BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA– Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga has urged government to strike a balance between raising revenue and protecting citizens, cautioning that excessive taxes and charges could place unnecessary pressure on businesses and ordinary emaSwati.
Mhlanga made the remarks yesterday as the House of Assembly debated and passed, with amendments, the Finance Committee report on the Customs and Excise (Amendment) Regulations.
He said while government needs revenue to fund public services, taxation should not become a burden that stifles businesses or makes life more difficult for citizens. Instead, he encouraged measures that support economic growth while ensuring sustainable revenue collection.
The Deputy Speaker’s remarks reinforce concerns that have been raised by several Members of Parliament during debates on tax-related legislation this year, reflecting Parliament’s continued focus on protecting taxpayers while strengthening the country’s revenue system.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini and Mayiwane MP Sicelo Dlamini previously questioned proposed daily tax penalties, saying compliance measures should be fair and should not overwhelm businesses and taxpayers.
Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba also called for a balanced approach, arguing that businesses should not be overburdened with tax requirements while awaiting payments owed by government.
During debates on the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill and the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Amendment Bill, Mhlume MP Sifiso Magagula urged that compliance measures should support, rather than hinder, business growth. Sigwe MP David Ngcamphalala similarly warned that excessive taxation could weaken the local business sector and reduce future tax revenue.
Finance Committee member and Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo also emphasised the importance of reforms that improve tax compliance while safeguarding businesses and the livelihoods of emaSwati.
#CustomsAndExcise#EswatiniParliament#HouseOfAssembly#ProtectingEmaSwati
(Courtesy Pic)
