Within the framework of the Side-WCO TFCM, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an Integrity Assessment technical assistance mission for BURS. The mission took place in Gaborone, Botswana, from 28 November to 9 December 2023, facilitated by three WCO experts. It aimed at helping BURS further promote integrity across the Unified Revenue Service by analyzing national standards, policies and other initiatives already implemented by BURS to promote integrity.
During the mission, the WCO experts met with the Commissioner General of BURS, Ms. Jeanette Makgolo, and her team, comprised of commissioners, directors and senior managers. In the meeting with the experts, Ms. Makgolo expressed her appreciation to the WCO for its continued support to BURS. She regarded the mission as important for the Revenue Service, which is undergoing a process of reform and modernization. She underscored that integrity constitutes one of the values of BURS, and her Administration regards it as one of the key issues to be promoted.
In carrying out the assessment, among others, the experts held meetings with different entities which BURS cooperate with to efficiently and effectively promote integrity in the service. They underscored the importance of national Customs and Revenue authorities implementing the various WCO instruments and tools advocated to promote integrity in Customs and Revenue Administrations, particularly the Revised Arusha Declaration and the Integrity Development Guide.
On various occasions, the experts explained the methodology used by the WCO in integrity assessment exercises performed in or by any Administration. They underscored that integrity assessment is conducted following a set of steps described in the WCO Integrity Development Guide. The Guide is an integrity promotion instrument built based on the ten key elements listed in the Revised Arusha Declaration, such as leadership and management, regulatory framework, transparency, automation, reform and modernization, audit and investigation, code of conduct, human resource management, moral and organization culture and relationship with the private sector.
For more information on the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme 2020-2024, kindly contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org