Illicit trade in the spotlight at Maslow Hotel in Sandton

The Tax Justice South Africa (SA) with the South African Tax Revenue Service (Sars) and Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) held a press briefing outlining their plans to fight illicit trade goods at the Maslow Hotel, Sandton on 2 March.

According to Tax Justice SA founder Yusuf Abramjee,  Finance Minister Tito Mboweni would have had more funds at the country’s disposal during last week’s budget speech if it weren’t for illicit trade.

Abramjee said, “The amount of tax stolen in a single week can pay the salary of a primary school teacher for a year.”

Beyers Theron, Sars executive for ports of entry and customs enforcement, added that every sector of business is affected by illicit trade, including the community.

Theron said, “Illicit goods are not only found at the China Mall. We find that big industry retailers are also part and parcel of the problem as they hide behind third party players.”

Gwarega Mangozhe from CGCSA said, “The illicit trade and counterfeit goods have caused a big consumer health risk in tobacco, alcohol and particularly food.”

He added that they have set up an illicit trade desk working hand in hand with Sars and Tax Justice SA to encourage ethical business practices, “We are set to launch an anonymous tip-off hotline (this week) where people can send through information with regard to illicit trade and other criminality.”

The illicit trade desk will focus on:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Food fraud
• Clothing – in partnership with national clothing regulator
• Pharmaceuticals.

Andy Mashaile, Interpol’s Turn Back Crime ambassador says it is important that we, the community, help bring justice to those who are involved in illicit trade, illicit crime and tax evasion.

He concluded, “In many sectors, there is a lack of resources. So please, let us use social media to drive resource generation across the field.”

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