Taxman hosts yet another symposium
MPHO RAMOLULA
MASERU – Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) held a tax symposium at Victory Hall at Moshoeshoe II, in Maseru, for the central region intended to create awareness about tax and customs treaties that Lesotho has signed. The event on Tuesday this week was RSL’s third installment of symposiums, which started in the North late last year and covered the South earlier this year.
RSL Commissioner-Operations, ‘Matlhonolofatso Mosase, speaking at the event said the aim of the symposium was to explore pivotal elements of the global trade and execution landscape that significantly influence business operations worldwide.
Mosase said the symposium was part of the RSL strategies nicknamed ‘Lesokoana’ launched in December 2023.
Following their inaugural symposium that was held at ‘Manthabiseng Convection Centre, they opted to organize similar events across all three regions of the country. They have already held such symposiums in the North and South, they were now in the Central region, Mosase said.
She said the symposium aimed to provide valuable insights into tax treaties, tariff managements, trade agreements and the Authorized Economic Operator programmes, being the key instruments influencing business operations, tax management and customs procedures across borders.
The day’s discussions focused on the importance of the international instruments in stream-lining cross border trade, enhancing tax compliance and fostering economic growth locally.
“We will explore how tax treaties eliminate double taxation, how effective tariff management supports smoother trade flows and how global trade agreements create new opportunities,” said Mosase at the start of the day’s event.
“We also intend to dwell on the Authorized Economic Operator programme which offers business efficiency, security and recognition in the global supply chain.”
The commissioner said their goal is to empower the business community with knowledge and tools needed to strive in the evolving global market adding that by fostering dialogue and collaboration between the RSL, the ministry of trade and industry, and the business community would help build stronger partnerships, support sustainable growth and innovation in the long run.
Thebe Kepa the manager, Tariff Valuation and Operational System’s Support, made a presentation which introduced the concepts of tariff management and trade agreements, benefits of trade agreements, customs tariff structures and importance of tariff classifications.
Kepa said these treaties provide trade opportunities for businesses and individuals by aligning Lesotho’s tax and customs polices with those of other countries.
The alignment, he noted, creates a seamless trading environment and enables businesses to take advantage of African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
RSL Deputy Commissioner-Custom Advisory, Thapelo ’Moleli, emphasized the benefits of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme for businesses. He said that under the AEO programme, businesses that demonstrate a high level compliance with tax and customs regulations could enjoy faster clearance of their goods at the border and other benefits.
“This programme helps to facilitate trade and promotes the growth of the businesses in Lesotho,” ‘Moleli said.
Big wigs that graced the event included ‘Malineo Sekobuli, a director with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Dr Leseko Makhetha, a Senior Lecturer at National University of Lesotho who is also a board member of the esteemed African Economic Research Consortium, also representing the Basotho Enterprise Development Cooperation.
There was also Tšolo Leseo from AEO beneficiaries, who is an accountant and assistant manager at Maseru Toyota, as well as Samuel Mphana a director at Pick ‘N Pay.
Mphana, speaking for the business community, urged Basotho to seize the moment to grow their businesses to supply local demand indicating that Pick ‘N Pay is waiting for local fresh produce.
In her closing remarks, Mosase noted that in the absence of the RSL commissioner general, she had the honour to thank everyone adding “as we usually say here at the RSL, ‘Re tjena ka uena.”
RSL is a Lesotho’s government organization responsible for collecting taxes, enforcing tax laws and issuing refunds. It helps generate revenue for Lesotho’s economy which is then used for public services like education, healthcare and development infrastructure.
Like any other tax agencies around the world, the RSL uses various methods to collect taxes such as requiring individuals and businesses to file tax returns, issuing penalties for late tax returns, and using audits to ensure compliance with taxes law.
