From October the South African Revenue Service, Sars, will begin using a new and modernised programme when dealing with customs. The programme, which will be phased in over a number of years, will enhance both service and security at customs. The programme will assist in enhancing Sars's ability to identify illicit goods and will go far in promoting South Africa as a secure and reliable trading partner.
Part of the programme entails customs operations moving from a partially paper-based environment to a simplified, automated and more cost-efficient environment which will make customs operate faster and more efficiently, because delays can be costly. Some of the initiatives of the modernisation programme include electronic supporting documents, whereby people will be able to electronically submit any supporting documents required by customs for the finalisation of a transaction. This will reduce the paper load and the burden of a trader having to physically deliver them to Sars.
In addition, the Sars contact centres will be increased to accommodate customs queries through Sars-trained call-centre agents. Sars will also introduce a single solution as opposed to the 37 systems that are currently in place. This is proof that the ANC-led government is committed to making government work faster and smarter. Together we can do more. [Applause.]