The customs modernisation programme of the South African Revenue Service (Sars), announced on September 1, requires the upskilling of customs officials, as well as the support of and collaboration with industries, businesses and the whole of government to shape a customs and trade ecosystem that supports economic growth and social development. Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter and Sars Customs director Beyers Theron, during separate speeches to the South African Association of Freight Forwarders summit on September 16, said one of Sars' nine strategic objectives was to enhance the skills of its officers to be more empowered as this was central to its efforts to rebuild the institution and modernise it.
