By Zamandulo Ntshalintshali
Eswatini has taken a monumental step towards embracing a digital future with the launch of two innovative mobile applications—ERS TaxPal and Government in Your Hand, both designed to improve service delivery in Eswatini.
These groundbreaking platforms are designed to revolutionize how citizens and businesses interact with the government, making essential services more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.
As the nation continues to embrace technology, these apps symbolize a commitment to improving public service delivery and enhancing the everyday lives of EmaSwati.
The joint launch event, held at the Eswatini Revenue Services (ERS) Headquarters, marked a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation. The ERS Governing Board Chairperson, David Dlamini, emphasized the growing expectation for digital convenience in government services.
“Digital convenience is now a baseline expectation, not aspiration,” he stated, highlighting the increasing demand for government institutions to adapt to modern technological advancements.
The TaxPal App is specifically designed to simplify tax and customs compliance by enabling users to manage their tax accounts and apply for clearance certificates directly from their devices.
Dlamini affirmed that ERS is committed to placing digitalization at the heart of its strategy, saying, “We deliver a unified message: compliance and service are only a tap away,” he said.
Brightwell Nkambule, the ERS Commissioner General, stressed the importance of integrating digital solutions within the broader government digitalization programme, noting that digitizing revenue administration in isolation is a road to nowhere. He emphasized that the full potential of digital solutions can only be realized when they align with the nation’s digital vision.
Minister of Finance, Mr. Neal Rijkenberg, commended the strides made by ERS in recent years. He highlighted initiatives such as the Presumptive Tax Online Registration and the COMESA Online Certificate of Origin, which have streamlined processes for small businesses, reducing the need for in-person visits and ultimately saving time and transport costs.
On the other hand, Government in Your Hand is a mobile application designed to make public services more accessible. With the app, users can easily check the status of their IDs, passports, and travel documents, register business names, pay for vehicle licenses via mobile money, and access educational financing information.
According to the Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, this is just the beginning; every six months, more services will be added to create a comprehensive, one-stop platform for all government services.
Beyond convenience, the app is a game-changer in Eswatini’s digital transformation journey, making government services more accessible, saving time, reducing costs, and removing barriers. Most importantly, it restores dignity by ensuring that every LiSwati can access essential services with ease.
“This app transforms the citizen’s experience and bridges the gap between the government and the people it serves,” she said.
The youth, who make up a significant portion of the country’s population, are expected to benefit greatly from these innovations. As digital natives, young people will find these services highly compatible with their tech-savvy lifestyles, allowing them to engage with government services intuitively and efficiently.
Infrastructure development is equally crucial in supporting these digital platforms. The government has made significant investments in digital inclusion, such as providing free Wi-Fi at Tinkhundla centres, rural clinics, and schools. Minister Maziya acknowledged the essential support of MTN Eswatini, whose partnership has played a key role in the successful rollout of these digital initiatives.