Corporate Services Directorate
The SACU Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day administration of SACU and the roll-out of the SACU Work Programme. In support of the Secretariat’s role, the Directorate of Corporate Services is responsible for the provision of effective, efficient and cost effective services to all SACU institutions, with the key focus being the support of the operational activities of the Secretariat.
Financial Management
The Financial Management Sub-directorate focuses on fulfilling its primary role as a strategic partner and adviser on financial management and financial reporting issues of the Secretariat.
Specifically, the Financial Management Sub-directorate is responsible for the following:
- Production of financial plans such as budget plans, cash flow forecasts and financial reports
- Treasury management including investments of funds
- Providing financial information to all relevant stakeholders to enhance decision making within the secretariat
- Compliance with all applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements
- Safeguarding of assets
- Financial risk management and corporate governance
- Payroll management
Human Resources
The Human Resources Unit forms a key part of the organisation as it focuses on human capital which is an enabling factor for the achievement of the organisation`s mandate. The Secretariat has an organisational structure which is aimed at strengthening its capacity in order for the SACU work programme to advance. The Human Resources Unit has a role of ensuring that the staffing levels are sufficient to enable the Secretariat capacity in all Directorates to provide technical advice and high quality reports to the Commission and Council as well as for implementation of all the SACU policies, strategies and the SACU Work programme: In order to have a consistent skills capacity within the Secretariat, the Human Resources Unit ensures that the following interventions are made:
- Recruitment of highly experienced and qualified staff
- Retention and motivation of staff through competitive, welfare based policies and strategies as well as performance management
- Staff development and training
- Effective management of employee relations
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The ICT sub-directorate continues to strive to equip employees with technology solutions and services, within a secure and reliable environment, that support the provision of an efficient and cost-effective service to SACU stakeholders.
The planned upgrade of the Server Infrastructure, Internet Broadband, Financial Accounting Systems and deployment of the TESP will serve to further strengthen the Secretariat’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
Records and Information Management
The importance of the Records AND Information Management Office stems from Article 10 of the 2002 SACU Agreement, which declares the Secretariat as the repository of all SACU records. In this role, the sub-directorate manages and preserves the records of the Secretariat and other SACU institutions such as the Council, Commission, Technical Liaison Committees, Tariff Board and Tribunal. The focal point is in ensuring that the records of all institutions are usable and available for decision making, research and institutional memory.
Procurement
The function of procurement in the organisation is to ensure that high standards of procurement and asset disposal are followed in order to enable the organisation to effectively address its logistical needs. This function is carried out in line with the policies which ensure fairness and transparency in the procurement and asset disposal management within the Secretariat.
Facilities and AdministrationResponsible for the SACU Secretariat`s asset management by ensuring that the assets are well maintained and safeguarded against all risks. To provide assurance that assets are properly managed and controlled. To ensure that maintenance programmes, replacement and disposal of assets are all undertaken in accordance with all policies and procedures and guidelines of the Secretariat.