The resignation last week of chief officer: customs and excise, Jed Michaletos, has sent shock waves through the industry. Teboho Mokoena, who until recently held the position of chief officer: human capital and development, has replaced him. Sicelo Mkosi, SA Revenue Service (Sars) acting spokesperson, however assured industry there was no reason to be concerned. “There is a very strong customs leadership structure in place that will continue to provide guidance and support as the new chief officer finds his feet in his new role. However, it must be added that the new chief officer has extensive experience in various strategic leadership roles and we have full confidence that he will add great value to the division, bringing fresh perspectives and a steadying influence. “We would like to thank Jed for the good work he has done during his tenure at Sars, including the professional manner in which he conducted himself at all times,” he said. Several industry sources described the departure of Michaletos as the best kept in Sars as rumours of the pending resignation only surfaced a day or so before the official announcement was made – confirming in fact that he had resigned in December last year. “He was only in the position for two years, but in that time he built a relationship with industry and had an open-door policy,” a customs expert told FTW. “How much his leaving customs is going to impact on industry is uncertain. Also, in light of the numerous changes expected within the customs sector in coming months, the apprehension is understandable.” No reasons were given for his resignation but several sources told FTW he had made the decision after being recalled from leave to return to work in December. The rumour mill has it that this was the first leave he had taken since becoming the chief officer. This, however, could not be verified. According to freight forwarder Mike Walwyn, industry worked well with Michaletos and news of his resignation was not good, but not surprising considering everything currently happening within Sars. Most senior customs specialists agreed. “I am not at all surprised about Michaletos’s sudden resignation,” said one, who preferred to remain anonymous. “It was surely just a matter of time before he would go. Sars is under pressure and crashing fast.” Several clearing agents told FTW this pressure was clearly evident within customs operations at present with more and more delays being experienced. “Delays are the norm these days despite improved technology to fast-track the checking of cargo,” said a source. “Increased costs due to customs delays is nothing new.” Another specialist said considering customs stops were expected to dramatically increase as Sars set out to increase its revenue this year, to him it made no difference who was in charge. “There is real lack of skill and capacity within the organisation and the political shenanigans have not helped the situation,” he said. Walwyn said Michaletos’s resignation could have a negative impact on industry due to his good working relationship with forwarders and ongoing efforts to assist industry as much as possible. Commenting on the appointment of Mokoena, a source said: “One would hope this was a decision based on his competencies, rather than for political reasons. Understandably industry is concerned as most of us don’t know his background or his knowledge of customs “We also have to build this relationship from scratch.” Many of the industry sources contacted by FTW said they were surprised at the appointment as several very senior and competent officials within customs had been seemingly overlooked. “There are several names – and had they been appointed that would have settled industry, yet it seems they were not even in the running for this position,” said one. According to Walwyn it is, however, still early days. “I don’t know much about the new appointment, except that he doesn’t appear to come from an operational environment, so I’m not sure what knowledge he has of the nitty gritty of customs.” • Editor’s note: The appointment of Jed Michaletos was a breath of fresh air for FTW and the industry – and his passion to make a difference was evident from the outset. Having worked in the public sector, specifically with revenue authorities in Africa, he understood the issues and challenges from a stakeholder perspective and was clearly eager to make a difference. At FTW we valued his openness and accessibility which we hope will be carried forward by his successor.
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Jed had a good working relationship with forwarders and an ongoing commitment to assist industry as much as possible. – Mike Walwyn
