ERS brings dedicated client consultants closer to SMEs

MANZINI – The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has introduced dedicated regional Client Relationship Consultants (CRCs) to provide specialised support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Manzini Region.

ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule said the initiative formed part of the organisation’s commitment to improving service delivery and strengthening relationships with businesses across the country.

Nkambule said under the Regional CRC Model, businesses would be assigned dedicated Client Relationship Consultants within their respective service centres.

He said this would provide businesses with a more personalised point of contact for tax-related assistance, guidance and support.

One of the advantages of the programme, Nkambule said, was that taxpayers would no longer have to repeatedly explain their circumstances when seeking assistance from the ERS.

He said the model was intended to improve the relationship between the tax authority and taxpayers while making it easier for businesses to access the services they needed.

Nkambule also outlined some of the products and programmes introduced by the ERS in recent years as part of efforts to modernise tax administration and improve voluntary compliance.

Among these is the TaxCore Electronic Invoicing Programme, which enables real-time reporting of transactions when companies issue invoices.

He said the programme was aimed at simplifying tax compliance while helping curb revenue leakages.

Nkambule also spoke about the Sondzela Sikhulume National Outreach Programme, a nationwide campaign through which the ERS travels across the country to provide tax education, engage stakeholders and encourage taxpayers with outstanding tax obligations to regularise their affairs.

Meanwhile, ERS official Pearl Dlamini said the organisation wanted to adopt a relationship-based approach to serving taxpayers.

“We want to give you a service which was ordinarily given to large enterprises,” Dlamini said.

Dlamini said the ERS wanted to bring its services closer to businesses and ensure that taxpayers received the necessary support throughout their compliance journey.

“We want to bring ERS closer to our businesses. Tax compliance should not mean you are walking the journey alone,” she said.

She urged businesses to ensure that their contact details were up to date to enable the ERS to communicate with them effectively.

“We try to get in contact with you but we are unable to because your contacts have not been updated. Some of your email addresses need to be fixed too,” Dlamini said.

She said the success of the programme would also depend on the ability of the dedicated consultants to assist entrepreneurs and provide timely feedback.

“Our wish is that when we allocate you some entrepreneurs, you should be able to assist them. We also want you to receive feedback anytime,” she said.

Dlamini said the initiative was intended to give taxpayers a more personalised experience when dealing with the ERS.

“We want to give you a personal touch. Allow us to manage your tax obligations so that you manage only your business,” she said.

These are the consultants for the Manzini Region focusing on Matsapha and Manzini:

Welile Shongwe supervisor at Matsapha Service Centre

• Lizzy Zulu

• Celumusa Dludlu

• Mandla Masuku

• Sicelo Dlamini

Ncamiso Mamba supervisor at Manzini Service Censtre

• Cebile Sibiya

• Lucky Ndzimandze

• Lungile Shongwe

Some of the business people following proceedings during the event on tax administration at The George Hotel. ERS Commissioner General making an illustration during the regional meeting at The George Hotel.

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