Ezulwini – South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu is expected in the Kingdom next week, where he will address the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) 4th Annual Client Appreciation Day at Ezulwini on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Makhubu is expected to share insights on trade facilitation, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, seamless border processes and tax administration collaboration between Eswatini and South Africa.
His visit comes at a significant moment for cross border trade, as ERS will use the same event to accredit 15 companies into its Customs AEO Programme. The AEO Programme recognises compliant traders and supports smoother, more secure and more efficient trade processes, an area where cooperation with South Africa, Eswatini’s largest trading partner, is central. 
The event, held under the theme ‘Stars of Compliance: Honouring Clients who Build Eswatini’, recognises taxpayers, traders and partners who have shown sustained commitment to voluntary compliance and who continue to support Eswatini’s revenue system.
ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule said the day is not only about awards, but about strengthening the relationship between ERS and the clients it serves.
“Compliance is easier to sustain when it is built on trust, clarity and partnership. Through Client Appreciation Day, we are thanking clients who have consistently done the right thing and encouraging more businesses and individuals to see compliance as a direct contribution to Eswatini’s development,” he said.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg will deliver the keynote address and is expected to thank compliant taxpayers for their contribution to the fiscus, which enables delivery of essential services to Emaswati.
Awards will be presented to compliant clients across economic sectors and business sizes, including wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, ICT, financial services, construction, agriculture, education and health, real estate, professional services, transportation, accommodation and food services, and other services. Recognition will also cover regional micro clients, partner entities, clearing agents, sole traders and the Overall Highest Contributor.
To preserve the credibility of the awards, ERS applies a strict selection and verification process based on compliance performance throughout the previous financial year. A winner must have filed returns and paid obligations on time, have no outstanding debts and have no tax disputes.
Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to follow proceedings through live coverage on ERS’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
