Johannesburg, South Africa – 26 June 2023 – Our business school, the DaVinci Institute, takes great pride in announcing that our President, Prof. Edward Kieswetter, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council. The appointment occurred during the 141st/142nd Sessions of the WCO Council held at its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from 22 to 24 June 2023.
Professor Kieswetter, also the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), is the second South African to chair the prestigious organisation, succeeding Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Director General of Bahrain’s Customs Clearance and Services.
The election of Prof. Kieswetter, a highly respected leader within South Africa's business and customs community, acknowledges the effective leadership of the country's tax services and marks a moment of national pride.
“Leadership is an inordinate responsibility and a rare privilege to assist international efforts to bring matters of customs to the centre of international trade facilitation. This election is ample evidence that the leadership of SARS in matters of customs is acknowledged after many years of State capture,” said Kieswetter.
During his tenure, Prof. Kieswetter has committed to achieving the objectives of the WCO through a practical, well-managed Secretariat, a transformational modernisation plan, and an appropriate set of priorities. His focus on technology, innovation, green customs, governance, and accountability aligns with the WCO’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.
Please join us in congratulating Prof. Kieswetter on this prestigious appointment, and wish him continued success as he embarks on this new journey.
About DaVinci
Founded in 2004, the DaVinci Institute is a business school committed to co-creating remarkable learning journeys that empower future leaders to change the world through teachings inspired by Nelson Mandela and Leonardo Da Vinci. DaVinci brings together experts and thought leaders in business and management to provide students with a well-rounded education. The dedicated faculty, with their qualifications, research expertise, and industry experience, ensures that students receive a high-quality education grounded in real-world applications.
For more information, please contact:
Ofentse Olunloyo
Executive Head: Marketing
ofentse@davinci.ac.za
www.davinci.ac.za
011 608 1331