BY TASEKHAYA DLAMINI
Success isn’t always about following a well-trodden path, sometimes it’s about creating one. From humble beginnings in the justice system to leading Eswatini’s Revenue Appeals Tribunal, Mrs. Nelsiwe C. Hlophe has built an inspiring career rooted in faith, resilience, lifelong learning, and an unwavering commitment to justice. In this edition of Khuluma Eswatini Career Chat, she shares the defining moments, lessons, and values that have shaped her remarkable journey.
TASEKHAYA: What inspired you to pursue a career in tax law, and when did you realize that this was the path you wanted to follow?
NELSIWE: The law called my name, and I answered. My legal journey began when I volunteered at the Magistrates’ Court after completing my studies, where I interpreted court proceedings and assisted members of the public seeking legal assistance. That experience gave me a firsthand appreciation of how the law serves society by promoting justice, fairness, and order.
This journey was never guaranteed. It was earned through faith, discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. Coming from a family where no one had walked this path before meant creating my own way despite many uncertainties. Although I knew I wanted to build a career in law, my passion for tax law developed while pursuing my Master’s degree in Tax Law. I realized it was a highly specialized and relatively untapped field in Eswatini, presenting an opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to national development.
TASEKHAYA: You began your career as a Clerk of Court. Looking back, what are the biggest lessons you learned during those early years?
NELSIWE: The greatest lesson I learnt is that learning is a lifelong journey. Every responsibility, no matter how small, contributes to your growth. My time as a Clerk of Court taught me discipline, professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the justice system.
I also learned the importance of humility. Every role presents an opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and understand how institutions function. Looking back, those experiences laid the foundation for every leadership position I have held since.
TASEKHAYA: Your career has taken you through roles as Taxing Master, Assistant Registrar, Magistrate, and now CEO. How did each chapter prepare you for the next?
NELSIWE: Each position built upon the one before it. As a Clerk of Court, I learned the practical operations of the courts. My role as Taxing Master strengthened my analytical skills and reinforced the importance of fairness and accuracy. Serving as Assistant Registrar exposed me to court administration, leadership, and institutional management, while my experience as a Magistrate deepened my understanding of judicial independence and sound decision-making.
Today, as Chief Executive Officer of the Revenue Appeals Tribunal, I rely on lessons from each of those roles. Understanding court operations has been invaluable in leading an institution responsible for resolving tax disputes fairly, independently, and efficiently.
TASEKHAYA: Every career has defining moments. Can you share one opportunity or challenge that completely changed the direction of your professional journey?
NELSIWE: Completing my Master’s degree in Tax Law was the defining moment in my career. It introduced me to a specialized and highly complex area of law that aligned with my desire to make a meaningful contribution in Eswatini.
At the time, I never imagined that Eswatini would establish a Revenue Appeals Tribunal, but God had a greater plan. My journey has taught me to trust His timing, remain faithful in pursuing excellence, and believe that every opportunity and achievement is possible through His guidance and grace. Investing in education created opportunities I could not have imagined.
TASEKHAYA: Tax law and revenue justice are highly specialized fields. What attracted you to this area of law, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
NELSIWE: I was attracted to tax law because it was a scarce area of specialization in Eswatini. I have always enjoyed challenges and wanted to venture into a field where I could make a meaningful contribution while helping develop expertise in the country.
What keeps me passionate is knowing that tax law supports national development. A fair tax system enables governments to provide essential public services while ensuring accountability and fairness for taxpayers. Being part of an institution that promotes justice and legal certainty in this important area continues to motivate me every day.
TASEKHAYA: Alongside your professional career, you’ve continued to study and are pursuing an LLD while also lecturing at UNESWA. How have lifelong learning and teaching shaped the leader you are today?
NELSIWE: Lifelong learning has played a significant role in shaping my leadership. Every qualification I have pursued has broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to serve with confidence and competence. Pursuing an LLD continues to deepen my understanding of legal research and scholarship.
Lecturing at the University of Eswatini has been equally rewarding. Teaching allows me to share practical experience with students while encouraging the next generation of legal professionals. It constantly reminds me that leadership is not only about personal achievement but also about empowering others through knowledge and mentorship.
TASEKHAYA: Your career has been built on justice, integrity, and public service. What personal values have guided your decisions throughout your journey?
NELSIWE: The values that have guided my career were instilled in me during childhood: integrity, honesty, humility, discipline, respect, and hard work.
Working within the justice system requires fairness, impartiality, and accountability. These values have helped me remain focused on serving the public with professionalism while always striving to uphold the rule of law. I believe true leadership begins with strong character.
TASEKHAYA: What has been the most challenging moment in your career, and how did you overcome it?
NELSIWE: One of the greatest challenges I faced was financing my education. Throughout my university studies, I never received a scholarship, so paying for my education required determination, sacrifice, and perseverance.
There were difficult moments, but I remained focused on my goals and trusted God throughout the journey. Those experiences taught me resilience and reminded me that challenges should never define our future. Instead, they can become the very experiences that strengthen our determination to succeed.
TASEKHAYA: Many young people dream of becoming lawyers or serving in the judiciary. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning that journey today?
NELSIWE: My advice is simple: develop a genuine love for reading. Law demands continuous learning, and reading is essential to understanding legal principles and developing critical thinking skills.You also need to be patient and embrace every opportunity to learn. Seek mentors, ask questions, remain disciplined, and never stop improving yourself. Above all, remember that the legal profession is about serving people. Always uphold integrity, respect the law, and strive to make a positive difference in society.
TASEKHAYA: As you reflect on your career so far, what legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of legal professionals and public servants in Eswatini?
NELSIWE: I hope to contribute to the growth of tax law in Eswatini by producing more legal research, scholarly articles, and publications that will benefit students, academics, practitioners, and future generations. Developing legal literature strengthens legal education, promotes consistency in legal interpretation, and contributes to the country’s jurisprudence.
Beyond publications, I hope my journey inspires young professionals to believe that determination, continuous learning, and integrity can open doors that once seemed impossible. If I can leave behind stronger institutions, contribute to the development of tax law, mentor future legal professionals, and encourage others to pursue excellence in public service, then I will consider that a meaningful and lasting legacy.
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