Interfront 2023 Annual Report

11 GENERAL INFORMATION PART Strategic Overview Interfront is a state-owned company (SOC), wholly owned by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Its strategic planning, budgeting, risk assessments and reporting are incorporated into those of SARS and form part of the public accounting processes of SARS. Towards the end of the past financial year, SARS, as Interfront’s Shareholder, had a unique opportunity to acquire the skills and capabilities of the team responsible for the development and support of the eFiling solution. This team was a critical business development partner and service provider to SARS, offering essential support, maintenance and enhancements to the front end of the SARS eFiling and MobiApp solutions. The SARS eFiling channel holds significant importance as a digital platform in SARS, being its primary medium for engagements with individuals and companies. With over a decade of experience, the team has obtained a deep understanding of SARS’ digital systems. Then the opportunity arose to bring the e@syFile team in-house as well. This team possesses the essential technical skills and institutional knowledge of the e@syFile suite and will be responsible for maintaining and further developing the platform, as well as training users. Acquiring these personnel skills has offered dual strategic benefits for both SARS and Interfront: • Enhancing Interfront’s capabilities: The personnel acquisition has strengthened Interfront’s skills and positioned it at the forefront of supporting SARS Vision 2024 and beyond. It has expanded Interfront’s value offering, allowing the company to provide expertise beyond the customs landscape alone. The combined teams’ skills have added long-term value to Interfront. • Securing essential skills for SARS : By insourcing the personnel, now known as the eFiling and e@syFile teams, SARS ensured the retention of vital expertise. This strategic move guarantees SARS access to necessary skills, enabling it to maintain operational effectiveness and address evolving tax challenges. Through two agreements in accordance with section 197 of the Labour Relations Act, No. 66 of 1995, the eFiling and e@syFile teams officially became part of the Interfront family on 1 April 2022 and 1 January 2023 respectively. Recognising the potential for growth within its expanding teamand the emerging opportunities, Interfront understood the importance of revisiting its Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic Objectives. In order to capitalise on these prospects effectively and ensure coherence with its expanded range of offerings, the company embarked on a strategic review process. To address immediate requirements, a temporary vision and mission were formulated for the 2022/2023 financial year, allowing sufficient time for a comprehensive strategic process that takes long-term opportunities and objectives into account.