Eswatini tax authority contributes 180,000 emalangeni to media awards
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Eswatini’s tax authority, the ERS, is contributing 180,000 emalangeni to the second National Media Awards, scheduled for 12 December 2026. Its director-general, Brightwell Nkambule, describes the sponsorship as a way to support the media and improve communication about tax obligations, according to the Times of Eswatini.
The Eswatini Revenue Service, the kingdom’s tax authority, has committed 180,000 emalangeni to fund the second edition of the National Media Awards, scheduled for 12 December 2026. Its director-general, Brightwell Nkambule, announced the partnership at a meeting with the Eswatini National Association of Journalists and the Editors Forum, according to the Times of Eswatini.
The tax authority expects the media to help raise awareness of tax obligations and compliance rules, particularly for income tax, value added tax and customs revenue. It also wants to encourage VAT-registered businesses to use its electronic invoicing system.
Brightwell Nkambule justified the funding by pointing to the gap between the public budget of 36.9 billion emalangeni and expected revenue, estimated at 31.9 billion. He also cited the volatility of revenue from the Southern African Customs Union and said borrowing was not a sustainable solution because loans have to be repaid with interest.
The tax authority has also lowered the threshold for the high-net-worth taxpayer category to 3 million emalangeni in combined assets. Those in the category must now file an income tax return. It also warned travellers and businesses that undeclared goods can cause Eswatini to lose revenue to other members of the Southern African Customs Union.
