Mbabane- Employers who have been neglecting workers’ statutory benefits have been put on notice, as Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) and Eswatini Revenue Services (ERS) signal the end of leniency and beginning of stricter enforcement.
Speaking this morning at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ERS headquarters at Ezulwini, Futhi Tembe, ENPF Chief Executive Officer issued a strong warning against non-compliance.
Tembe made it clear that the era of employers failing to meet their legal obligations, particularly regarding the remittance of employee contributions was coming to an end.
“There will be no more free pass,” she emphasized, highlighting that employers who deduct contributions from workers but fail to remit them are undermining employees’ financial security and violating the law.
The MoU between ENPF and ERS is expected to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions, enabling them to share information and jointly address issues such as non-remittance of contributions, under-declaration of employees, and tax evasion.
Tembe noted that the partnership would enhance oversight and improve accountability across the private sector, ensuring that employers fully comply with both pension and tax regulations.
She further urged businesses to regularize their compliance status, warning that those who continue to disregard the law would face intensified enforcement measures, including penalties and possible legal action.
Meanwhile, Brightwell Nkambule, General Commissioner of ERS, underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving full compliance.
Nkambule noted that for ERS to reach 100 percent compliance, the institution must intensify its efforts and work closely with other regulatory agencies.
“As ERS, we need to work very hard and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure compliance,” he said.
He further revealed that the authority is moving towards automating its systems as part of efforts to improve efficiency, enhance monitoring, and close compliance gaps.
The agreement marks a significant step towards protecting workers’ benefits, improving revenue collection, and promoting a fair and transparent business environment in Eswatini.
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