The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Governing Board welcomed guests to the 4th Annual ERS Client Appreciation Day held on Friday evening at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, an event dedicated to recognising taxpayers who continue to meet their compliance obligations.
Governing Board Chairperson David Dlamini delivered the welcome remarks before Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, chairpersons of the Finance Portfolio Committees from the Senate and House of Assembly, South African Revenue Service Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu, principal secretaries, members of the ERS Governing Board, ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule, management and staff, senior government officials, CEOs and leaders of public and private sector institutions, representatives of business associations and professional bodies, government communications officers and members of the media.
“On behalf of the ERS Governing Board, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 4th Annual ERS Client Appreciation Day,” Dlamini said, telling guests the evening allows the organisation to pause and recognise something often done quietly but carrying great national significance. 
“We are here to honour taxpayers who continue to meet their obligations, not only because the law requires it, but because they understand the role they play in building Eswatini,” he said.
Dlamini said this year’s theme, Stars of Compliance, Honouring Clients Who Build Eswatini, captures that spirit, reminding guests that compliance is not just a back office issue but a nation building act that supports the public services, infrastructure and development priorities touching the lives of emaSwati every day.
Addressing the awardees directly, Dlamini said the evening was a moment of gratitude. “Your commitment to filing on time, paying on time, declaring correctly and maintaining good standing sets an example for others to follow. You show that good business and good citizenship can, and should, go together,” he said.
He said the organisation’s appreciation this year also extends to the many partners who continue to support the compliance journey, including government, business associations, professional bodies, financial institutions, public institutions, development partners and the media, all of which help strengthen public understanding of tax and its value to society.
Dlamini welcomed the presence of Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu, saying the relationship between the South African Revenue Service and ERS remains critical as the two countries continue to strengthen cooperation on trade, customs, data sharing and the fight against illicit financial flows.
He commended ERS for pursuing ISO 9001:2015 certification, describing it as an important commitment to strengthening service quality, internal discipline and consistency. “It demonstrates that ERS is not only focused on collecting revenue, but on doing so through systems that are professional, reliable and client centred,” he said.
Dlamini also congratulated the 15 companies receiving Authorised Economic Operator accreditation, saying their achievement reflects trust, discipline and excellence in customs compliance. “You are helping to show that compliance can improve efficiency, support trade and strengthen Eswatini’s economic competitiveness,” he said.
He closed by expressing, on behalf of the Board, appreciation to the Minister for his continued policy leadership and support, to ERS management and staff for their dedication, and to all taxpayers who continue to choose the path of compliance.
“To our awardees, congratulations once again. You are the true stars of compliance, and tonight we honour you for the role you play in building Eswatini,” Dlamini said, welcoming guests to an enjoyable and meaningful evening.
