Maseru, May. 21 — Finance and Development Planning Minister Dr. Retsélisitsoe Matlanyane says the Lesotho government is not planning to introduce measures similar to those recently announced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which require Basotho motorists to register their vehicles in order to obtain import permits.
The Minister made the remarks while responding to a question in the Senate from Dr. Thabiso Lebese, who had asked when the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) will consider introducing a similar policy for foreign-registered vehicles entering Lesotho.
Dr. Lebese suggested that all vehicles not registered in Lesotho should be required to register locally, pay tax, and only be allowed to remain in the country for one month.
He further stated that since such measures are being implemented by member states of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), he does not understand why Lesotho cannot impose the same requirements.
In response, Dr. Matlanyane said Lesotho is not currently considering such a move.
She explained that due to the close relationship and interdependence between Lesotho and South Africa, any decision of that nature would require careful and thorough consideration.
Her comments follow ongoing concerns and discussions surrounding new SARS vehicle registration requirements affecting Basotho motorists travelling into SA.
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