MBABANE – An Automated System for Customs Data was set to begin operating at all Swaziland Customs and Excise Departments last week. Also due to go on line with the computerised system was the western Oshoek border post with South Africa. Oshoek (called Ngwenya on the Swazi side) is the busiest point of exit and entry for road freight traffic to and from Gauteng. Long in development and welcomed by the commercial road freight industry, the computerised data collection system is designed to speed the registration of goods entering the country and maximise government revenue collection. Just last week Finance Minister Majozi Simelane complained to parliament that great amounts of tax revenue were lost to corrupt customs officials in collusion with shippers. Within nine months, all of Swaziland’s customs departments at border posts will be linked to the system. “It will enhance cross border trade and cut back on paperwork that has been burdening the freight industry,” a spokesman for the customs department told FTW.
