05 Dec 2019

Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) acting commissioner Mr Segolo Lekau says for Botswana to be self-sufficient, it is imperative for all to pay  tax.

 Welcoming Editors and subeditors during a one day workshop organised by BURS, dubbed Prioritizing Tax news in Gaborone, recently, Mr Lekau said tax was a social contract that should be jealously guarded.

He said if people were tax compliant there was no need for tax to be increased.

The acting commissioner said that it was time people pay tax for earnings as tax revenues drive developments in the country.

“Failure to pay tax means that they are cheating other people,” he said.

He said 70 per cent of government revenue was realised from tax.

The acting commissioner said while BURS was prepared to work with the media, it should be noted that issues of tax were sensitive and confidentiality had to be exercised hence not every  information could be availed unless an issue is before the court.

He said Botswana has to either borrow or raise money inwards, and that could be achieved via tax.   BURS Communications General Manager, Ms Mable Bolele said the media was an important stakeholder in their dealings hence creating such a platform.

She said they saw it worthy to engage the media and exchange notes on what could be done to attain a tax compliant society.

Ms Bolele said that BURS should not be looked at as an enemy, but as a catalyst that ensured that filling of returns was done on time, and filling correct amount due to be paid. 

She said the National Development Plan programmes depended on tax revenue to develop the country and said failure to comply stalled developments.

Participants  suggested that BURS should intensify their educational campaigns to ensure that all to understand their social obligation and importance of paying tax, the media being the main stakeholder.

They also suggested friendlier communication channels between BURS and the media fraternity when in quest for news. ENDS