MBABANE – The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has committed E180 000 towards the second edition of the National Media Awards, scheduled for December 12, 2026.
The sponsorship was announced during an engagement at the ERS boardroom attended by ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule, Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) President Lwazi Dlamini, Eswatini Editors Forum Chairperson Mbongeni Mbingo, journalists and ERS staff.
The awards follow last year’s inaugural edition and are aimed at recognising excellence in the media industry.
Nkambule said the partnership was also an investment in sustainable revenue mobilisation, with the media expected to help the revenue authority communicate tax obligations and compliance requirements to Emaswati.
He said the government’s E36.9 billion budget, against projected revenue of E31.9 billion, demonstrated the need for sustainable sources of funding.
Nkambule said borrowing was not sustainable because loans had to be repaid with interest, while Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenue remained volatile.
He said domestic revenue was therefore critical because it represented the direct contribution of Emaswati towards funding the national budget.
Partnership
“We see the media as a very critical bridge between ourselves and Emaswati,” Nkambule said.
He said the ERS expected the partnership to contribute to improved tax compliance, particularly around personal income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and customs revenue.
Among the initiatives highlighted was the revised high-net-worth individual category.
People with cumulative assets exceeding E3 million are now expected to fall within the category and file income tax returns.
The ERS is also encouraging VAT-registered businesses, particularly those in the wholesale and retail sectors, to enrol on its electronic invoicing system.
Nkambule said the media could further assist in educating travellers and businesses about customs declarations, warning that undeclared goods could result in Eswatini losing revenue to other Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member states.
He described the E180 000 sponsorship as an investment expected to generate returns through improved understanding and compliance among taxpayers.
