By Sizwe Dlamini
The Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, has commended the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) for exceeding expectations in revenue collection.
The Minister heaped praises during the ERS Client Appreciation Day 2024 ceremony held at the Happy Valley Hotel last week Friday.
Rijkenberg announced that the ERS had achieved a remarkable milestone by collecting E13.024 billion for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024, surpassing the targeted E13.009 billion. This achievement marked an 8.2% increase from the previous fiscal year.
The increase reflects a year on year increase of E986.79 million or 1.2% of GDP reflecting a tax-to-GDP ratio of 15.4% for the year 2023/24.
In his keynote address, the Minister attributed the success of ERS to their strategic initiatives and dedication to enhancing revenue mobilization efforts.
He emphasized the agency’s commitment to being customer-centric, ensuring efficient revenue collection processes that support government financial plans.
Highlighting specific improvements in tax policy and administrative measures, including amendments to the Income Tax Order aimed at enhancing tax administration, Rijkenberg praised the ERS’s proactive approach to managing tax debts, such as those from state-owned enterprises. He also lauded initiatives like the “Sondzela Sikhulume” campaign, designed to aid taxpayers facing financial challenges.
The Minister further acknowledged the ERS’s achievements beyond revenue collection, celebrating their success in customer service with three awards.
“These accolades underscore the agency’s dedication to service excellence and efficiency in public enterprise management. Additionally, the ERS Chief Financial Officer Thobile Dlamini received the prestigious CFO of the Year Award from the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants Africa ACCA) chapter, recognizing exemplary leadership and fiscal leadership.”
From a Customs perspective, Minister Rijkenberg highlighted the growth of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which saw seven new clients registered during the year. The program is designed to streamline trade processes and enhance compliance, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve revenue administration efficiency.
Looking ahead, Minister Rijkenberg expressed optimism for continued growth and efficiency within the ERS, affirming their role in driving economic progress and supporting national development goals.
This performance by the ERS reflects “Nkwe for growth” in action. “The ERS has already heeded His Majesty’s call, setting the tone for what we can expect in this financial year, “he said.