In a bid to strengthen the quality of business, economic, financial, and development reporting in the country, Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) held a two-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Maseru. The workshop, which commenced on Thursday, aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of reporters covering critical areas related to finance, economics, and taxation.
The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Pheello Mphana, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner General of RSL. In his remarks, Mr. Mphana emphasized the importance of equipping journalists with the right tools to effectively report on financial and economic matters. He pointed out that the complex nature of these topics requires reporters to possess a thorough understanding to accurately convey information to the public.
“This workshop is intended to improve reporting knowledge and skills for reporters on issues related to finances, economics, as well as taxation,” Mr. Mphana explained. He added that by empowering journalists with these essential skills, they would be better positioned to ask the right questions when dealing with these critical topics, ultimately holding institutions accountable.
The two-day event included sessions on understanding the intricacies of taxation, analyzing financial statements, and contextualizing economic trends in Lesotho and the broader region. Facilitators also focused on development reporting, encouraging journalists to frame their stories within the larger context of national progress and policy impact.
Mr. Mphana further highlighted the crucial role the media plays in informing the public, especially when it comes to complex financial issues. He noted that well-informed journalists are essential in demystifying topics that often seem inaccessible to the average citizen. “An informed public is better able to engage with and understand the impact of financial policies and economic developments,” he said.
The workshop also featured expert speakers from the financial and economic sectors, who provided journalists with practical insights into interpreting data, reporting on tax-related issues, and understanding the broader implications of government policies on the economy.
By the end of the workshop, journalists were expected to have sharpened their ability to critically analyze financial data, understand the impact of taxation, and produce reports that enhance public understanding of economic and business matters. The training aimed to contribute to better-informed public discourse and ultimately foster greater accountability from financial and government institutions.
As Lesotho continues to navigate its economic landscape, workshops like these are seen as vital in ensuring that the media can play a key role in fostering transparency, accountability, and development within the country. The RSL remains committed to working with journalists to improve financial literacy and reporting standards, benefiting both the media and the wider public.
