Sars sets up Centre of Excellence

SA Revenue Service has
established a new division
– the ‘Centre of Excellence’
– whose objective is to
formulate strategies and
programmes to improve
operational processes and
to build capacity in line
with international customs
standards, initiatives and
best practice.
“Because the Customs
service is often the first
window through which
the rest of the world views
a country, and thus an
organisation, it also shapes
the perceptions of key
individuals and organisations
involved in making
important trade and foreign
investment decisions,” says
chief officer Customs and
Excise Jed Michaletos. “One
of my key focus areas as CO
will therefore be building
better capacity within
Customs & Excise.
Michaletos says Sars
is held in high regard
domestically and amongst its
peers internationally. “It is
important that this respect
is retained in order to attract
the much-needed trade and
foreign direct investment
(FDI) that South Africa
depends upon to help drive
economic growth.
“Internationally, the World
Customs Organisation
(WCO) recognises the
importance of capacity
building in customs
administrations and has
compiled a formal Customs
Capacity Building Strategy
covering a range of issues –
from processes to legislation
and technology services.”