“We see you, we salute you,” says Nkambule as ERS pushes compliance

Ezulwini – The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has laid out an ambitious roadmap towards achieving 100% voluntary tax compliance, with new initiatives announced during the ERS Client Appreciation Day held last night.

ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule addressed business owners, government officials and tax practitioners during the event in Ezulwini, where he spoke about the agency’s evolving approach to tax administration and client engagement.

Nkambule said the ERS is shifting focus from punitive enforcement to a model that treats taxpayers as partners. He introduced several programmes aimed at helping individuals and businesses better understand their tax responsibilities, with a promise of fewer penalties for those who voluntarily regularise their status.

The Bafundzise outreach programme was singled out as a key tool for educating taxpayers, with the ERS already having reached over 4,000 businesses along the Mbabane-Manzini corridor. The initiative is expected to reach every business across urban and rural areas before the end of the financial year.

Nkambule also spoke about the Sondzela Sikhulume programme, which provides debt negotiation support for struggling businesses, allowing them to restructure tax debts without the risk of closure.

ERS rolled out the Tax Ease system and Taxpal mobile application to simplify tax submissions, offering 24/7 access to tax services on smartphones. Nkambule said these digital services are designed to cut red tape and make compliance convenient.

The event also heard about the launch of a presumptive tax regime targeting small businesses with an annual turnover below E500,000, with an annual ceiling of E8,750 in tax payable. According to Nkambule, many small businesses had avoided registering under the mistaken belief they earned too little to qualify.

For larger businesses, ERS has introduced an Authorised Economic Operator programme to streamline border procedures at Ngwenya Border Gate. Companies enrolled in this programme will benefit from a ‘one-stop’ border post arrangement before year-end, where their vehicles will be processed by both Eswatini and South African authorities at the same time.

Nkambule warned deliberate tax evaders, particularly retailers charging VAT without registration, that ERS would strengthen audits and partner with international experts to uncover tax fraud. He urged non-compliant businesses to come forward voluntarily to avoid penalties.

The Commissioner General said voluntary compliance builds national pride and a culture of responsible citizenship, where contributing taxes is regarded as a patriotic duty rather than a legal obligation.