The meeting of the WCO ESA RTC Heads, ROCB, RILO and the WCO is currently ongoing in Pretoria, South Africa. The meeting is being hosted by South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) and will be held on the 8th and 9th May 2025. Participants include the Heads of the RTC Kenya, RTC South Africa, RTC Zimbabwe as well, the ROCB, the WCO and the RILO. RTC Mauritius is participating virtually.
Prof. Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner, SARS and the WCO Council Chairperson, joined the meeting briefly to appreciate the proceedings of the meeting. He pointed out the importance of cooperation and collaboration, highlighting the various challenges faced by Customs that call for joint action including illegal trade activities, illicit financial flaws, drug trafficking among others. He encouraged all Members to work together, learn from each other and share information.
Mr. Nemraj Dayal, representing the Chairperson of the RTC Heads for the 2024–2025 term, Mr. Dhoojanaden Maunikum of RTC Mauritius, delivered the opening remarks. He expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of South Africa for the warm hospitality extended to the delegates attending the RTC Heads Meeting. He also thanked the participants for their presence and for their continued dedication to the vision and mission of Customs capacity building in the ESA region.
The Director of the ROCB, Mr. Larry Liza, also conveyed his appreciation to the Government and people of South Africa for graciously hosting a series of key regional meetings: the RTC Heads Meeting, the 41st Regional Steering Group (RSG) Meeting, and the 31st Governing Council.
Ms. Thabile Ntombela, Head of International Cooperation at the Stakeholder Liaison Unit, officially welcomed the delegates to South Africa. She emphasized the importance of the meeting, particularly in view of the forthcoming adoption of the 2025–2028 Regional Strategy. She encouraged the RTCs to continue supporting the accreditation of additional experts within the region to ensure effective implementation of the new strategy and to strengthen Customs capacity building efforts across the ESA region.
