New SARS measure shuts out Swazi hauliers

JAMES HALL MBABANE - The Swaziland Federation of Employers and the Swaziland Chamber of Commerce have appealed for government intervention after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) rejected the organisations’ petition to postpone the imposition of a new measure that could block non-South African cars and trucks from entering South Africa from Swaziland. “We do not object to the purpose of what the South African authorities are trying to do, but the sudden introduction of the measure without proper planning or notification of Swazi vehicle owners will have an adverse effect on cross-border commerce,” a spokesperson for the chamber of commerce told FTW. SARS wants all vehicle owners to produce a completed SC form 36, which indicates proof of vehicle ownership. The measure is an attempt to block stolen vehicles from entering South Africa. One copy of the form is left with SARS at the border gate, a second is given to South African police if they should request it while the vehicle is in South Africa, and a third is given to SARS border officials when the vehicle leaves the country. Swazi car and truck owners were caught off-guard by the measure, which began last week. Business officials want government to negotiate for a holiday from the forms while a public education campaign is conducted. 83% of Swaziland’s goods and services are imported from South Africa by road transport, primarily through the Oshoek and Lavumisa border posts, gateways to Gauteng and Durban respectively.