…. As Eswatini Rises in Voluntary Compliance
By Phesheya Ian Kunene
EZULWINI – Ubombo Sugar Limited continues to lead the pack, once again claiming the top honour as Eswatini’s highest taxpayer during the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) 3rd Annual Client Appreciation Day, held on Friday night at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini.
Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Finance Manager Philile Nxumalo reaffirmed Ubombo Sugar’s commitment to working closely with the ERS and maintaining full compliance with the country’s tax laws. Her remarks reflected the evening’s spirit, a celebration of excellence, integrity, and the real rewards of doing things right.
Adding prestige to the night was African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Executive Secretary Mary Baine, who applauded Eswatini’s rising voluntary tax compliance. She highlighted the Kingdom’s notable improvement from a 61% to 66.6% voluntary compliance rate, describing it as a clear sign of growing trust between the government and its citizens.
“Voluntary compliance is the heartbeat of a functional state,” Baine stated. “Every Emalangeni collected voluntarily is revenue earned with trust.”
Baine further praised the ERS’s efforts to educate taxpayers and roll out digital tools that make compliance simpler and more transparent. Innovations such as the TaxEase platform and the TaxPal mobile app now allow 24-hour tax filing and payment. New e-Customs systems have also helped reduce processing times, making trade faster and more efficient.
Beyond speeches and statistics, the evening was alive with music and celebration. Soulful singer Zamo Dlamini moved the crowd with a stirring performance of Tinyembeti, while local favourite Sands had attendees — including Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg, dancing to his popular hits.
The ERS also recognised top-performing companies across sectors. In the construction industry, Inyatsi Construction, Mormond Electrical Contractors, Toepfer & Sons, and Mgcabho Construction were honoured for their consistent and responsible tax practices.
In his closing address, ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule expressed gratitude to the Finance Minister for providing a supportive legal framework and to all stakeholders for their cooperation.
He underscored the importance of trust in national development and highlighted ongoing initiatives like Bafundzise and Sondzela S’khulume, which aim to improve taxpayer education and debt management.
As the evening concluded, it was evident that voluntary compliance is not just a goal, it is a shared national mission. And those leading the charge, like Ubombo Sugar, are helping drive Eswatini toward a brighter, more accountable future.
