Army to drill RSL staff
As Cadet programme to ‘boost revenue collection’ is launched
MPHO RAMOLULA
MASERU – Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) on Wednesday launched a cadet programme at Makoanyane Barracks partnering with the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) aimed at cultivating ethical leadership and strengthening the revenue collection authority’s workforce.
The programme is planned to enhance tax compliance, combat corruption, and build national capacity – with the long-term goal to contribute to the country’s economic growth. The RSL faces the challenge of increasing revenue collection amidst declining SACU shares and economic hardship.
Strengthening its workforce and fostering ethical leadership are key priorities for the RSL; and this cadet programme represents a significant investment in human capital and institutional capacity building.
The collaboration aims not only to improve the RSL’s efficiency but also to promote stronger national development and instil a sense of patriotism and professional excellence within its ranks.
“I am humbled and grateful to stand before you today to officially launch the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) Cadet Programme in collaboration with the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF),” RSL Commissioner General ‘Mathabo Mokoko said at the launch.
The Commissioner General underscored the partnership’s aim to contribute to the economic growth, protect the wellbeing and positively impact and improve the livelihoods of the wonderful people of this beautiful nation.
Mokoko stressed the importance of the programme in fostering national development, characterized by patriotism, professional and ethical leadership values.
She said that they seek to embody King Moshoeshoe’s values and virtues in their conduct and operations, highlighting how critical the RSL’s mission is – especially now with declining SACU reserves.
“Our collective efforts to reinforce and mobilize domestic revenues and close all the revenue leakages, has become so serious and imminent that it can be equated to a matter of life and death,” she stressed.
She emphasized the need to collect every cent due to the government, urging all RSL employees to execute and multiply their capability for the integrity and the progression of “this beautiful nation.”
Mokoko described the previous year’s partnership between the LDF and the RSL as a success, mentioning information exchange, intelligence sharing, joint corporate social investment initiatives and capacity-building training as key benefits.
She emphasized the company’s Lesokoana Strategy’s commitment to invest in people and create a strong, sustainable leadership structure within the RSL.
“The LDF’s expertise was vital, for providing the cadet training to ensure a strong ethical and talented workforce,” she emphasized.
Finally, she challenged employees to stand tall and proud as pioneers of this national change, praising them for investing in the country’s future.
“As we officially launch the RSL Cadet Programme today, let us reaffirm our commitment to collaboration, ethical leadership and national service, wholeheartedly renewing our social contract to the people of Lesotho,” concluded Mokoko.
LDF Deputy Commander, Major General Matela Matobakele, expressed their commitment to the partnership and collaborations aim to strengthen Lesotho’s institutions.
The LDF’s involvement in the training program demonstrates the shared commitment to strengthening national development and providing a new generation of skilled, ethical leaders within the RSL.
“Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Lesotho,” further stated LDF Deputy Commander in his remarks.
The RSL cadet programme represents a bold step towards a more robust and ethical revenue collection system in Lesotho.
By combining the expertise of the RSL and the LDF, the initiative aims not just to improve tax compliance and boost national revenue but also to instil a deep sense of national service and ethical leadership within the next generation of RSL employees.
The success of this programme could significantly impact Lesotho’s economic future and strengthen its institutions.
The programme’s emphasis on ethical leadership, instilled through the rigorous training provided by the LDF, is particularly noteworthy as it reflects a concerted effort to address systemic issues and build a more sustainable future for the country.
