Taxman in bid to improve journalism quality
RETHABILE MOHONO
MASERU – In a remarkable effort to elevate the quality of journalism in Lesotho, the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) recently held a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing journalists’ skills in reporting on business, economics, finance, and development.
The training, held in Maseru, brought together journalists eager to sharpen their knowledge of financial matters, marking a significant step in fostering transparency and accountability in the media. RSL’s Commissioner Pheello Mphana, officially opened the event with a powerful message about the critical role of the media in today’s information-driven society.
“This workshop is more than just about learning the numbers; it is about understanding the stories behind them and communicating those stories effectively to the public,” he said.
Mphana noted that journalists are the bridge between complex financial data and the broader public, emphasising their responsibility in making this information accessible and clear. “The media has a key role in ensuring transparency and holding institutions accountable,” he said
“This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the often complex world of tax and financial reporting. It is not just about telling people what happened, but helping them understand why it matters,” he added. One of the core goals of the workshop was to prepare journalists for the upcoming changes in Lesotho’s economic policies.
Mphana pointed out that understanding these policies and how they affect the country’s development is crucial for accurate and impactful reporting. He further highlighted how critical it is for journalists to translate intricate financial reports into stories that can be easily understood by the public, policymakers, and investors alike. Ethical reporting emerged as one of the central themes of the workshop, with Mphana urging journalists to prioritise truth, accuracy, and responsibility in their work. In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly, he said, the media must be the anchor that keeps the public grounded in facts.
“We must go beyond just reporting facts; we must help our audiences understand the broader implications of those facts,” he said. The event also served as a platform for RSL to strengthen its relationship with the media. Mphana unveiled RSL’s corporate strategy, ‘Lesokoana’, which includes recognising excellence in journalism through annual media awards. This initiative, he explained, aims to reward outstanding reporting that holds power accountable and informs the public about important financial issues.
Lekhetho Ntsukunyane, the Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho Chapter, commended RSL’s forward-thinking approach. “This is a step in the right direction,” he said, praising the RSL’s commitment to engaging with journalists, and noting how critical the media’s role is in promoting transparency, particularly in financial matters. He was particularly excited about RSL’s future media awards, which he said align perfectly with MISA Lesotho’s mission to celebrate journalistic excellence.
The workshop featured experts from the Governance Institute for Sustainable Development (GISD), who provided valuable insights and shared best practices on finance, economics, and ethical journalism. The facilitators focused on improving the quality of financial and economic reporting, equipping participants with practical tools to enhance their work. Kananelo Boloetse, chairperson of MISA Lesotho, expressed strong support for the initiative.
“This workshop will not only improve the standard of financial reporting but also strengthen the media’s role as educators,” Boloetse said. He also hinted at a possible collaboration between MISA and RSL for their upcoming annual journalism awards, adding, “This partnership has the potential to foster a more empowered and ethical media landscape, driving accountability and promoting development in Lesotho.”
