RSL’s unveils new strategy to address challenges
RETHABILE MOHONO
MASERU—The Revenue Service Lesotho (RSL), through its new strategy for the period 2024–2027, seeks to tackle three main challenges including organisational depression due to past experiences, identified gaps in the International Monetary Fund’s Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) report, and the utilisation of modern technologies.
RSL Commissioner General, ’Mathabo Mokoko, said this during the rollout of the RSL strategy for the media sector, which was attended by station managers, editors, journalists, and social media influencers. She highlighted the importance of the media in tackling these challenges and securing the success of the organisation’s strategy.
Mokoko emphasised the goal of strengthening RSL’s relationship with the media, considering it an essential component of the strategy for the period 2024–2027. Addressing tax matters, she said many people view tax paying as a waste of money that will be “consumed” by the government, thus pointing out that the media role is to inform and educate the public about issues that affect them, especially when it comes to tax compliance.
She went on to say that the purpose of RSL as an organisation is to positively impact Basotho livelihoods. The organisation hopes to achieve its purpose by enabling government funding, combating corruption, fostering a fair tax environment, being the best employer, and attaining financial stability. The Commissioner General emphasised the importance of improving staff morale and creating a positive work environment.
The strategy also aims to increase revenue collection and enhance the organisation’s efficiency. “There will be a focus on modernising tax policies and administration, as well as transitioning to a technology-enabled and paperless taxpayer service environment. The overall goal is to achieve increased revenue, improved taxpayer compliance, a better taxpayer experience, and optimal resource utilisation,” Mokoko said.
She further noted that RSL’s primary focus is to invest in technology and personnel to enhance employee experience, job satisfaction and service passion, value-driven processes, innovation, and customer satisfaction, and leverage digitalisation for improved operations while creating growth opportunities.
“The strategy includes integrating management and compliance for enhanced organisational resilience and performance,” she said. To enhance strategy implementation, Mokoko said RSL will adopt the Objective and Key Results methodology for effective goal setting and enabling progress monitoring.
“The organisation faces operational challenges due to the absence of updated laws and policies, particularly in VAT, income tax, and tax administration. The current income tax law dates back to 1993, lacking alignment with present complexities, and the absence of VAT during that period hinders the implementation of current policies and procedures,” she said.
To overcome these obstacles, she noted that the RSL is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of its workforce, streamlining its procedures, and upgrading its systems.
Furthermore, the organisation is actively involving stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the strategy. RSL is also partnering with external entities like the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Parliament, and development partners to promote the acceptance of new tax laws and policies.
ON behalf of the media, the Director of Media in Southern Africa, Lesotho (MISA), Lekhetho Ntsukunyane highlighted the significance of transparent and simpler communication in media reporting. “It is essential to ensure clarity in tax-related information to effectively engage and educate a wide range of people,” he said.
Ntsukunyane emphasised the global influence of tax issues and urged the media to communicate in an inclusive manner. Recognising the crucial role of the media, he called for sufficient resources and support to fulfil its responsibility of informing and educating the public.