Ezulwini – Eswatini Beverages was named the Overall Highest Compliant Contributor at the 2026 Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Client Appreciation Awards, emerging as the top taxpayer among businesses recognised for tax and customs compliance.
The company received the highest honour during the 4th Annual ERS Client Appreciation Day held at the Happy Valley Hotel on Friday under the theme “Stars of Compliance, Honouring Clients Who Build Eswatini.” The awards celebrate businesses and individuals that consistently meet their tax obligations, maintain high standards of compliance and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Besides taking the overall award, Eswatini Beverages also won the Large Manufacturing, Mining, Quarrying and Other Industrial Activities category, reflecting its significant contribution to the national fiscus. 
Speaking during the event, ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule said the awards are intended to recognise taxpayers who demonstrate that compliance is not merely a legal obligation but an investment in the country’s future. He said compliant businesses help finance essential public services through the timely submission of tax returns, accurate declarations and payment of taxes and duties.
“The businesses and individuals we recognise tonight may operate in different sectors and at different scales, but they share one important characteristic, they understand that compliance is more than a legal requirement. It is an act of responsible citizenship and a direct investment in the future of Eswatini,” Nkambule said.
Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg said the annual awards have become an important platform for recognising businesses that continue to honour their obligations despite operating in a challenging economic environment. He said tax compliance directly supports government’s ability to provide essential public services, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure and security.
“Tonight is not merely about awards. It is about gratitude. It is about acknowledging those who continue to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. It is about holding up examples that others can follow,” he said.
South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu, who attended the event, commended ERS for creating a platform that celebrates taxpayers who choose compliance and contribute positively to national development. He said revenue administration is often associated with enforcement activities such as audits, inspections and compliance requirements, but events such as the Client Appreciation Day provide an opportunity to recognise the positive relationship between taxpayers and revenue authorities. He congratulated the businesses recognised at the event, saying their commitment demonstrates that compliance and business success can exist together.
Makhubu also spoke on the importance of collaboration between SARS and ERS in creating an environment where compliant businesses are supported through improved systems and easier trade processes.
“The most successful revenue administrations in the world understand that taxpayers and traders are not adversaries, they are partners,” he said.
Receiving the award on behalf of Eswatini Beverages, Managing Director Doreen Tumureebire said the recognition reflects the company’s long standing commitment to the Kingdom, its people and the communities in which it operates.
Tumureebire attributed the company’s strong compliance record to a culture of accountability embedded throughout the organisation, saying compliance is viewed not only as a financial responsibility but as a broader business responsibility linked to good corporate citizenship.
“It is a culture of accountability. Tax compliance is not just a financial responsibility, it is a business responsibility, and we take that to heart,” she said.
The awards covered a broad cross section of the economy, recognising compliant taxpayers across sectors ranging from manufacturing and construction to agriculture, finance, telecommunications, logistics, healthcare and hospitality.
Among the notable winners were Swazi MTN in the Large Information and Communication category, First National Bank of Swaziland in Financial and Insurance, Stefanutti Stocks Construction Swaziland in Construction, Tambankulu Estates in Agriculture, Limkokwing University in Education, Southern Star Logistics in Transportation and Storage, Swazi Plaza Properties in Real Estate and Happy Valley Enterprises in Accommodation and Food Services.
ERS also recognised compliant businesses in the wholesale and retail sector, where Siyembili Motors Swaziland claimed the large business award, while Swazi Bandag, Swazi Truck and Bus Services and Eclipse Investments were honoured in their respective categories.
Outside the corporate awards, Marisa Boxshall Smith was recognised as the outstanding compliant sole trader, while Instant Info Tech Services, Agent 47 and ET Fourie Agriculture were honoured as leading compliant micro enterprises in the Hhohho, Manzini and Lubombo regions respectively.
The event also acknowledged organisations that have partnered with ERS in promoting tax compliance and modernising revenue administration, including the South African Revenue Service, the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, the UNESWA AI Academy, Government Communications Officers, the Eswatini Editors Forum and the Eswatini National Association of Journalists.
Fifteen companies were officially accredited as Authorised Economic Operators during the event, with certificates presented by ERS Commissioner of Customs Mahlinza Gugu, Business Eswatini CEO Nathi Dlamini and Nkambule, in recognition of each company’s commitment to customs compliance, supply chain security and operational excellence.
The companies accredited were Assegai Trading, Canterbury Estates, Transship, Elcor Industries, Eswatini Beverages, Eswatini Sugar Association, Farm Chemicals, Lewis Stores Eswatini, Matsapha Trading Company, Premier Eswatini, Prime Trading Company, Progress Construction, The Hub Hardware, Chapelat Eswatini and Usuthu Hardware trading as Matata.
