to strengthen efforts and shape the future of Lesotho.
This strategic partnership also marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of innovation, research, and capacity building in areas such as law, social sciences, management, taxation, and economic development.
Commissioner General, RSL, Mathabo Mokoko, in her remarks hailed the MoU as a step forward in building a bridge between academia and practice. “NUL plays a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of professionals through education, research, and innovation. This partnership allows both institutions to share values, expertise, and resources for the betterment of Lesotho,” Mokoko emphasised.
She further highlighted that by partnering with institutions like NUL, RSL can strengthen research, embrace modern technology, and refine tax compliance mechanisms, ultimately enhancing national revenue systems.
“It is through working together with institutions as the NUL, that we strengthen our capabilities in research, innovation, position ourselves in delivery through modern technology to mobilise domestic resources, enhance tax compliance and improve our efficiencies.”
She concluded by stressing that this would therefore be a channel to expose amongst others the students herein to Internship, Mentorship, and practical exposure to the tax and revenue environment. “We remain committed as the RSL to support in recognition of excellence and shall duly award students who show excellence in academic focus in respect of taxation and courses for economic development and ethics going forward.”
The Vice Chancellor of NUL, Professor Olusola Fajana, reflected on the university’s storied history. He emphasised that NUL has now completed decades of service, both to the people of Lesotho and beyond, cementing its role as a beacon of excellence in education and research.
Professor Fajana expressed immense pride in the continued support from various stakeholders over the years, acknowledging the crucial role that these partnerships have played in the university’s success.
“We are thrilled to formalise our collaboration with the Revenue Services of Lesotho today. This is not just a partnership; it is the confirmation of the work we’ve already been doing together. Our combined efforts will lead to innovative solutions, especially in the realms of taxation and economic governance. By working together, we can help address the complex challenges facing Lesotho,” Professor Fajana said.
He also emphasised the university’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to research, innovation, and community engagement.
Echoing the Vice Chancellor’s sentiments, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at NU, Professor Peter Khaola also underscored the importance of the collaboration. He stated that NUL, as the research hub of Lesotho, is constantly seeking strategic partnerships that complement its strengths. The partnership with RSL is a natural extension of this goal, with the MoU including areas such as research, education and training, knowledge exchange, and graduate retention.
“While the MoU covers various critical sectors, what excites me the most is the potential for cross-faculty collaboration. This partnership opens doors for all faculties within NUL to contribute meaningfully, from research and publication to tackling trade-related issues,” the Dean remarked.
However, the gravity of the partnership was also met with a call for action. While the signing of the MoU was hailed as a crucial step, there were warnings against allowing the document to become just another piece of paper.
Both the Vice Chancellor and the Dean expressed their hope that the partnership would not suffer the fate of many agreements that, over time, gather dust on shelves. They emphasised the importance of the MoU’s timely and effective implementation.
In this spirit, the Dean proposed calling the document a Memorandum of Agreement rather than a Memorandum of Understanding, stressing that while intentions may be clearly outlined on paper, it is the follow-through that will determine the success of the partnership.