Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, was elected to become the Chairperson of the WCO Council today in Brussels, Belgium.
Kieswetter election was announced during the 41st/142nd Sessions of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, comprising the Directors General of Customs representing the WCO’s 185 Members, the highest decision-making body of the Organization, held at WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium from 22 to 24 June 2023.
Before his election, Kieswetter was the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Edward’s qualifications include a Master of Commerce in SA & International Tax Law (Cum Laude) from North-West University, an Executive MBA from Henley Business School (UK), a Master of Science in Education from the University of Western Cape, a Honours degree in Mathematics and Science Education, also from the University of Western Cape, as well as a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. In addition, Edward was awarded the prestigious African American Scholarship and an academic appointment as an Associate in Education at Harvard University, USA.
He is the recipient of several awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Management in 2017 from SAPSO, Finalist in the All Africa Business Awards 2016, ACO Dealmaker of the Year, 2015, and SA Boss of the Year, 1999.
He serves as a Visiting Professor at the Da Vinci Institute, the North-West University, as well as Free State University and remains involved as a Social Activist in his personal capacity.
