Maseru — In what appears to be a major governance crisis, the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) has reportedly terminated Commissioner-General Mathabo Mokoko from her post, following a heated public dispute with the Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, Minister of Finance and Development Planning. The board of directors of RSL is said to have taken action, although no official statement has yet published the dismissal.
The Feud:
For months, Mokoko has been in conflict with Minister Matlanyane over what she describes as “unlawful directives” issued by the Minister to the RSL. According to legal correspondence filed by Mokoko’s lawyers, she was repeatedly asked to:
- disclose the names of taxpayers who applied for VAT refunds;
- issue tax clearance certificates to businesses that were not compliant with their obligations;
- act on requests made orally or via informal channels rather than formal governance protocols.
In response, the RSL Board publicly confirmed that the dispute between Mokoko and the Minister had escalated, and that the board was “seized with the matter” and working to mediate. The board chair, Advocate Lindiwe Sephomolo KC, stated that they are “taking steps … to assess the potential implications this conflict could have on the country”.
The Reported Dismissal:
According to internal sources in RSL and government circles whose identities cannot yet be revealed, the board has voted to terminate Mokoko’s contract effective immediately, citing breakdown of working relations and governance risk. Efforts to obtain a formal press release from the board or the Ministry of Finance were unsuccessful by press time.
Why This Matters:
The RSL is a cornerstone of Lesotho’s public revenue system. If the independence of that institution is compromised by political interference or internal breakdowns, the consequences could ripple through public finances, investor confidence and the country’s compliance with external partner requirements. One name on the line: the Minister of Finance who oversees the RSL. Another: the board whose decision now sets a precedent for institutional governance.
What We’re Watching:
- Will the board officially confirm the dismissal and provide reasons or reference a contractual clause?
- Will Mokoko appeal the decision or seek a legal challenge citing unfair dismissal?
- Will Minister Matlanyane respond publicly to the accusations of unlawful directives and the ultimate board action?
- What will Parliament’s Economic Cluster Committee — which has already criticised the situation for undermining good governance — do next?
In Conclusion:
The reported removal of Mathabo Mokoko from the Commissioner-General role at RSL after her public row with the Finance Minister signals more than a change in personnel. It points to a test of governance, institutional autonomy and political accountability in Lesotho’s tax administration.
