Secretariat
The SACU Secretariat is based in Windhoek, Namibia, and is headed by an Executive Secretary. The newly appointed Executive Secretary is Mr. Thabo David Khasipe, who assumes his duties on 1st February 2023.
The Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day administration of SACU. It further coordinates and monitors the implementation of all decisions of the Summit, Council, and the Commission. The Secretariat exists to facilitate the achievement of the SACU objectives as outlined in the SACU Agreement, 2002. With neutrality and dedicated focus, the Secretariat provides support for all SACU activities, thereby influencing the SACU agenda. The Organisation offers expertise, consistency and continuity to promote regional integration for the benefit of all Member States. The Secretariat makes an innovative contribution through determination, professionalism and collaboration with other professionals of different entities in the industry.
The Secretariat provides technical support to Member States in the implementation of the SACU Strategic Plan. The Secretariat is also responsible for keeping a record of all transactions into and out of the Common Revenue Pool and coordinating and assisting in the negotiation of trade agreements with third parties. The Secretariat is the depository of all records of SACU. The Secretariat facilitates the implementation of the SACU Agreement, 2002 (as amended in 2013); and manages and creates visibility for the SACU Brand.
Executive Secretary of SACU
Mr. Thabo David Khasipe, has been appointed as the third Executive Secretary of SACU effective from the 1st February 2023. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the National University of Lesotho in 1994 before enrolling at the University of Nairobi (Kenya) where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics in 1998. Mr. Khasipe also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business/Commerce, General Degree from the University of Orange Free State (South Africa) in 2008.
Mr. Khasipe joined the Lesotho Revenue Authority as Commissioner of Customs and Excise in 2003 and was later appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner General, from 2004 to 2007. He also acted in the position of Commissioner General for a period of one year. He then joined Stanlib Lesotho as General Manager from 2007 to 2008. From 2008 to 2014, he served as Lesotho’s Ambassador to Kuwait before joining DAvCap as the Managing Director from 2014 to 2015.
Mr. Khasipe previously served as the Deputy Executive Secretary of SACU from August 2015 to November 2016 and was until recently the Commissioner-General of the Revenue Services of Lesotho.
Office of the Executive Secretary
The Office of the Executive Secretary is responsible for overall leadership and strategic management and coordination of the implementation of the SACU Strategic Plan, as approved by the Council.
Corporate Services Directorate
The Directorate of Corporate Services is responsible for the provision of effective, efficient and cost-effective services to all SACU institutions, with the key focus being the support of the operational activities of the Secretariat.
Trade Facilitation & Revenue Management
The role of the Trade Facilitation and Revenue Management Directorate is to facilitate and coordinate trade facilitation related initiatives/programmes aimed to enhance operational efficiencies for the cross-border movement of goods; secure borders and eliminate entry of substandard and illicit goods; ensure seamless movement and facilitation of trade; as well as to promote traders’ compliance with the national laws and policies regarding importation and exportation of goods. The Directorate is also responsible for the coordination and support of the implementation of the SACU Revenue Sharing Arrangement by ensuring that the calculation and payment of the Member States’ revenue shares is determined according to the Revenue Sharing Formula.
Policy Development and Research
The Policy Development and Research Directorate facilitates and coordinates matters related to the development of harmonised policies, and the integration of the SACU Member States into the global economy through various trade agreements.
