Travel pass is long overdue

It’s about time. For far too long there were too many questions about what happens with our poor rand – in and out of the country.

The country lost – and is still losing – billions of rands due to state capture. We have our doubts if this money will ever be recovered, or those responsible for looting it will ever be prosecuted. But that’s not the only scourge we face.

Every day, people are bringing in and taking goods out of the country and South Africa does not score anything. Until now. The South African Revenue Service (Sars), from 1 November at OR Tambo International Airport, is going to introduce an online traveller declaration system that every traveller must comply with.

ALSO READ: Sars boss Kieswetter explains why you’ll need travel pass before entering or leaving SA

All travellers must complete this form to receive a pass before they board.

Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter said: “It is the flow of money across our borders that is not properly disclosed for exchange control purposes and tax.”

While many will feel this is another tedious process for travellers, it’s about time stricter measures are put in place.