The other day, I received notice from my bank advising me of the new electronic filing (e-filing) requirements of South African Revenue Service (SARS). Effectively, SARS is now blocking any submission or processing of payments made on Sundays and Public Holidays. Apparently, the blockage was implemented because SARS is unable “…to reconcile received transactions timeously and sweep into the National Treasury…”

We need not laugh at this. However, I thought the South African government was at the forefront of readying itself to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The glowing media coverage in the past, of SARS’ progressiveness seems far from reality. By Nimroth Gwetsa, 30 March 2022.I so wish there was an easier way for us to offer assistance to SARS to resolve this simple issue. It may sound trivial blocking submission of payments on Sundays and Public Holidays, but this resolution is sending a wrong message to the world and investors out there. On the one hand, we hear of efforts to be undertaken to disrupt systematic looting and channelling away of South Africa’s resources, yet on the other, we hear of our country’s most important institution refusing payments on certain days! How would illicit financial flows stunting the development and transformation of South Africa’s economy ever be stopped with such resolutions being made?

One of South Africa’s founded and leading bank with presence in many countries on this continent once had its motto as saying, “Business does not keep office hours”. SARS and all other institutions playing a major role in the performance of our economy should consider appropriating this motto.

I know that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” and know the likely consequences of making assumptions in that, there may be a reasonable explanation for such a resolution to be passed. However, given the goals the country wishes to achieve, more efforts should have been made in resolving issues experienced at SARS of reconciling transactions submitted on Sundays and Public Holidays. Their payment blockage resolution makes it seem the country is bereft of good skills in solving such problems, yet some of us are available to assist quickly in resolving them.

Perhaps those with money-saving and quick solutions must advise us on ways SARS could be approached with offers of assistance in this regard without subjection to cumbersome and discouraging tender processes. Perhaps, SARS could be approached from an angle of introducing some innovation, though even from that angle, tender processes may be necessitated. Unfortunately, many ethical people with good solutions refrain from participating in public service tender processes in efforts to avoid accusations of corruption levelled against them.

This type of issue is not limited to SARS, but many government departments too. A cynic might argue that such issues are purposely left unresolved so the “overworked” public servants can find excuses and relief from work from long queues of those awaiting service.

I wish there were better ways entrepreneurs could assist government without being moved from pillar to post and requested to meet stringent requirements that only well-established businesses can fulfill.

The private sector is also not innocent on this issue. They too, often adopt the “take it or leave it” attitude when faced with problems they cannot resolve. I have not even mentioned the new “corporate culture” of ignoring correspondence. In so doing, are people in corporates hoping the issue will disappear, or is the intention to exhaust the complainant with silence, thus beating them into submission to their mediocre service?

Let this discussion not be a whine, but an encouragement for decisiveness and boldness to tackle difficult situations without abdication.

In his historic inaugural address, John F. Kennedy challenged and inspired many to see the importance of civic action and public service in contributing somehow to the public good, when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” I consider myself challenged in this regard. I am ready to serve and help SARS take payments daily and every hour, because I, too, am a firm believer in institutional online business not keeping office hours, especially in this highly connected era we live in.

SARS, kindly take this message as my announcement of my coming to offer you, my help.