BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI– Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says helping citizens understand how their taxes are used to fund public services is critical to strengthening trust in government and improving voluntary tax compliance in Eswatini.
Speaking during the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) 4th Annual Client Appreciation Day held at Happy Valley Hotel on Friday evening under the theme ‘Stars of Compliance: Honouring Clients Who Build Eswatini’, Rijkenberg said taxpayers are more likely to comply willingly when they can clearly see the benefits their contributions bring to communities across the country.
He said Government is committed to strengthening public confidence in the tax system by making the connection between tax collection and service delivery more visible. According to the minister, taxes support the delivery of essential services including education, healthcare, road infrastructure and the payment of public servants, making compliance an important part of national development.
Rijkenberg highlighted the importance of the ERS’ Taxes at Work programme, which is implemented in partnership with Government Communications Officers. He described the initiative as an important tool for demonstrating the real-life impact of taxes on the lives of ordinary emaSwati.
“For many citizens, taxes can feel distant. It can feel like money that leaves their pocket or their business, with the impact not always immediately visible,” he said.
He explained that the programme seeks to bridge that gap by showcasing projects and services funded through public revenue, allowing taxpayers to see how their contributions improve people’s lives.
The minister said the initiative tells the story of learners attending school, patients receiving treatment at public health facilities, communities benefiting from infrastructure development and essential government services continuing because taxpayers meet their obligations.
He said such awareness helps strengthen the social contract between Government and taxpayers.
“When people see the connection between what they contribute and what the country can deliver, trust begins to grow. When trust grows, voluntary compliance becomes stronger,” he said.
Rijkenberg noted that compliance cannot be achieved through enforcement measures alone but requires collaboration between Government, businesses and the public.
He acknowledged the role played by business associations, financial institutions, professional bodies, development partners, media organisations and other stakeholders in promoting responsible tax citizenship.
According to the minister, these partners help simplify complex tax matters, create platforms for dialogue and ensure information reaches communities that may otherwise have limited access to tax education.
He said the collective efforts have made the country’s tax system more understandable, accessible and trusted.
Rijkenberg added that recognising compliant taxpayers through the annual Client Appreciation Day was another way of encouraging responsible tax behaviour and reinforcing the message that tax compliance contributes directly to the country’s development.
He urged taxpayers to continue honouring their obligations, saying every accurate tax declaration and timely payment contributes towards building a stronger Eswatini.
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